Origin
Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder is a plant species native to North America, specifically found in eastern and central parts of the continent.
Common Names
It is commonly known as American awlwort, water awlwort, and tuberous watercress.
Appearance
The plant has a small size, growing up to 10cm in height. It is an annual herb with small, white flowers that bloom from May to July. The leaves are thread-like and divided into small lobes, and the stems are thin and fragile. The plant is easily recognizable due to its characteristic tuberous root, which is formed by swollen roots that store nutrients and water.
Uses
Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder is used in the culinary industry as a flavouring and garnish due to its slightly bitter taste and attractive appearance. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases, fever, and stomach disorders. Furthermore, it is an important plant from an ecological perspective as it serves as a food source for aquatic animals and helps to maintain good water quality.
Light Requirements
Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder typically grows in shallow waters that receive high levels of sunlight. Therefore, it requires full sunlight to grow and develop properly. Lack of adequate sunlight may lead to stunted growth, reduced vigor and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate to cool temperatures that range between 10 and 20°C. It is adapted to withstand short-term exposure to freezing temperatures. However, prolonged exposure to low temperatures below 0°C may damage the plant tissue and limit growth.
Soil and Water Requirements
Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder grows well in wet soils with high organic matter content. It requires a rich soil substrate due to the lack of sufficient nutrients in the water. Ideally, the soil should be well-draining with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant thrives in shallow water sources such as lakes, ponds and streams with moving water and cool temperatures.
Cultivation Methods
Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder, also known as American waterwort, is a semi-aquatic plant that grows best in moist soil and shallow water. To cultivate this plant, prepare a growing area that is near a pond, stream, or any other source of water that can supply the plant with enough water to grow.
Plant the American waterwort in late spring or early summer, in soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. The plant should be placed in water that is no deeper than 3 inches, and it should be watered immediately after planting to help it settle in the soil.
American waterwort prefers full sunlight, so it should be placed in an area where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is also important to keep the water clean and free of debris to prevent the plant from getting sick or diseased.
Watering Needs
American waterwort requires consistent moisture to grow and thrive. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot, so be sure to monitor the water level and adjust accordingly. The water temperature should be between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the American waterwort is not necessary, as it can obtain all the primary nutrients it requires directly from the water source. However, if the plant is grown in soil, a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can be used sparingly during the growing season to enhance the plant's growth.
Pruning
American waterwort does not require much pruning, as it is a low-growing plant that seldom gets taller than 6 inches. However, it might be beneficial to remove any dead or damaged leaves to promote the growth of a new foliage. This should be done using a sterile pair of scissors, and the affected areas should be disposed of properly.
Propagation of Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder
Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder, commonly known as American waterwort or water awlwort, can be propagated via two methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Subularia aquatica is through seeds. The seeds are tiny, and roughly 500,000 seeds weigh only one gram. The seeds are usually spread out in shallow, temporary water or mud puddles so they can adhere to the wet soil. When the water recedes, the seeds germinate in the mud, extending protruding stems above the water's surface, growing and branching rapidly. The water must be heated to at least 18°C for the seeds to germinate.
Vegitative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of reproducing Subularia aquatica. It can be done through division or cuttings. Division is done during the growing season, and cuttings are taken from the mother plant and planted in separate pots. The cutting method is not recommended, however, because seeds have a higher chance of survival.
Disease and Pest Management for Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder
Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder, also known as water awlwort, is a small aquatic plant that can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management are crucial to maintaining the health of this plant.
Common Diseases
Water awlwort can be prone to fungal diseases such as Pythium and Phytophthora. Pythium can cause root rot, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. Phytophthora can cause stem rot and wilting of the plant. These fungal diseases can be prevented by ensuring good water quality and proper nutrition for the plant. Avoiding overly wet soil conditions and removing infected plant parts can also help prevent the spread of disease.
Bacterial infections such as Erwinia carotovora can also occur in water awlwort. Symptoms of Erwinia infection include soft, water-soaked tissue and a foul odor. To prevent bacterial infections, maintaining good hygiene practices such as cleaning tools and avoiding damage to the plant can be helpful. Using pathogen-free water and soil can also help prevent bacterial infections.
Common Pests
Water awlwort can be attacked by various pests such as aphids, snails, and slugs. Aphids can infect the plant with viruses, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Snails and slugs can cause physical damage to the plant by eating leaves and stems. To manage these pests, handpicking and manual removal can be effective. Using physical barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth can also help prevent snail and slug damage. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective against aphids.
Another common pest of water awlwort is the aquatic larvae of the mosquito. Mosquito larvae can destroy the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and death. To manage mosquito larvae, preventing standing water can be helpful. Adding mosquito fish or other predators to the water can also help control larvae populations.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management are essential to the health of Subularia aquatica L. ssp. americana Mulligan & Calder. Maintaining good water quality, nutrition, and hygiene practices can prevent infections and infestations. Manual removal, physical barriers, and insecticidal soap can also be effective against pests.
