Overview
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz is a woody plant known for its medicinal properties. It is commonly found in North Africa and the Middle East and belongs to the family Apocynaceae.
Common Names
This plant is known by various names including Lungwort, Silk Vine, and Cooch Seed. In Arabic, the plant is called 'Afsomali', while in Persian, it is known as 'Aprag'.
Appearance
The plant is characterized by its long and slender stems that can grow up to 6 meters in length. It has thin and pointed leaves, and its flowers are small and greenish-yellow. Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz produces fruits that are elongated and narrow, and contain numerous seeds.
Uses
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various healing properties. The plant has a bitter taste and is known to have medicinal effects on the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. It is used to treat coughs, bronchitis, and asthma, and can also be used as a laxative. The root of the plant can be used to treat snakebites, while the seeds are known to have anesthetic properties.
Additionally, the fibers of the stems of the plant are used to make ropes and nets, while the latex from the plant can be used to produce rubber.
Growth Conditions for Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz
Light: Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora can grow in a range of lighting conditions. However, it grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. If the plants are grown indoors, it is essential to place them near a bright, sunny window.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients. Sandy loam soil is suitable for this particular plant. However, it can grow in heavy clay soils as well.
Temperature: Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate high and low temperatures, but it prefers a temperature range of 18 to 30°C (65-85°F). It can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) during dormancy.
Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil, and it does not like to sit in water. Water the plant once the top inch of soil has dried out. During the winter months, the plant needs less water. Be sure not to overwater as it can cause root rot, especially when planted in clay soil.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall). The recommended ratio is 10-10-10, which is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, too much fertilizer can stress the plant, so it is essential to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Propagation: Propagation of Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora can be done by stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings between 7.5-12.5 cm in length and plant it in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist, but do not oversaturate it. The cuttings usually take root within 6-8 weeks. However, it is essential to provide sufficient light during the rooting phase.
Cultivation Method
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, use well-draining soil mixed with sand, and keep the soil consistently moist. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 cm and place the pot in a bright location. Once the seedlings reach a size of 5 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots, and later into larger pots or directly into the ground.
For stem cutting propagation, select a healthy stem with no flowers or buds. Cut the stem to a length of 15 cm, remove all leaves except for the top two, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a mixture of sand and well-draining soil and water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist. Once the cutting has formed roots, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Watering Needs
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent waterlogging and root rot. During hot weather, the plant may need more frequent watering to prevent drying out.
Fertilization
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz does not require heavy fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil during planting or to the potting mix if grown in a container. Alternatively, a water-soluble fertilizer can be applied to the soil every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes unwieldy or outgrows its allotted space, it can be pruned in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any excessively long shoots. Avoid pruning too much as the plant blooms on the previous year's growth.
Propagation of Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz is a plant with a unique and appealing appearance that makes it a popular ornamental plant. There are different methods through which this plant can be propagated, including:
Seed propagation
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz can be propagated through seeds. Collect the seeds during the fall season, and sow immediately. For best results, soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting them. Plant the seeds in a well-drained soil mixture, and keep the soil moist but not too wet. With proper care, the seeds will germinate after 2-3 weeks.
Stem cuttings propagation
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring or early summer, making sure they are at least 8-10 cm long and have a few leaves attached to them. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-drained soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light. The cuttings will root after 3-4 weeks.
Layering propagation
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz can also be propagated through layering. This method can be done in the spring or early summer. Select a healthy and flexile stem, bend it to the ground, and bury it about 5 cm deep in the soil. Make sure the stem is still attached to the mother plant. In a few weeks, new roots will emerge. Cut the newly rooted stem from the mother plant, and transplant it to its new location.
Disease Management for Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz
Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz can be affected by various diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot disease is caused by fungi such as Cercospora, Alternaria, and Phyllosticta. The symptoms of the disease include circular or irregular shaped spots on the leaves, which may be brown or yellow with a dark border. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves, improving air circulation around the plant, and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungi Oidium. The symptoms of the disease appear as a white powdery coating on the leaf surface. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune infected plant parts, remove fallen leaves, and provide good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be helpful in controlling powdery mildew.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium. The symptoms of the disease include wilting of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid overwatering and ensuring that the soil has good drainage. The use of fungicides may also be helpful in controlling root rot.
Pest Management for Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz
Some common pests that can affect Periploca aphylla Decne. subsp. laxiflora (Bornm.) Browicz include:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. The symptoms of infestation include a cottony white substance on the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove them by hand or by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to control mealybugs.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that also feed on plant sap. The symptoms of infestation include distortion of the leaves and the presence of a sticky honeydew substance. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps or oils, or to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They feed on leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to physically remove them from the plant or to use a biological control agent like Bacillus thuringiensis.
