Overview
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. subsp. tetraphyllum is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in Europe and North Africa.
Common Names
Polycarpon tetraphyllum is commonly known as the four-leaved allseed, four-leaf polycarpon or tetraphyllon polycarpon.
Appearance
The plant is a small herb, growing up to 10cm in height, with numerous, thin, creeping or ascending stems. The leaves are small, opposite, and have four tiny, narrow, pointed lobes, hence the common name. The flowers are small and white, with five petals, and are arranged in clusters at the end of stem branches.
Uses
Polycarpon tetraphyllum has medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat various ailments such as respiratory infections, wound healing, and fevers. Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, aperitif and against many other ailments.
The plant is also used as a decorative plant in rock gardens and containers because of its small size and delicate appearance.
Growth conditions for Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. subsp. tetraphyllum, commonly known as four-leaved allseed, is a small and mat-forming plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant is easy to cultivate and grows successfully in a wide range of conditions. Here are the typical growth conditions for Polycarpon tetraphyllum:
Light requirements
Four-leaved allseed grows best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal light intensity is around 1000-1500 foot-candles or 10,000-15,000 lux. However, it can tolerate low-light conditions and can grow indoors under fluorescent lights or in shady areas outdoors.
Temperature requirements
Polycarpon tetraphyllum prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate heat up to 35°C. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20-25°C. It can also withstand cold temperatures and frost, making it suitable for outdoor gardening in cooler climates.
Soil requirements
The four-leaved allseed thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It can tolerate poor soils and prefers dry to moist conditions. When grown in containers, make sure to use a potting mix that includes perlite or sand to improve drainage and aeration.
Cultivation Methods
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. subsp. tetraphyllum is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It grows well in well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy to USDA zones 5-11 and can be grown outdoors year-round in these zones.
Watering Needs
Polycarpon tetraphyllum requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. During hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Polycarpon tetraphyllum does not require heavy fertilization. Fertilize the plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer, or a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
Pruning
Pruning of Polycarpon tetraphyllum is not necessary, but it can help promote bushier growth. If the plant becomes too leggy or starts to spread too much, trim it back by cutting off the top third of the plant. This will encourage lateral growth and create a denser plant. If the plant has dead or diseased leaves or stems, these should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation methods
There are two main ways to propagate Polycarpon tetraphyllum: through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
This is the most common method of propagation. The seeds should be sown in the spring or early summer in a pot filled with a mix of soil and sand. The pot should then be placed in a bright, warm spot, making sure it is watered regularly. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks, and once the seedlings have grown to a few inches tall, they can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the ground.
Stem cutting propagation
Another way to propagate Polycarpon tetraphyllum is through stem cuttings. This method is most effective in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Choose a healthy stem and cut off a portion of it that is around 4-6 inches long. Strip the leaves from the bottom few inches of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the bottom of the stem into a rooting hormone and then plant it in a pot filled with a mix of soil and sand.
The pot should then be placed in a shaded spot, and the soil should be kept moist. Within a few weeks, roots should begin to grow, and new growth should appear at the top of the plant. Once the new growth is established, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Disease Management
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. subsp. tetraphyllum is prone to certain diseases that could affect the growth and yield of the plants. The following are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
1. Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Polycarpon tetraphyllum. It is caused by fungi, such as Septoria spp. and Cercospora spp. The disease is characterized by the presence of small, circular spots on the leaves. Over time, the spots may become larger and coalesce, resulting in necrosis and defoliation.
To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and dispose of infected plant debris. Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent creating conditions that favor the growth of fungi. If necessary, apply fungicides such as copper-based products or sulfur-based products to control the disease.
2. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects Polycarpon tetraphyllum, causing leaf yellowing and necrosis. In severe cases, it can lead to defoliation and death of the plant. The fungus responsible for anthracnose is Colletotrichum spp.
To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant debris. Avoid overhead irrigation and reduce plant water stress to prevent the disease's spread. If necessary, apply fungicides such as copper-based products or chlorothalonil-based products to control the disease.
3. Root rot
Root rot is a disease that affects Polycarpon tetraphyllum, caused by soil-borne fungi such as Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. The disease's symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant.
To manage root rot, keep the soil well-drained, avoid overwatering, and remove and dispose of infected plant debris. If necessary, apply fungicides such as phosphorous acids to control the disease.
Pest Management
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. subsp. tetraphyllum is also prone to pests that could affect plant growth and health. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
1. Aphids
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that could cause damage to Polycarpon tetraphyllum. The pests infest the plant's lower leaves and suck sap from them, leading to yellowing and distortion of the leaves.
To manage aphids, it is beneficial to introduce natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs. You can also wash the pests off the plant using a stream of water. If necessary, apply insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps.
2. Spider mites
Spider mites are common pests that could infest Polycarpon tetraphyllum, leading to yellowing and necrosis of the leaves. The pests infest the undersides of the leaves, causing damage to plant cells.
To manage spider mites, apply miticides such as sulfur-based products or neem oil to control the pests' population. You can also increase the plant's humidity levels to discourage the pests from infesting it.
