Origin
Omphalopappus newtonii O.Hoffm. is a species of flowering plant from the family of Asteraceae. This plant is endemic to the Canary Islands, particularly in the island of Tenerife.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Hierba de la Hierba" or "Hierba Verde" in Spanish, which translates to "Herb of the Herb" or "Green Herb".
Uses
Omphalopappus newtonii O.Hoffm. is not known to have any significant medicinal uses. However, it is a popular ornamental plant in Tenerife and is grown in gardens and parks for its aesthetic appeal.
General Appearance
The Omphalopappus newtonii O.Hoffm. plant is a herbaceous perennial that stands at approximately 20-40 cm in height. The plant has a smooth stem that grows upwards and bifurcates at the tip, forming two or three branches. The leaves are fleshy and green, forming rosettes at the base of each stem. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, producing yellow flowers that grow in inflorescences, forming a corymb at the top of each stem. The fruit is an achene, which is dispersed by the wind.
Growth Conditions for Omphalopappus newtonii O.Hoffm.
Omphalopappus newtonii O.Hoffm. is a perennial herb that is native to the western region of North America. It typically grows in dry, rocky habitats, at an elevation of 1200-2700 meters.
Light Conditions
Omphalopappus newtonii requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It cannot tolerate shade and will not grow well in areas with less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Conditions
Omphalopappus newtonii is adapted to arid conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in extreme temperatures, ranging from -20°C to 43°C. However, the optimal temperature for its growth and development is between 15°C and 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Omphalopappus newtonii grows best in well-drained, sandy soils. It can also tolerate rocky soils, but it does not do well in heavy, clay soils. The plant prefers a slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 7.2-8.5. It is adapted to low-nutrient soils, and excessive fertilization can harm the plant.
The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in soils with minimal water availability. However, it does require some water for growth and development, particularly during the growing season. In areas with limited rainfall, it may require supplemental watering.
Overall, Omphalopappus newtonii is adapted to arid conditions, and the key growth conditions for this plant are full sunlight, well-drained, sandy soils, low nutrient soils, and a slightly alkaline soil pH. It can tolerate extreme temperatures but grows best between 15°C and 30°C.
Cultivation Methods
Omphalopappus newtonii O. Hoffm. is a shrubby perennial plant that belongs to the sunflower family to the genus Omphalopappus. To cultivate this plant, you need to select a suitable location that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant thrives in well-draining sandy loam soil that is rich in nutrients and has a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5.
The best method of propagation is through seeds, cuttings, or divisions. When planting, ensure you dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and gently tamp the soil to remove air pockets. Space the plants about two feet apart to allow room for their sprawling growth habit.
Watering Needs
Omphalopappus newtonii O. Hoffm. requires moderate watering to thrive. It is best to water the plant deeply and infrequently instead of shallow and frequent watering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and ensure it drains well to prevent root rot. Water the plant during the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
To ensure Omphalopappus newtonii O. Hoffm. thrives, you need to fertilize the plant once every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer. The plant does best with moderate levels of nutrients, so avoid overfeeding the plant with a lot of nitrogen that can promote leaf production at the expense of flowers.
You can apply compost or aged manure to the soil to improve soil fertility and structure. Add mulch to the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weed growth and create a more favorable microclimate around the plant.
Pruning
Omphalopappus newtonii O. Hoffm. requires minimal pruning as it has a naturally attractive growth habit. Its fine leaves and dense foliage create an excellent ground cover. However, removing spent flowers regularly helps to prolong the blooming period and maintain the plant's overall appearance.
If pruning is necessary, do it during the plant's dormant season (late winter) to allow for vigorous growth in the spring season. Cut back the plant to remove damaged or diseased wood, leggy stems, or to control the spread of the plant.
Propagation of Omphalopappus newtonii O.Hoffm.
Omphalopappus newtonii O.Hoffm., commonly known as Newton's navelwort, is a perennial succulent plant. The plant can be propagated by seeds and stem cuttings under suitable conditions.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is an easy and effective method for Omphalopappus newtonii. The seeds are small, black, and can be collected from the dried heads of the plant. The seeds can be sown directly into a well-draining soil mix. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. The seeds typically germinate within two weeks and should be kept in a warm and bright spot.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another simple method to propagate Omphalopappus newtonii. Cuttings should be taken approximately 8-10 cm long. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and allow the stem to dry for at least two hours before planting. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist but not wet. Place the cuttings in a bright spot that receives partial shade and avoid direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within four to six weeks. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transferred to a more permanent potting mix and placed in a brighter location.
Both propagation methods can be done throughout the year. However, the best time to propagate Newton's navelwort is during the active growth period in spring and summer. These methods are easy and practical, making it an ideal way to produce new Omphalopappus newtonii plants for home growers and gardeners.
Disease and Pest Management for Omphalopappus newtonii
Omphalopappus newtonii is a resilient plant and is generally not susceptible to many diseases or pests. However, it is still important to be aware of common issues and take preventative measures to keep the plant healthy.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Omphalopappus newtonii is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can be identified by a white, powdery coating on the foliage and can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, a fungicide can be applied to the plant.
Another common disease that can affect Omphalopappus newtonii is root rot. Root rot can be identified by wilting leaves and a rotten, mushy smell coming from the soil. Root rot is often caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and plant the Omphalopappus newtonii in well-draining soil.
Common Pests
Omphalopappus newtonii may also be susceptible to certain pests, such as spider mites and aphids. Spider mites can be identified by their webbing on the plant and may cause yellowing and dropping of leaves. Aphids can be identified by their small size and can cause stunted growth and leaf curl. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any infested leaves. In severe cases, an insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied.
Overall, by being vigilant and taking preventative measures, Omphalopappus newtonii can thrive and remain healthy in the garden.
