Overview of Pulicaria crispa (Forssk.) Benth. ex Oliv. subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin
Pulicaria crispa (Forssk.) Benth. ex Oliv. subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is a subshrub that grows up to 2 meters tall and is native to Africa, specifically found in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa.
Common Names
Pulicaria crispa (Forssk.) Benth. ex Oliv. subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin is commonly known as the "golden weed," "soft-leaved pulicaria," and "Egyptian false fleabane."
Appearance
The leaves of Pulicaria crispa are gray-green in color and covered with tiny, soft hairs. The flowers are yellow and bloom in clusters at the end of the branches during the summer months. The plant has a strong, musky smell due to the presence of essential oils.
Uses
Pulicaria crispa (Forssk.) Benth. ex Oliv. subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin has been used in traditional medicine for many generations. The essential oil extracted from the plant has antifungal and antibacterial properties and has been used to treat skin infections. It has also been used to treat respiratory ailments, arthritis, and fever. The plant is also used as a natural insect repellent by burning its leaves. In addition, the plant has soil stabilization properties and has been used in land reclamation efforts.
Growth Conditions for Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa is a perennial plant native to Egypt. It is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, so it is adapted to dry conditions.
Light Requirements
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa requires full sun exposure to thrive. It should be planted in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to hot and dry climates and can tolerate high temperatures. It can grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35°C. During the winter months, the plant can withstand frost if the soil is well-drained.
Soil Requirements
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa prefers well-drained soils with a neutral pH. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils but doesn't tolerate heavy clay soils. The plant can also grow in saline and alkaline soils but only if the water drainage is sufficient. The optimal soil moisture is slightly dry to avoid the risk of root rot.
Overall, Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate in the right conditions. With adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and appropriate temperatures, the plant can thrive and produce attractive yellow flowers.
Cultivation
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin can be grown outdoors in a garden or in containers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate drought and some frost.
Propagation can be done through seed sowing, stem cutting, or division of the plant. Seeds should be sown in the spring or fall and kept moist until they germinate. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Division should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.
Watering Needs
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin is a drought-tolerant plant but will benefit from regular watering during the growing season. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In the winter, watering can be reduced to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin is not a heavy feeder, so fertilization is not necessary. If desired, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once or twice a year during the growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth and a reduction in flowering.
Pruning
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa E.Gamal-Eldin does not require much pruning, but deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowering. If the plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, it can be pruned back in the late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth. Dead or damaged stems should be pruned back to healthy growth.
Propagation of Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa
There are several ways to propagate Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seed is the most common method. The seeds should be sown in a well-aerated, well-draining soil mix in early spring. The soil temperature should be kept between 20°C-25°C. The seeds will germinate within 10-14 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa is through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from established plants and should be around 10cm long with several nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder. Pot the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them in bright, indirect light. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Within a few weeks, the cuttings will start to develop roots and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is another option for Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa. The plant should be carefully dug up and the roots separated into smaller sections. Each section should have several shoots and a good root system. Plant the new sections in a well-draining soil mix and water regularly until established.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering can also be used to propagate Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa. This method involves creating a wound on a stem and encouraging it to root while still attached to the parent plant. To do this, select a healthy stem and remove a ring of bark 2-3 cm wide from the middle of the stem. Cover the wound with moist sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic wrap. After a few weeks, the roots should have formed and the stem can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a new pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa is a relatively pest and disease resistant plant. However, like any other plant, it is sometimes subjected to various pests and diseases.
Common Diseases of Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa and their Management Strategies
Leaf Blight: Leaf blight is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves of Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa. The symptoms of this disease include the appearance of numerous spots on the leaves that discolor, wither, and eventually drop. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering since the spores of the fungal disease tend to spread through splashing water. If necessary, apply fungicides that target leaf blight following the instructions on the label.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes the infested leaves to develop rust-colored spots on the undersides. In severe cases, the leaves may turn brown and fall from the plant. Remove and destroy rust-infested leaves to prevent the spread of the disease. Keep the planting area clean and weed-free as weeds may host rust fungus. Applying a fungicide can also be an effective management strategy.
Root Rot: Over-watering Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa can lead to the development of root rot. This disease causes the roots to rot and die, thereby limiting the supply of nutrients and water to the plant. To manage root rot, reduce the frequency of watering, or improve the drainage of the soil. Remove the infected plant from the site and destroy it to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests of Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa and their Management Strategies
Spider mites: Spider mites are a common pest that affects Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa. These tiny pests feed on the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die. Regularly check the plant for spider mites and if detected, treat the plant with a miticide as stipulated on the label.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can feed on the leaves of Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa, causing significant defoliation. Remove and kill caterpillars manually or use an appropriate insecticide to manage them.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are also known to occasionally attack Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa, causing leaf damage and death. Although not commonly seen, insecticides are effective for controlling these pests.
Pulicaria crispa subsp. tomentosa can grow to be a healthy plant when effectively managed against diseases and pests. Implementing preventive maintenance measures alongside a regular monitoring routine can go a long way in maintaining a healthy plant and improving its overall appearance.
