Introduction
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii is a rare herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is known for its unique, round-shaped leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is endemic to the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.Common Names
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii is commonly known as Jones' selenia or simply selenia. The name "selenia" is derived from the Greek word "selene," which means "moon." The plant is named after Marcus Eugene Jones, an American botanist who first described this species.General Appearance
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii is a small, perennial plant that typically grows up to 30 centimeters in height. Its stem is woody at the base, while the upper part is herbaceous. The leaves are round-shaped, with a diameter of 2 to 5 centimeters. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the lower surface is light green and covered with hairs. The flowers of Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii are small and white or pink in color. They bloom in the summer and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stems. The plant produces a distinctive odor when its leaves are crushed.Uses
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, though it has been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat various ailments such as colds, coughs, and fever. The plant contains essential oils, which may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, the plant has been used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. However, due to its rare and endangered status, it is illegal to collect or remove the plant from its natural habitat.Light Requirements
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii grows in a habitat with full exposure to sunlight. Thus, it requires ample sunlight to thrive. It is, therefore, best to plant this species in an open area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours every day. The plant can tolerate partial shade but not well as it does in a well-lit area.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows optimally in warm temperatures; it thrives in a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. It is sensitive to frost and cannot withstand long periods of cold weather as it prefers the warm climatic conditions of its habitat. Therefore, it is suitable for planting in USDA zones 9b to 11, although it can still survive in zones 8a and 8b if protected from severe winters.
Soil Requirements
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii requires soil with good drainage and aeration. It can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-draining loamy soils. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 7.5. It also thrives in rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for landscaping rocky areas. It is also best planted in areas with low soil fertility since the plant doesn't require high amounts of nutrients to grow.
Cultivation
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii is a desert scrub native to the southwestern United States. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b. The plant prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soil with a pH of 6.6 to 7.5. It needs at least six hours of full sun a day to thrive.
Watering Needs
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii is highly drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without water. It is essential to avoid overwatering as the succulent leaves can become waterlogged and susceptible to rot. It is recommended to water the plant once a month during the growing season and once every two months during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii does not require much fertilization. It can benefit from an application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can cause the plant to grow too quickly, which will negatively affect its overall health.
Pruning
Pruning of Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii should be kept to a minimum. The plant has a natural symmetrical shape, so any pruning should be done only to remove dead or damaged growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to minimize any stress on the plant.
Propagation of Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii
Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seed
The seeds of Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii can be sown directly into the soil in the autumn or early spring. The seeds should be sown about 3 mm deep and spaced about 30 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which can take up to two months. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned to a spacing of about 60 cm apart.
Propagation by cuttings
The cuttings of Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii can be taken in the summer. Cuttings should be about 7.5 to 10 cm long and taken from new growth. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then inserted into a moist growing medium. The medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until they have developed roots.
Disease Management
The Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii plant is generally hardy, and disease is not a common issue. However, the following diseases might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This is a common fungal disease that leads to the development of dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy all infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering, which leads to the decay of the roots. To prevent this disease, ensure that the plant's soil has excellent drainage and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
The Selenia jonesii Cory var. jonesii plant is also not a common target of pests. However, the following pests might attack the plant:
- Spider mites: These pests suck the sap and nutrients from the plant's leaves, leading to stunted growth. To manage them, remove and destroy all infected plant parts and apply a miticide.
- Mealybugs: These pests attack the plant's foliage and flowers and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage them, remove the infected parts and apply a pesticide.
- Aphids: These pests feed on the plant's sap and cause stunted growth. To manage them, remove and destroy all infected parts of the plant and apply an insecticide.
It is important to note that prevention is the best defense against diseases and pests. Therefore, maintain good cultural practices such as keeping the plant healthy and in good growing conditions, maintaining proper watering, and regular pruning to keep the plant in good condition.
