Origin
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça is a plant native to Brazil and Uruguay. This plant belongs to the Polygalaceae family, which consists of approximately 1000 species found worldwide.
Common names
The common names of Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça are "mil cores" and "flor-de-coral" in Portuguese. These names describe the vibrant and varied colors of the plant's flowers.
Uses
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça has a variety of uses in traditional medicine. Its roots and leaves have been used to treat respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders, fever, and skin irritation. The plant has also been used as a natural pigment in dyeing textiles.
General Appearance
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça is a small shrub that grows up to about 1 meter tall and 1 meter wide. The leaves of the plant are small, oval-shaped, and a deep green color. The flowers of the plant are the most striking feature, with multiple small blooms arranged in clusters that range in color from pink to red, purple, and white.
Light Requirements
Polygala carrissoana typically thrives in full sun to partial shade. In their natural habitat, they may grow under the canopy of taller plants. In partial shade, the plant tends to grow taller and lean towards the source of the light.
Temperature Requirements
This species is native to the central highlands of Brazil where the climate is subtropical. Polygala carrissoana prefers moderate temperatures and can withstand mild frost. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 25°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is optimal for growth. Polygala carrissoana can tolerate different soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, the soil must be well aerated to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça is a beautiful and hardy plant that's relatively easy to cultivate. It grows well in well-drained soils in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. You can propagate it through seed or cuttings.
When starting a new plant from seed, you should keep the soil moist until germination occurs. You can then move it to a permanent location in your garden or a larger pot. If growing in a pot, be sure to use soil mix that's well-draining.
If you're using cuttings, choose healthy stems with a few leaves. Place the cuttings in a rooting hormone, so they establish roots more quickly. Once you see new growth, you can transplant them to their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça prefers well-drained soil that can dry out between watering. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Aim to water the plant once a week, but this may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot and dry weather, you may need to increase watering frequency to keep the plant hydrated.
Fertilization
You should fertilize Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça regularly to ensure proper growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize once a month with a slow-release fertilizer or follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the product you're using.
Pruning
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça needs minimal pruning as it grows naturally into a bushy shape. Prune any dead, damaged, or diseased wood at any time of year. This promotes the plant's overall health and allows it to focus on healthy growth. You can also prune to shape the plant or to remove any unsightly branches.
Propagation of Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça can be propagated through several methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces tiny, black seeds that can be collected and sown in the garden. Before sowing the seeds, scarification is often necessary to break the seed coat and promote germination. Sow seeds in pots or trays and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about a month. Seed propagation is best done in the spring.
Vegetative Propagation
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça can be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings in the early summer from the top of the plant, ensuring that each cutting has at least three leaves. Remove the lower set of leaves from the stem and dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist. Provide a warm and bright environment until the cutting roots, which usually takes about six weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, transplant it to its desired location.
Division Propagation
Polygala carrissoana Exell & Mendonça can be propagated through division in the early spring before new growth appears. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the roots. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist. Provide a warm and bright environment until the divided plants establish themselves, which usually takes several weeks.
Disease Management
Polygala carrissoana is susceptible to various fungal, bacterial, and viral infections that can cause severe damage if not controlled. The most common disease of this plant is root rot, which is caused by waterlogging and poor drainage. The symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth.
To manage root rot, it is essential to improve the soil drainage system. Additionally, it is recommended to water the plant moderately and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to control the fungal attack. Other fungal diseases that affect Polygala carrissoana include powdery mildew and leaf spot. Appropriate fungicides can be used to manage these diseases.
Bacteria can cause stem and leaf blight in Polygala carrissoana. The symptoms of this disease include black spots on the leaves and stem, which can lead to wilting and eventual death of the plant. It is essential to prune and destroy the affected parts of the plant and apply copper-based bactericides to control the spread of the disease.
Viruses can also cause yellowing and stunted growth in Polygala carrissoana. There is no cure for viruses, and it is essential to remove and destroy the infected plants and avoid planting new ones in the same location.
Pest Management
Polygala carrissoana is susceptible to various pests, such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites, which can cause significant damage if not controlled. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing curling, wilting, and deformation of leaves. Thrips and spider mites feed on the plant tissues, causing yellowing and shedding of leaves.
To manage these pests, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing the dead leaves and debris from the plant's surroundings. Additionally, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap and neem oil to control aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Another pest of Polygala carrissoana is mealybugs, which are tiny, white insects that suck juice from the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. It is essential to prune and destroy the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap to control the spread of the disease.
Caterpillars and other chewing insects can also cause damage to Polygala carrissoana. It is essential to pick and destroy these insects by hand and use insecticides if necessary.
