Origin and Common Names
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North Africa and the Middle East and is commonly known as 'Sumeri' or 'Samarreh' in Arabic and 'Wavy-leaved fleabane' in English.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 80 cm in height and 40 cm in width. It has wavy and narrow leaves that are green on the upper surface and silvery on the lower surface. The leaves grow alternate to the stem and have a length of 2 to 6 cm and a width of 1 to 4 mm. The flower heads of the plant are small and yellow, growing in clusters and blooming from the end of spring to late summer.
Uses
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant by Bedouins and other tribes in North Africa and the Middle East. The plant is known to possess various pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetic, antiviral, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has a high content of essential oils that make it useful in aromatherapy to alleviate stress and anxiety.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant has some ethnobotanical importance. Its leaves and flowers are sometimes used as fodder for livestock, and it can be used as a natural insecticide to repel or kill pests, particularly fleas. The plant can also be used in landscaping as a ground cover, as its silvery foliage provides an attractive contrast to other plants.
Growth Conditions of Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla
Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla is a desert shrub that is commonly found in the Middle East region. It is native to Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. This plant is well known for its drought-tolerant nature and can survive in harsh environments with limited water resources.
Light Requirements
Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla requires full sunlight and is adapted to high light intensities. This plant can grow in areas where the light intensity can reach up to 2000 µmol m-2 s-1. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow efficiently.
Temperature Requirements
Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate high temperatures of up to 50°C during the day and drops to 10°C at nighttime. This temperature range is suitable for its optimal growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows on different types of soil, but it thrives best in well-drained sandy soil. The soil should be moderately fertile and slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 7.0 to 7.5. The plant is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, and it requires little water to survive.
In summary, Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla can grow in full sunlight with a temperature range of 10°C to 50°C and grows best in well-drained sandy soil that is moderately fertile and slightly alkaline.
Cultivation methods
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate mild drought conditions but thrives in moist soil. It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Watering needs
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos requires regular watering during the growing season. It prefers moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. To prevent this, water the plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry out between watering. In winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos does not require pruning, but removing dead or damaged stems can help promote new growth. Prune the plant in early spring before the growing season begins. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the healthy stems. Cut the stem at 45-degree angle, just above a healthy bud or leaf node.
Propagation of Pulicaria Undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. Subsp. Argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. argyrophylla (E.Gamal-Eldin) D.J.N.Hind & Boulos, also commonly known as Silver-leaved Fleabane, is a hardy, perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods. Here are some propagation techniques:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Silver-leaved Fleabane is through seeds. Ensure that you collect seeds from healthy plants. Collect the seeds in the fall, after the seeds have ripened and before the first frost. You can directly sow the seeds in spring, after soaking them in warm water for 48 hours. Alternatively, you can start the seeds indoors six weeks before planting outside. Ensure that you keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 20-25°C for germination to occur.
Division
You can propagate Pulicaria undulata through division. Dig up the plant in the spring, and using a sharp, sterile knife, divide the clump into several smaller sections, each with their own roots and shoots. Each division should have several stems with leaves and a good root system. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil, and water thoroughly to encourage growth.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method to propagate Silver-leaved Fleabane. Take cuttings in late spring or early summer from the softwood growth. Cut a 10 cm stem from the parent plant, ensuring that it has a few nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in moistened peat or sand, and cover with a plastic bag or propagator. Ensure that the cuttings are kept in a shady area and kept moist to encourage root growth. Once roots have formed, transplant into a pot before planting in the garden.
Disease Management for Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla
Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla is relatively resistant to most plant diseases. However, there are several fungal diseases that can affect the plant, including powdery mildew, leaf spot and stem rot.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the plant's leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves immediately and discard them far from your garden.
Leaf spot: This disease appears as circular brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Fungicides can also be a valuable tool in managing this disease.
Stem rot: This fungal disease can cause wilting and eventually death of the plant. To manage stem rot, remove infected stems and apply a fungicide to the remaining stems.
Pest Management for Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla
Pulicaria undulata subsp. argyrophylla is also relatively resistant to pest attacks. However, there are a few insects that can cause damage to the plant, including aphids, spider mites and scale insects.
Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause distortion of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and webs on the foliage. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant or use a miticide.
Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing of the leaves, as well as black, sooty mold on the plant. To manage scale insects, use an insecticidal soap or oil spray.
