Overview
Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson, commonly known as papaloquelite, is an herbaceous plant native to Mexico and South America. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is known for its pungent aroma and unique flavor.Appearance
Papaloquelite is a fast-growing, annual herb that can reach up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are arranged in an alternate fashion, and they are thin, ovate, and serrated at the edges. The stems of the plant are erect, branching and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are small, yellow and grow in terminal clusters at the top of the plant.Common Names
Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson has several common names in different regions. In Mexico and South America, it is known as papalo, papaloquelite, or quilquina. In the United States, it is commonly referred to as Bolivian coriander or summer cilantro. In El Salvador, it is called yerba porosa.Uses
Papaloquelite is widely used in Mexican and South American cuisine as a seasoning in dishes such as tacos, salsas, and guacamole. The herb has a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of cilantro, arugula, and mint. It is believed to have medicinal properties that can help with various health problems such as stomach aches, headaches, and insect bites. In addition, papaloquelite is used in traditional medicines to treat symptoms of the common cold, coughs, and fever. In conclusion, Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson is a fascinating herb that has a unique flavor and aroma. It is widely used in Mexican and South American cuisine and has several medicinal properties that have been used for centuries. Whether you are a cook or a herbalist, papaloquelite is a herb that you should consider adding to your herb garden.Light Requirements
Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade conditions. It can tolerate some shade, but insufficient light can result in stunted growth and reduced yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow, and it is best suited to grow in a warm climate. Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson grows well in temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C. If the temperature falls below 10°C, the leaves may curl or turn yellow, and the plant may eventually die if exposed to frost.
Soil Requirements
Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson prefers soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from 6.0 to 7.5, although it can tolerate slightly acidic soils. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy soils, sandy soils, and clay soils.
Cultivation of Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum
Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum, also known as papaloquelite, is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that is easy to grow. It is originally from Mexico but is popular in other parts of the world. Here are some tips on cultivating this plant:
Soil: Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in poor soil conditions such as sandy or rocky soil but prefers fertile soil that is enriched with organic matter.
Light: Papaloquelite requires full sun to grow well. It prefers bright light, and the more sun it gets, the better it will grow.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm temperatures, and though it can tolerate a range of temperatures, it does not do well in cold weather. The ideal temperature range for Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum is between 25-35°C.
Watering needs of Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum
Water: Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in dry conditions, but it still requires some watering. Water the plant once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.
Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil. Mulching also helps prevent the growth of weeds around the plant.
Fertilization of Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum
Feeding: Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum does not require regular fertilization and can grow well without any additional feeding. However, adding organic fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season can help promote better growth and yield.
Pruning of Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum
Pinching: Pinch the tips of the plant when it reaches a height of 15 cm to encourage bushy growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems to prevent the spread of disease.
Cutting: If the plant becomes too tall, you can cut it back by about a third of its height. This will help promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
With proper care and attention, Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum can thrive, producing tasty and nutritious leaves that can be used in cooking as a cilantro substitute.
Propagation of Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson
Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson, commonly known as Papaloquelite or Bolivian coriander, is a plant that is mostly propagated through seed. However, it can also be propagated through stem cuttings.
Propagation from Seed
Propagation from seed is the most common and easiest method for Porophyllum ruderale. Fresh viable seeds should be used. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mix and should be kept moist but not overwatered. The seeds usually germinate within 5-7 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they are 3-4 inches tall. Seed propagation should be done in spring or early summer when the temperature is warm.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Propagation from stem cuttings is also possible for Porophyllum ruderale, but it is a bit more challenging than seed propagation. The stems cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should be taken from the healthy plants. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks. Propagation from stem cuttings can be done in spring or early summer when the temperature is warm.
Disease Management
Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson can be susceptible to certain diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf blight, and root rot.
To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to space out the plants to improve air circulation, remove infected plant parts, and use a fungicide if necessary. Leaf blight can be managed by avoiding overhead watering, spacing out the plants, and using a fungicide if necessary. Root rot can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and improving soil drainage.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. ssp. macrocephalum (DC.) R.R. Johnson are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Aphids can be managed by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Spider mites can be managed by regularly misting the leaves to increase humidity, removing heavily infested leaves, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Whiteflies can be managed by introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, using yellow sticky traps, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
