Overview:
Sanicula europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is a native plant in Asia, Europe and Africa and it is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the tall sanicle, greater wood sanicle, and great Sanicle.
Appearance:
The tall sanicle plant has a height ranging from 40 to 80 cm and a width of 15 to 25 cm. The plant has erect, smooth, and hairy stems. The leaves are basal and pinnately divided with a leaf blade measuring 3 to 8 cm long and 2 to 8 cm wide. The upper leaves are small and divided, and the stem leaves are opposite and have long petioles. The flowers are small, yellowish-green arranged in umbels and bloom from June to August. The fruits are dry, indehiscent, and covered with hooked bristles.
Uses:
The tall sanicle plant has various medicinal uses, including digestive system support, skin diseases treatment, and respiratory problems relief. The stems and leaves have been used in traditional medicine as antipyretics, diuretics, and tonic agents. In addition, the plant is used as a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
In conclusion, Sanicula europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. is a versatile and valuable plant, both medicinally and environmentally.Light Requirements
The Sanicula europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. is a plant that requires partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an area that receives filtered sunlight, preferably under the canopy of other plants.
Temperature Needs
The Sanicula europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. grows well in temperate regions with mild temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures, but prolonged exposure to frost can damage the leaves and stems. Therefore, it is recommended to protect the plant during the winter season in cold regions.
Soil Requirements
The Sanicula europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. prefers moist, well-drained soil with a neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy loam, clay, and loamy soil. However, it is susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soil. It is recommended to add organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold, to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and add nutrients to the soil.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Sanicula europaea L.var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. is best grown in a location that receives partial to full shade. It is important to choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, as this plant thrives in nutrient-rich soils. Sanicula europaea L. var. elata can be propagated through seeds or cuttings in early spring. The seeds should be sown in pots or trays and kept in a greenhouse until they germinate. The newly sprouted plants should then be transferred to individual pots or directly into the ground.
Watering Needs
The plant Sanicula europaea L.var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. prefers moist, but not waterlogged soil. It is important to water the plant regularly during the growing season and to maintain a consistent level of soil moisture. This can be achieved by watering deeply once or twice a week instead of shallow, daily watering. During periods of extended drought or heat, it is important to water the plant more frequently.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Sanicula europaea L.var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. is not necessary if it is planted in a nutrient-rich soil. However, if the soil is lacking nutrients, it can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Organic fertilizers, such as aged compost or well-rotted manure, can also be used to provide the necessary nutrients to the plant. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Sanicula europaea L.var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. does not require heavy pruning. However, dead or damaged stems should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can be lightly pruned in late autumn or early spring to help maintain its shape and to promote healthy growth. It is important to avoid pruning in the summer, as this can stress the plant and result in less vigorous growth.
Propagation Methods for Sanicula europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss.
Sanicula europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. is propagated through both sexual and asexual reproduction methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Sanicula europaea L. var. elata can be collected from mature plants and sown during the spring season. The seeds should be sown shallowly in well-draining soil. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks. Seedlings should be carefully thinned to avoid overcrowding.
Vegetative Propagation
Sanicula europaea L. var. elata can also be propagated through vegetative means such as division, stem cuttings or layering.
Division can be done during the spring or autumn. The mother plant should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots. The divisions should be replanted in a well-draining soil mix, watering them regularly to help them establish new roots.
Stem cuttings should be taken during the spring or summer. The cuttings should be around 10cm long, with leaves trimmed from the bottom of the stem. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a soilless potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment until new roots form.
Layering can be done in the spring or autumn. A shoot should be identified on the mother plant and a small cut should be made on the underside of the stem. The cut should be dusted with rooting hormone and the stem should be bent downwards and buried in a hole, leaving the top of the shoot above soil level. The buried section of the shoot should be watered regularly until new roots form.
Disease and Pest Management for Sanicula Europaea L. Var. Elata (Buch.-Ham. Ex D.Don) Boiss.
Sanicula Europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management is crucial to ensure a healthy and thriving plant. Below are some common diseases and pests that may affect Sanicula Europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss., and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is Powdery Mildew. It is a fungal disease that usually affects the leaves of the plant. The first symptoms of Powdery Mildew include a white powdery coating on the leaves, which later turn yellow and die. To manage this disease, you can use a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Apply the fungicide as soon as you notice the symptoms.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that may affect Sanicula Europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. It causes the leaves and stems of the plant to turn brown, and small black spots may also appear. The best way to manage Anthracnose is to remove the infected parts of the plant immediately and destroy them. You can also use a copper-based fungicide to control the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids are common pests that may infest Sanicula Europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. They suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. To control the infestation, you can spray the plant with a neem oil solution or blast the aphids off with a strong stream of water. It is important to check regularly for aphids and take action as soon as you notice them because aphids reproduce rapidly.
Spider mites are another common pest that may infest Sanicula Europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. They are tiny and can be difficult to spot until the damage is severe. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and create a spider-like webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use a miticide or neem oil. You can also increase the humidity around the plant, which will help control the infestation.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are essential for healthy and thriving plants. By identifying the common diseases and pests that may affect Sanicula Europaea L. var. elata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Boiss. and taking action promptly, you can prevent damage and ensure a healthy plant.
