Origin
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is a rare, herbaceous plant species that belongs to the genus Ranunculus and family Ranunculaceae. The plant is native to the Arctic regions of North America, including northern Alaska and Canada.
Common Names
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is commonly known as Tuqtuqak in Inupiat language and Arctic Buttercup in English.
Uses
The Arctic Buttercup has not been scientifically studied for any medicinal uses. However, the Inupiat people traditionally used this plant for its analgesic and antifungal properties. They used its crushed leaves as a poultice to relieve pain in inflamed areas of the skin.
Appearance
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 10-20 cm tall. The plant has glabrous stems that bear yellow flowers. The leaves are basal, serrated, and deeply divided into up to 5 lobes. The roots are thick and fleshy, with the potential to spread up to 5 cm in diameter at base.
Growth Conditions for Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p.
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, including northern North America. It typically grows in cold and damp regions with a short growing season, such as tundra, alpine meadows, and bogs.
Light Requirements
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. prefers bright to moderate light. In its natural habitat, the species receives around 12-16 hours of sunlight during the growing season. However, during intense heat, the plant may require some shade to avoid scorching or drying out.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is between 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F). The plant can tolerate some frost, making it an ideal candidate for cold regions. However, extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage to the leaves and flowers, leading to stunted or delayed growth.
Soil Requirements
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. prefers moist and well-draining soil. The soil should be fertile, high in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral. In the wild, the plant often grows in wetlands and bogs, where there is ample water supply. Adequate moisture is essential for proper root development and nutrient uptake.
The species can also tolerate high altitudes and windy conditions, making it an ideal candidate for alpine and sub-alpine environments.
Cultivation of Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p.
Before planting Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p., choose a location that receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil. This plant prefers cold temperatures and can tolerate some frost.
Start by preparing the soil. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball and mix some organic matter like peat moss or compost with the soil. Then, place the plant into the hole and cover it with soil.
Watering Needs
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. has moderate watering needs. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
During prolonged dry spells, water the plant deeply once a week. Use a soaker hose to ensure that water reaches the roots. Do not water the plant from above as it can damage the leaves and flowers.
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to ensure optimal growth. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Avoid fertilizing Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. in the winter or when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. However, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
After the blooming season is over, cut back the foliage to about an inch above the soil line. This will help the plant conserve energy during the dormant season and prepare for the next growing season.
Propagation of Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p.
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is commonly known as the northern buttercup and is a herbaceous perennial plant. Propagation of this plant can be achieved using three main methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. can be sown in early spring. The seeds should be sown in a seed tray or individual pots and should be covered lightly with soil. The tray or pots should be kept in a shaded area, and the soil should be kept consistently moist. Germination takes place in 2-3 weeks.
Division
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. can be propagated by division. The best time to divide the plant is in late summer or early fall. The plant should be carefully dug out, and the roots should be washed thoroughly with water. The plant can then be divided into small sections, ensuring that each section has some roots and shoots. The divided sections can be planted in individual pots or directly into the garden soil.
Cuttings
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. can also be propagated by taking cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in early summer. The stem cuttings should be 3-4 inches long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area, and the soil should be kept consistently moist. The cuttings will root in 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root and crown rot: caused by various fungal pathogens that can lead to stunted growth, wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage the disease, avoid overwatering, improve drainage, remove infected plant material, and apply fungicides as necessary.
- Botrytis blight: caused by Botrytis cinerea, this disease can affect the foliage, flowers, and stems, causing a grayish mold, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage it, remove infected plant material, avoid watering late in the day, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides as necessary.
- Leaf spot: caused by various fungi, this disease can cause circular or angular lesions on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced vigor. To manage it, remove infected plant material, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and apply fungicides as necessary.
Pest Management
Ranunculus hyperboreus Rottb. var. tuquetilianus Poulin p.p. is also prone to attacks from several pests, including:
- Aphids: these insects feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth, deformation, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage them, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, prune off heavily infested plant parts, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as necessary.
- Spider mites: these tiny pests suck on the plant's sap, leading to yellowing, bronzing, and defoliation. To manage them, improve humidity levels, introduce natural predators like predatory mites, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them, and apply miticides as necessary.
- Cutworms: the larvae of various noctuid moths, cutworms can severely damage the plant by cutting through its stem, leading to wilting and death. To manage them, use physical barriers like collars around the stem, introduce natural predators like ground beetles, and apply insecticides as necessary.
