Origin
Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney, commonly known as slender-stemmed globemallow, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family Malvaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Texas, as well as northern Mexico.
Common Names
Slender-stemmed globemallow is known by several common names, including desert globemallow, caliche globemallow, and narrow-leaf globemallow.
Uses
The plant has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for generations. The Zuni people used a decoction of the plant as a wash for skin eruptions and a lotion for sores and rashes. The Pueblo Indians used the plant for treating coughs, colds, and sore throats. The Navajo used it as a ceremonial emetic. Additionally, globemallow was used as food by the Hopi and Zuni people. The seeds were ground into a meal and used for bread making.
General Appearance
The slender-stemmed globemallow is a perennial herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. It has deeply lobed foliage that is gray-green in color and coated with fine hairs. The flowers bloom from late winter to late summer and are typically orange, but can also be pink or pale yellow. The round flower heads are approximately 1 inch in diameter and are arranged in clusters along the upper stems. Fruit capsules are 1/2 inch in diameter. The slender-stemmed globemallow prefers dry, rocky soils and is often found in desert habitats, rocky slopes, and canyon bottoms.
Growth Conditions for Sphaeralcea digitata ssp. tenuipes
Light: Sphaeralcea digitata ssp. tenuipes prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in weaker, spindlier plants that are more susceptible to disease and pests.
Temperature: This plant is well-suited for hot, arid climates and can withstand drought conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can handle low temperatures down to -20°F. Although it can tolerate some cool weather, it can suffer in areas with extended periods of freezing temperatures.
Soil: Sphaeralcea digitata ssp. tenuipes grows best in sandy, well-drained soils. It has low nutrient requirements and can handle soils with low fertility levels. It is tolerant of dry and alkaline soils but may struggle in heavy, clay-heavy soils that hold moisture for extended periods.
Water: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. In fact, overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is important to provide ample drainage to allow excess water to quickly drain away from the plant's roots.
Fertilizer: Sphaeralcea digitata ssp. tenuipes does not require heavy fertilization. In fact, fertilizing too much can lead to excessive growth and weaker plants. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer once per year in the spring can help boost growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is a hardy plant that can grow in various areas. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to different soil types. The plant prefers soil that is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Planting should be done in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure the plant receives enough water during hot and dry spells, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney does not require much fertilizer. However, applying a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth. It will help if you use a slow-release fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excess foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is not necessary. However, you can trim it back after the flowering season to promote lateral growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. If you need to control the size of the plant, give it a light pruning in early spring to remove some of the top growth.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney
Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney, commonly known as desert globemallow or apricot mallow, is a drought-tolerant, perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods which are:
Seed Propagation
The easiest method to propagate Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is through seed propagation. Collect mature seeds from the plant pods in the late summer or early fall months. Once you have the seeds, you can either start the seeds indoors in a warm location or outdoors directly in the ground. Plant the seeds into the soil, cover lightly with soil, and water regularly. The seeds will germinate within two to four weeks. The seedlings will need to be consistently watered until established.
Cuttings Propagation
Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney can also be propagated by taking cuttings. This is a bit more challenging than seed propagation, but it can also be a rewarding method. Take cuttings from new growth during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a stem that is 6 to 8 inches long, removing the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth. Plant the cutting into a potting mix and water it thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment and keep it in partial shade until the cutting has rooted. After rooting, transplant it into its final location.
Disease and Pest Management for Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney
Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is a plant species that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, it can still be affected by some common diseases and pests, such as:
Diseases
1. Root rot: Root rot is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the roots of the plant. This disease can cause the roots to become black or brown and appear mushy or rotten. Over-watering and poor drainage can cause root rot. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil has good drainage, and avoid over-watering. Additionally, avoid planting the plant species in areas with stagnant water.
2. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and become covered with a white powdery substance. To manage powdery mildew, remove and dispose of any infected plant parts, and ensure that the plant has good air circulation. Fungicides that contain copper or sulfur can also be used to manage powdery mildew.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and become distorted. To manage aphids, try spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to manage aphids.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the plant's leaves, causing them to develop a stippled appearance and eventually turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, try washing the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them. Additionally, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to manage spider mites.
By following these disease and pest management practices, it is possible to keep Sphaeralcea digitata (Greene) Rydb. ssp. tenuipes (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney healthy and flourishing.
