Overview
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica, commonly known as Arctic locoweed or Arctic oxytrope, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.Description
Arctic oxytrope has a low, cushion-like growth habit, with branches that spread from 10 to 20 centimeters. The plant's leaves are compound and pinnate, and the leaflets are hairy and oval-shaped. The flowers are small and appear in clusters of 1-3 on short stalks. The plant blooms from June to August and produces legume pods that contain the seeds.Uses
The plant has limited traditional uses among the indigenous peoples in the Arctic. They use the plant as an insect repellant, in a smoke bath to relieve respiratory infections, and externally for skin problems. Additionally, the Yupik people collect the plant for its edible seeds, which they roast and consume. The plant is also used in modern medicine as a source of cytotoxic compounds that have potential anticancer properties. However, the plant also contains neurotoxic alkaloids, making it unsuitable for human consumption.Cultivation
Arctic oxytrope is a challenging plant to cultivate due to its unique growing requirements. It prefers growing in moist, well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant is often grown from seed or propagated via layering. Like most wild plants, the plant is considered threatened in the wild due to climate change, habitat loss, and overgrazing by livestock.Light Requirements
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica thrives in full sunlight or partial shade. It will grow best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. In partial shade, it may develop taller stems and may require staking to prevent flopping.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well-adapted to cold and subarctic regions, so it does not tolerate warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is about 5-15°C. If the temperature is too high, the plant may suffer from heat damage and stop growing. During the winter, it can survive temperatures as low as -30°C.
Soil Requirements
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica prefers well-drained soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH. It can grow on a variety of soils, such as rocky, sandy, or loamy soils. However, the plant is sensitive to waterlogging or heavy clay soils, where roots may rot. The soil should be moist but not wet and should be rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica, commonly known as Arctic oxytrope, can be propagated by seeds or division of roots. It is recommended to sow seeds in the fall on well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures. It is a slow-growing plant with a low-maintenance requirement, making it an excellent addition to any garden.
Watering Needs
Watering requirements for Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica are low to moderate. This plant prefers a well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. During extended periods of drought, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently to keep the soil moist. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica does not require fertilizer to thrive. Applying too much fertilizer can harm this plant, and it is best to avoid using it altogether. If you notice that your plant is struggling, it may be due to poor soil quality or an incorrect pH. In this case, consider adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Pruning
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica does not require pruning to maintain its shape or size. However, it is recommended that any dead or damaged foliage or stems be removed as soon as possible to maintain the plant's appearance and health. This can be done by using clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a healthy bud or leaf.
Propagation of Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica, commonly known as Arctic oxytrope, is a high-altitude perennial herb that grows in polar and alpine regions. It has a unique growth pattern and propagation methods due to its extreme environment and slow growth rate.
Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed is the easiest and most common method used to propagate Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica. The plant produces seeds in small pods during the summer months, which can be harvested once they are fully matured. The seeds need to be stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season.
The best time to plant Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica seeds is during the spring when the ground has thawed. The soil needs to be free from weeds and other debris, with a pH level of around 6.5 to 7.5. The seeds need to be planted at a depth of about 1/8 inch and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is another method used to propagate Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them in separate containers or areas. This is typically done to create more plants or to rejuvenate an older plant.
The best time to divide Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica is during the early spring or fall. The plant needs to be carefully dug up and the roots need to be separated gently, ensuring that each section has enough roots and foliage to sustain itself. The newly separated sections need to be planted immediately and watered adequately until well established.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a less common method used to propagate Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica. This method involves taking cuttings from a mature plant and rooting them in a suitable medium or soil. Since the plant grows slowly, this method could take a longer time than others.
To take cuttings, select a healthy and mature plant, and make clean cuts below leaf joints. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting need to be removed, and the remaining leaves should be trimmed by half to reduce water loss. The cuttings need to be planted in a suitable medium, kept moist, and placed in a shaded area until they root.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica
Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica, commonly known as Arctic oxytrope, is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant species is widely distributed in arctic and alpine regions of North America and Greenland. Though it is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, it can still experience disease and pest problems. Here, we provide detailed information about disease and pest management for Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and root decay. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and use of well-drained soil. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungal pathogens, including Colletotrichum and Alternaria. It is characterized by the development of small, circular or irregular brown spots on leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper spacing of plants to enhance air circulation. Fungicides can also be used for preventive purposes.
Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by fungi such as Erisiphe and Microsphaera. Powdery mildew appears as a powdery, white substance on the plant leaves. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper ventilation, reduce humidity levels, prune infected leaves, and the use of fungicides can be also be effective.
Common Pests
The commonly encountered pests of Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica include aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids: These insects feed on plant sap, leading to yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Controlling aphids on Oxytropis arctica R. Br. var. arctica can be done using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils. Avoid over-fertilizing or over-watering as they can attract the aphids.
Spider mites: They feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and webbing. To control spider mites, ensure humidity levels are maintained, prune and remove infected parts, spray the plant with water to keep the leaves moist, and use of insecticides.
Thrips: These insects feed on the plant leaves and flowers, resulting in deformed, discolored, and scarred leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, prune and remove infected plant parts, ensure the garden area is clean, use of insecticides, and maintain the appropriate air humidity level.
It is important to note that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to disease and pest management. Planting healthy plants, ensuring proper spacing and watering, and maintaining good garden hygiene can significantly reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.
