Overview
Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is also known by its common names including Hairy Burrhead, Wild Lettuce, Burrhead, and Burrweed. This plant is widespread in its native range, found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Appearance
Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. is an annual or perennial plant that can grow up to 50-80 cm tall. It has a strong central stem with several branching stems that form a dense bushy growth. The leaves are simple, alternate, and are broadly shaped, with serrated edges. They are of varying sizes with the largest being in the lower part of the plant. The flowers of this plant grow in clusters and are small, composed of 5 petals in a distinctive tube-like shape that is pink-purple in colour.
Uses
The Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. plant has various medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, this plant has been used to treat sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues. It has also been used to improve skin health, lower blood pressure and to treat stomach ailments including diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Furthermore, the plant's roots and leaves can be used to make herbal teas and offer a range of health benefits.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. plant also has some non-medicinal uses. The plant's fibrous stems can be used in making rope and woven baskets. Additionally, the plant has been cultivated as a forage crop for livestock to feed on.
Light Requirements:
Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens prefers to grow in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for proper growth and development. The plant can tolerate some shade, but excessive shading can negatively impact its growth and productivity.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature range for the growth and development of Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens is between 25-30°C. The plant is not frost tolerant and cannot survive in very cold temperatures. Temperatures above 35°C can also be detrimental to the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capability. The plant is also tolerant of some degree of salinity and can grow in slightly saline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. can be grown from either seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Prepare the soil by mixing organic matter and sand to improve its structure. The plant can tolerate various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. depend on the soil type and weather conditions. However, the plant prefers moderate watering, and you should avoid overwatering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Therefore, water the plant once or twice a week, based on the prevailing conditions.
Fertilization
Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. is a light feeder and does not require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once every month during the growing season. You can also add compost to the soil to improve its nutrient content.
Pruning
To promote bushy and vigorous growth, you can pinch off the tip of the stems regularly. Also, remove any dead, diseased, or wilted leaves to maintain the plant's health. Prune the plant lightly in late winter before the growing season begins to maintain its size and shape.
Propagation of Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens
Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens can be propagated by various methods:
Seeds
Seeds are the most common and efficient way of propagating Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens. The seeds should be collected from matured fruits, preferably during the dry season. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in a seedbed. They should be covered lightly with soil, and watered regularly until germination occurs. Germination usually takes 1-3 weeks depending on the quality of seeds, temperature, and humidity. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent site when they are 8-10 cm tall.
Cuttings
Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens can be propagated by stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the current season's growth. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone powder. The cuttings can be planted in a pot or directly in the soil. They should be watered regularly and kept in a shady area until roots develop. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent site after 2-3 weeks.
Division
Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens can also be propagated by dividing the mature plants. The plants should be lifted from the soil, and the roots should be gently separated into sections. Each section should have a healthy shoot and a portion of the roots. The sections can be replanted in their permanent sites and watered regularly.
Air layering
Air layering is another way to propagate Pupalia lappacea var. glabrescens. It involves selecting a healthy stem and removing a ring of bark at the point where the roots are desired. The area should then be covered with soil or sphagnum moss and held in place with plastic wrap. The covered area should be watered regularly until roots develop. Once roots develop, the rooted stem can be separated from the parent plant and planted in its permanent site.
Disease Management
Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. is not known to be affected by many diseases. However, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust may affect the plant under certain conditions.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It causes a white powdery growth on the leaves, which can later turn brown and wither. To manage this disease, regular monitoring and removal of infected leaves and stems may help. Additionally, applying a fungicide that contains active ingredients like sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate can help prevent the disease from spreading.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small circular spots on the leaves, which can later enlarge and merge to form large brown patches. This disease can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases and pests. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and stems. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good airflow around the plant. Applying a fungicide such as copper sulfate may also help prevent the disease from spreading.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes small orange or brown pustules on the underside of leaves. This disease can weaken the plant and reduce its productivity. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected leaves and stems. Improve airflow around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Applying a fungicide containing active ingredients like copper sulfate can also help prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. glabrescens C.C.Towns. can be affected by various pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the plant and reduce its productivity.
Aphids
Aphids are small sap-sucking pests that can affect the leaves and stems of the plant. They cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap, which can cause the leaves to yellow and curl. To manage aphids, regular monitoring and removal of infected leaves can help. Natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control the population of aphids. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control the population of aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking the sap. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves. Infected leaves usually turn yellow or brown and might eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, spraying the plant with a strong stream of water can help remove them. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control the population of spider mites.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small sap-sucking pests that can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. They usually infest the underside of leaves and cause them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage whiteflies, regular monitoring and removal of infected leaves can help. Natural predators like ladybugs can also help control the population of whiteflies. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control the population of whiteflies.
