Origin
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire, also known as the French groundsell, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the western and central regions of the Mediterranean, including France, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including French groundsell, coronopifolius ragwort, Italian groundsell, and rye-grass ragwort.
Uses
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius has various medicinal properties that were used in traditional medicine. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor activities. It has also been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and dermatological conditions.
General Appearance
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 15-30 cm. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply divided into triangular to linear segments, giving the plant a fern-like appearance. The stems are erect and branched, and the leaves are alternate, simple, and sessile. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in small inflorescences that form a terminal cluster. The fruits are achenes that are brownish in color.
Light Requirements
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of full sun exposure each day for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can cause the plant to produce fewer flowers and grow taller and leggier.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire is between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The plant can tolerate some cold temperatures, however, frost can damage the leaves and buds. During hot summers, providing some afternoon shade to the plant is beneficial as it reduces water loss and prevents heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire is adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining soils. It can grow in sandy, loamy and clay soils but cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. The soil pH should be in the range between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant, but regular watering is necessary to establish the plant after planting. Once established, the plant can survive mild periods of drought.
Cultivation
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. The plant is best grown from seeds or cuttings, which can be started indoors or planted directly in the garden. The ideal planting time is in the early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire are minimal. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry soil. However, it is essential to water the plant occasionally during the summer months, especially during prolonged dry spells, to keep it looking healthy.
Fertilization
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire does not require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow excessively and become leggy. A light application of a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season is sufficient.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire; however, deadheading the spent blooms will promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. The plant may also become leggy and benefit from a light pruning to promote bushy growth.
Propagation of Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire can be propagated through several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire can be sown in seed trays or pots filled with well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be planted about 2-3mm deep and watered gently. The seedlings should emerge in about 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to their final location once they have grown to a suitable size.
Division
Another method of propagation for Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire is through division. This involves splitting the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. This should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Each section should have several stems and a good root system, and should be planted in well-draining potting mix.
Cuttings
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius (Desf.) Maire can also be propagated through cuttings. Collect stem cuttings that are about 10cm long in the spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting, leaving approximately 3-4 leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight until the cutting has taken root.
Pests and Diseases Affecting Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius is a robust plant species that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it is still susceptible to some diseases and pests that may damage or kill it. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius with suggestions for their management:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius is Botrytis cinerea or grey mold. This disease can cause rotting of flowers, stems, and leaves, especially in a wet and humid environment. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected parts and apply a fungicide containing copper-based compounds. Additionally, provide adequate airflow around the plant to promote faster drying of the soil and foliage.
Another disease that can affect Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius is powdery mildew. This disease usually appears as white or gray powdery patches on the leaves, which can cause the leaves to curl and twist. You can prevent this disease by removing the infected parts and increasing air circulation around the plant. You can also apply a fungicide containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Pests
Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius is relatively resistant to pests, but some insects may still infest the plant. One common pest is the aphids, which can cause yellowing, curling, and deformation of the leaves. You can manage this pest by washing the plant with a high-pressure spray of water or applying insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
The spider mites can also infest Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius, causing yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. You can prevent this pest by increasing humidity around the plant and avoiding over-fertilization, which can attract spider mites. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
Finally, the mealybugs can infest Senecio gallicus Chaix subsp. coronopifolius, causing wilting and deformation of the leaves. You can manage this pest by removing the infected parts and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, to control the population.
