Origin
Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson, commonly known as twisted andersonia or desert mustard, is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico. It belongs to the family of Brassicaceae or mustard family.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as twisted andersonia, desert mustard, or tortuous twisted-stem mustard. The common names are a reflection of its peculiar twisted appearance and its natural habitat in the desert regions of California and Arizona.
Appearance
Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens is a small perennial or annual herb that grows up to 50 cm tall. It has a unique and twisted appearance caused by the twisted stem, which often bends in different directions. The plant is a light gray-green color with smaller leaves at the base and larger leaves at the top. Its flowers appear at the top of the stem and are typically yellow, often with some green or purple markings and are about 1-1.5 cm wide. The fruits are long, narrow capsules, around 5-8 cm long, and have a cylindrical shape.
Uses
The twisted andersonia or desert mustard herb has been traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. It was used to treat conditions such as coughs, colds, tuberculosis, and asthma. Some Native American tribes also used it as a source of food as the young leaves and stems are edible and have a spicy flavor. The plant plays an important role in the ecology of the region and serves as a habitat for various insects and birds.
Light Requirements
The Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson requires full sun to grow and flourish. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it is best grown in an open and sunny area where it can receive the maximum amount of sunlight possible.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a mild to warm temperature to grow and thrive. The ideal temperature range for Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson is between 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant may not survive in extreme temperatures like those below freezing or excessively hot areas. Therefore, it is necessary to grow this plant in a moderate climate with moderate temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson plant prefers well-draining, sandy, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The soil should be enriched with organic matter and mulched to conserve moisture. This plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it is better to keep the soil moist. As the plant is native to California, it is best to replicate the type of soil that is usually found in the state.
Cultivation
The Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson, also known as the twistflower, is a native plant in California, USA, and requires specific growing conditions to thrive. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soils with good drainage and full sun exposure. If planting in a garden, choose a spot with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. If growing in a container, use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging.
Watering
The twistflower is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions. However, for optimal growth, water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the soil type and the weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply once a week in the absence of rain. Check the soil moisture before watering to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
The twistflower is a low maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, once or twice a year can benefit the plant's growth. It is important to avoid overfertilization, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
The twistflower is a self-cleaning plant and does not require deadheading to promote continuous blooming. However, pruning the plant after flowering promotes bushier growth and prevents it from becoming leggy. Cut back the stems to 12-18 inches above the ground level. Pruning should be done in the fall or winter when the plant is dormant.
Propagation of Streptanthus Tortuosus Kellogg Var. Suffrutescens
Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson, commonly known as the twistflower or mountain jewel flower, is a perennial plant that is typically propagated through seed.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens can be collected from mature fruits that have turned brown and are beginning to open.
The collected seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until planting time.
Seeds are typically sown in late fall or early winter, directly into the ground or in containers with well-draining soil.
The seeds should be planted about 1/8 inch deep and spaced about 2 to 3 inches apart.
Care for Seedlings
Once the seeds have germinated, thinning is necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Seedlings should be watered regularly to maintain moisture levels.
Fertilizers should be avoided as they may cause damage to the young seedlings.
Maintenance
Once established, the twistflower plant requires minimal maintenance. The plant can self-seed, providing for new plant growth.
Deadheading spent flowers can encourage further growth and flowering.
Excessive watering should be avoided, as the plant is drought-tolerant and may be damaged by overwatering.
Disease Management:
Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson is relatively resistant to most diseases but can be susceptible to fungal infections. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect the plant, causing a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it's recommended to prune infected foliage and increase air circulation by reducing crowding between plants. Applying a fungicide can also help manage the disease. Another fungal disease that can affect the plant is rust. Rust appears as rust-colored spots on the leaves and can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Pest Management:
Streptanthus tortuosus Kellogg var. suffrutescens (Greene) Jepson is generally pest-free, but occasional infestations can occur. Aphids and spider mites are common pests that can cause damage to the plant. Both pests feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, it's recommended to spray the plant with soapy water, which suffocates the pests. Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity levels through regular misting and spraying foliage with neem oil, which acts as a natural insecticide. Additionally, caterpillars can sometimes feed on the plant and can be managed by removing them by hand or applying an insecticide.
