Overview of Pharnaceum distichum Thunb.
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb., also known as Pharnaceum nudum or Korean parsley, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It belongs to the family Apiaceae and is commonly grown for its medicinal and culinary uses. Its distinct scent and flavor make it an essential ingredient in traditional Korean dishes and medicines.
General Appearance
The plant's stem is erect, slender, and reaches a height of up to 50 cm. The leaves are deeply dissected and arranged alternately in a distichous pattern, which gives the name "distichum" to the plant. The plant has small white to pinkish flowers that bloom in umbels, and the seeds are small and oval-shaped.
Common Names
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is commonly known as Korean parsley, Chang Pu, and Changpo in China, Myeong-i in Korea, and Ezo hosoha in Japan.
Uses
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. has various medicinal uses, and its essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Its oil is also used in aromatherapy to treat stress and anxiety. The dried roots and leaves are used in traditional Korean medicine to treat digestive disorders, bronchitis, and inflammation. In Korean cuisine, it is used as a seasoning in soups, stews, and salads. The fresh leaves and shoots are also used as a garnish and in kimchi recipes.
Light
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is a plant that prefers full sunlight exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and development. However, the plant can also tolerate partial shade conditions, especially during the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest point. In low light conditions, the plant tends to grow weakly and produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures but cannot withstand frost. During the winter months, it is advisable to move the plant indoors or cover it with protective material to prevent it from freezing. High-temperature fluctuations can impact the plant's growth and development, resulting in poor fruit quality and yield.
Soil Requirements
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. requires well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter content. The soil should have a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, provided they are well-drained. The addition of compost, manure, or other organic matter can improve soil quality and nutrient availability. However, over-fertilization can result in excessive vegetative growth, delaying the onset of flowering and fruiting.
Cultivation of Pharnaceum distichum Thunb.
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is a hardy plant that thrives in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires a good level of direct sunlight to grow well. It is suitable to be grown in USDA zones 4 to 8.
The plant can be grown from seed or propagated through stem cuttings. For seed germination, the seeds should be sown in a potting mixture and kept moist until they germinate. The best time to sow seeds is in the early spring. For propagation through stem cuttings, young stem cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of potting soil and perlite.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done regularly to ensure the plant stays well hydrated. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, nor should it be waterlogged.
The plant requires a moderate amount of water during the growing season and less during the dormant phase. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the climate and soil type. It is important to monitor the soil moisture level to avoid over or under watering.
Fertilization
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and flowering. Organic fertilizers are best, and it is recommended to fertilize during the growing season.
One should use fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. One should follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer, and it is essential not to over-fertilize as this can lead to stunted growth and other health problems.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining the health and vigour of Pharnaceum distichum Thunb.. Regular pruning helps to remove diseased or damaged branches, promote healthy growth, and improve flowering.
The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season. Pruning should be done with clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid injuring the plant. The general rule is to remove up to one-third of the plant's total growth, although this may vary depending on the plant's size and age.
In conclusion, Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is an easy-to-grow and hardy plant that requires regular attention to ensure it thrives. Susceptibility to pests and diseases is low, and the plant can be quickly revived if it suffers any damage.
Propagation of Pharnaceum distichum Thunb.
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb., also known as the blue waxweed, can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Pharnaceum distichum is through seeds. Once the fruits turn brown and begin to split, collect them and remove the seeds. Clean the seeds by washing them in water and removing any pulp. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-draining potting mix and cover them with a thin layer of sand. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and bright location. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagating Pharnaceum distichum through stem cuttings can be done during early spring or summer. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from the healthy and well-established plant using a sterile blade. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil, and cover the pot with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Place the pot in a bright and warm location, avoiding direct sunlight. Roots will develop in 2-3 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly in the garden.
Propagation through Division
Pharnaceum distichum can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant in early spring or fall, when the plant is dormant. Dig the entire plant out of the soil carefully, and gently separate the root system. Each division should have several stems and a healthy root system. Plant each division in a well-draining potting mix, water the soil, and place the pot in a bright and warm location. Avoid direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Pharnaceum distichum Thunb.
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb., also known as two-rowed Pharnaceum, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Asia and Europe. Here are the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the major diseases that Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. can face is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can make the leaves of the plant look whitish-grey and powdery. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overcrowding of the plants, provide good air circulation, and remove any infected leaves. If powdery mildew persists, use fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate or copper sulfate.
Another disease that affects Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is root rot caused by soil-borne fungi. This disease can cause the roots to rot and results in yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To prevent root rot, ensure well-draining soil and do not overwater the plant. Apply fungicides that contain Thiophanate-methyl if the plant shows symptoms of the disease.
Pests
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. can be affected by various pests, including aphids and spider mites. These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant causing its leaves to curl and yellow. To manage these pests, use chemical insecticides containing imidacloprid or neem oil. You can also use predatory insects such as ladybugs to control aphids.
Another pest that can affect the Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is the cutworm. These larvae of the night-flying moths cut the stems of the plants and cause wilting. To manage cutworms, handpick them and use baits that contain carbaryl or pyrethroids.
Pharnaceum distichum Thunb. is generally a low-maintenance plant. However, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices and timely identification of diseases and pests to ensure its healthy growth.
