Origin and Common Names
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis, also known as redwhisker clammyweed, is a summer annual plant that belongs to the mustard family and is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
It has several common names, including redwhisker clammyweed, smooth clammyweed, and Mexican clammyweed.
General Appearance
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis is a small plant that grows up to one to three feet tall. It has a slender and erect stem that is covered with fine hairs, giving it a sticky or clammy texture. The leaves are alternate, simple, and deeply lobed, with a triangular shape and coarsely toothed edges.
The flowers are small, white, and inconspicuous, with five petals and sepals. The fruit consists of long and narrow pods that are about one inch long and contain numerous seeds.
Uses
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis has been used traditionally in Mexican folk medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and wounds.
It is also used as a medicinal plant in other countries, including India and Pakistan. The plant contains various compounds with potential pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. These compounds may have potential applications in drug discovery and development.
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis is also used in ornamental gardening, where its elegant appearance and sticky foliage make it a popular choice for borders and flowerbeds.
Light Requirements
Polanisia dodecandra var. trachysperma prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but thrives in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Polanisia dodecandra var. trachysperma is a warm-season annual that grows best in temperatures between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C). It does not tolerate frost and requires warm soil temperatures of at least 60°F (15.6°C) for germination and optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. High-quality soil with abundant nutrients is necessary for proper growth. Polanisia dodecandra var. trachysperma is particularly sensitive to waterlogged soils, so excellent drainage is crucial. Adding organic compost or fertilizers before planting can help improve the soil structure and provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
Cultivation Methods for Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis is best grown in a location that receives full sunlight. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, making it suitable for most soil conditions.
It is recommended to sow the seeds directly in the ground, as the plant has a long taproot that does not respond well to transplanting. Seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch and spaced 6 inches apart.
Watering Needs for Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis requires moderate watering, with a preference for well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought but should be watered deeply once a week during prolonged dry spells. It is best to water the plant in the morning, allowing for complete uptake by the plant throughout the day.
Fertilization for Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis
The plant does not require much fertilization, as excess nutrients can result in decreased flowering and plant vigor. A general-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season, followed by a thorough watering.
Pruning for Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis does not require extensive pruning. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage prolonged flowering and prevent self-seeding. In cases of overgrowth, the plant can be trimmed back by up to one-third of its size after flowering has finished in the fall.
Propagation Methods of Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis can be propagated by seeds, and vegetative cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds
The seeds of Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis can be collected from the mature fruits when they are dry. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, barely covering with soil. The trays or pots should be kept in a warm and moist place. Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they have developed a few true leaves.
Propagation via Vegetative Cuttings
Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. var. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis can be propagated through vegetative cuttings. Stem cuttings can be collected from the parent plant, cutting just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm and bright place. Rooting usually occurs within 4-8 weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot when it has developed a good root system.
Disease Management
Polanisia dodecandra var. trachysperma is a plant that is relatively resistant to diseases. However, there are few diseases that can affect the plant, and methods to manage them are as follows:
- Fungal leaf spots: Leaf spots occur on the foliage of Polanisia dodecandra var. trachysperma due to fungal infection. The key to managing leaf spot is to remove and destroy infected leaves and to irrigate the plant correctly. The application of fungicide can also control the disease if it is severe.
Pest Management
There are few pests that can attack Polanisia dodecandra var. trachysperma, and they can be managed using the following methods:
- Cabbage looper: The cabbage looper is a caterpillar that feeds on the foliage of the plant. Crop rotation, the use of insecticides, and handpicking the pests can control its population.
- Aphids: Aphids attack the pods and leaves of the plant. The pests secrete sugary honeydew that may result in mold formation and, ultimately, plant death. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings or using insecticidal soap or neem oil can control the pest.
