Overview of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa, commonly known as the incised flea-bane, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a native of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and southwestern Asia. The plant usually grows in arid and semi-arid regions and can be found in stony fields, sand dunes, and along roadsides.Appearance of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa is a perennial plant that grows up to 40 cm tall. It has a root system that is composed of several woody stems, and its foliage is gray-green and hairy. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped, deeply lobed, and 1-6 cm long. The flowers of the plant are small, yellow, and occur in clusters at the end of the branches. The inflorescence usually appears from June to September.Uses of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The plant's essential oils have been reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide in agriculture. In addition, Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa has been used in landscaping, especially for its silver-grey foliage. The plant is easy to maintain, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in poor soils.Common Names of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa is known by different common names in different regions. In Arabic, it is called 'Amah', while in Persian, it is referred to as 'Khozam'. In English, it is commonly known as the incised flea-bane, and in French, it is called 'Pulicaire incisée'.Light Requirements
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to grow and stay healthy. It can also tolerate partial shade, but prolonged exposure to shade can cause stunted growth and poor flowering. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area where it can receive adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well-adapted to growing in hot and dry conditions. It prefers warm temperatures and can grow in a wide range of temperature, from 10°C to 35°C. However, it cannot tolerate frost or extremely cold temperatures. Therefore, it is best to plant it in areas where the temperature does not drop below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with the ideal pH range being between 6 to 7.5. It is best to avoid soils that are too wet or waterlogged as this can cause root rot and other plant diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa is best grown in a sunny or partially shaded area with well-draining soil. It can be propagated through seed or cuttings. Sow the seeds in early spring in trays or pots. Once the seedlings have grown two to three true leaves, transplant them into the ground. Cuttings may be taken in spring or summer from young and vigorous stems. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder before placing it in a suitable potting medium.
Watering Needs
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa prefers moist soil. Water it regularly, especially during prolonged dry periods. Avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot. Ensure the soil has good drainage and do not let it dry out completely. Mulching the soil will help retain moisture and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa does not require much fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in spring and early summer. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as it may cause leggy growth with fewer flowers. Organic fertilizers like compost or aged manure can be used instead of chemical fertilizers.
Pruning
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa does not require extensive pruning. However, regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage more blooms. Cut back the plant by one-third its height in early spring to promote bushier growth. Prune any damaged or diseased branches immediately. Cut back the plant to just above the foliage after it has finished flowering in late summer or autumn.
Propagation of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and it is widely distributed in North Africa, Southwest Asia, Southern Europe, and Middle East countries. Propagation of this plant can be done by several methods.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa can be done by seeds. The best time to collect seeds is during late summer or early autumn. The collected seeds should be dried and stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season. Before planting, the seeds need to be scarified by either chemical or mechanical means to break the hard seed coat. After scarification, the seeds can be sowed in a well-prepared seedbed during early spring. It is important to keep the seedbed moist to ensure good germination rates.
Vegetative propagation
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa can also be propagated vegetatively. This can be done by taking stem cuttings during early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be around 10-15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce transpiration. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mix and kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots. After rooting, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Division
Propagation of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa can also be done by division. This is best done during early spring when the new growth starts. The mother plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots should be separated into several clumps. Each clump should have at least two or three shoots and a healthy root system. The divided plants should be replanted in their permanent locations and kept moist until they become established.
Common Diseases
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can damage the plant. Here are some common diseases and how to manage them:
1. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves of Pulicaria incisa. It thrives in environments with high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides containing sulfur, potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
2. Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that can cause orange or yellow spots on the leaves of Pulicaria incisa, which later turn into brown or black pustules. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts and apply fungicides containing copper or neem oil.
Common Pests
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. subsp. incisa is also vulnerable to attacks from various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and how to manage them:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can cluster on the underside of leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage aphids, remove them with a stream of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellow stippling on the leaves of Pulicaria incisa and produce fine webbing. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, improve air circulation, remove infected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like predatory mites.
