Overview
Paracalyx nogalensis, also known as Chiov. Ali, is an interesting plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant is known for its several medicinal and therapeutic properties which have been utilized by traditional medicine for centuries. In this article, we will explore in-depth the origin, common names, uses, and general appearance of Paracalyx nogalensis.Origin
Paracalyx nogalensis is native to Ethiopia and is found in tropical regions of Africa, especially in the highlands. It is widely distributed as a wild plant species across the continent, which has also been introduced to other parts of the world.Common Names
Paracalyx nogalensis has several local names depending on the region they're found in. In Ethiopia, it is commonly referred to as "Chiov. Ali," "Nogalensis," and "Habzuragaye," while in other parts of Africa, it's known as "Jikirket," "Akben," and "Tse'adda".Uses
Paracalyx nogalensis has been used for many years by traditional African medicine to cure various diseases. The plant's medicinal properties have been studied and found to have a lot of therapeutic potential. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and colic. The leaves are also boiled and used as a mouthwash to treat toothache and gum diseases. The plant has been traditionally used by women in Ethiopia to induce labor.General Appearance
Paracalyx nogalensis is a perennial plant that grows up to 50cm high. It has a woody base and narrow lance-shaped leaves that are up to 10cm long. The flowers of the plant appear in clusters of yellow or yellowish-green color. The fruit is small and hairy, with a single seed in each fruit, which is dispersed by wind. The plant prefers well-drained soils and grows in open grassland, savannah, and thickets of central and southern Africa.Light Requirements
Paracalyx nogalensis typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It is often found growing among rocks or on rocky slopes. In cultivation, it may benefit from protection from hot afternoon sun in hotter climates.
Temperature Requirements
Being native to the high-altitude regions of Ethiopia, Paracalyx nogalensis is adapted to cooler temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 °C (32 °F) and as high as 30 °C (86 °F), but it prefers cooler temperatures in the range of 10 to 25 °C (50 to 77 °F).
Soil Requirements
Paracalyx nogalensis prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. In the wild, it is often found growing in rocky or gravelly soils. In cultivation, it can be grown in a pot or in the ground, but the soil should be well-draining and evenly moist. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Paracalyx nogalensis (Chiov.) Ali is a hardy plant that thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is best to plant it in an area with full sun exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to sow the seeds in early spring in a moist and warm environment to encourage germination. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are large enough to handle, preferably during the fall.
Watering Needs
Paracalyx nogalensis (Chiov.) Ali has moderate water requirements. It is best to water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent drought stress. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as it can lead to waterlogging, which can cause root rot. It is advisable to water the plant deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil deeply, rather than using shallow and frequent watering.
Fertilization
Paracalyx nogalensis (Chiov.) Ali requires a moderate amount of fertilizer to thrive. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer in the ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. Fertilizer should be applied once every two weeks during the growing season, which is from spring to mid-summer. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant, as it can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can cause root damage.
Pruning
Paracalyx nogalensis (Chiov.) Ali requires minimal pruning. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, which is in late fall or early spring. The pruning should aim to remove any weak or damaged stems. Care should be taken not to prune too much, as it can damage the plant's overall health and limit its ability to produce flowers and seeds.
Propagation of Paracalyx nogalensis
Paracalyx nogalensis can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Paracalyx nogalensis are very small, so they should be sown on the surface of well-draining soil and gently pressed to ensure contact with the substrate. The pots should be kept in a warm and bright place, making sure to water them occasionally in order to maintain a moist substrate. Germination can take from 1 to 3 months, and once the seedlings have their first true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Paracalyx nogalensis can also be propagated by cuttings. Using a clean, sharp pruning tool, take a stem cutting that is approximately 5-10cm long, making sure to cut just below the node. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage rooting. Insert the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, and water it lightly to ensure contact with the substrate. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain humidity and place it in a well-lit spot. Once the cutting has rooted (after around 1-2 months), the plastic bag can be removed and the young plant can be grown on until it is strong enough to be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management for Paracalyx nogalensis
Paracalyx nogalensis is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it may still be affected by several fungal and bacterial diseases, including:
- Leaf spot disease - characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves and may be caused by fungi such as Alternaria and Cylindrocladium.
- Canker - characterized by dead spots on stems, bark discoloration or sunken area and may be caused by fungi such as Botryosphaeria.
- Root rot - caused by fungi such as Fusarium and Phytophthora, which can cause wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and possible plant death.
To manage these diseases, cultural practices such as proper sanitation, regular pruning, and removing infected plant debris can limit their spread. In addition, use of fungicides may be required to control severe infections. It is essential to identify the specific disease affecting the plant to ensure effective control measures are implemented.
Pest Management for Paracalyx nogalensis
Several pests can affect Paracalyx nogalensis, including insects and mites, such as:
- Greenhouse whitefly - tiny, white-winged insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaf yellowing and stunted growth.
- Spider mites - tiny, eight-legged pests that spin webs and suck plant sap, leading to yellow or bronze foliage and weakened growth.
- Aphids - small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap and may secrete sticky honeydew on leaves, leading to black sooty mold growth.
To manage these pests, cultural practices such as maintaining good plant hygiene and using natural predators like ladybugs can be effective. In severe cases, use of insecticidal soaps or oils, neem oil, or other botanicals can control pest populations. It is important to correctly identify the pest affecting the plant to ensure effective management.
