Overview
Thlaspi perfoliatum, commonly known as the 'penny cress' or 'stinking pennywort', is an herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is native to Europe and North Africa, but is now widely distributed in temperate regions throughout the world.
General Appearance
The plant has dense, rosette-like foliage at the base with long-stemmed leaves growing opposite each other on the stem. The stem is upright and can grow up to 60cm tall. The flowers are borne on long, slender racemes and are small, greenish-white in color. The fruit is a round, flat, and circular disc with two seeds.
Common Names
Thlaspi perfoliatum is commonly known by a variety of names including penny cress, stinking pennywort, and bastard pennycress. In Europe, it is also referred to as 'treacle mustard' or 'false pennyroyal'.
Uses
The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It was used by Native Americans for the treatment of gastric disorders, rheumatism, and skin diseases. The plant's leaves and fruits are edible and have been used as a substitute for horseradish or pepper.
In modern times, Thlaspi perfoliatum has been investigated for its medicinal properties and has been found to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. The plant is also used as a bioindicator of soil pollution due to its ability to accumulate heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and zinc.
Typical Growth Conditions for Thlaspi perfoliatum
Thlaspi perfoliatum, commonly known as the penny cress, is a cool-season annual plant that is native to Europe but has spread to other parts of the world. Here are the typical growth conditions required for this plant:
Light Requirements
The penny cress plant grows best in full sun or partial shade. It requires bright light but can tolerate some amount of shade. In regions with hot summers, partial shade is recommended to prevent the plant from wilting.
Temperature Requirements
The penny cress plant grows in cool weather conditions, and it can tolerate frost. The ideal temperature for the plant is between 5°C to 15°C. It does not grow well in hot and humid conditions, as it tends to become leggy and stretched out.
Soil Requirements
Thlaspi perfoliatum prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate infertile soils, but it grows best in soil rich in organic matter. The plant requires regular watering, particularly during the summer months.
In conclusion, the penny cress plant requires bright light, cool temperatures, and well-drained fertile soils to grow optimally. By providing these growth conditions, you can cultivate a healthy and thriving Thlaspi perfoliatum plant.
Cultivation
Thlaspi perfoliatum, also known as the bastard pennyroyal, is a hardy perennial plant that can be grown in a variety of soil types. It is best grown in well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It is a cold-hardy plant that can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C) and in areas with prolonged snow cover.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. When planting seeds, it is best to sow them in late summer or early fall. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks. When planting cuttings, use a rooting hormone and place the cuttings in a peat pot. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a well-lit area until the cuttings root.
Watering Needs
Thlaspi perfoliatum requires consistent, moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. However, it is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as the plant can wilt and die from lack of moisture. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more frequently during periods of hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
Thlaspi perfoliatum does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can provide adequate nutrients for the plant. It is important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower development. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can also promote excessive foliage growth.
Pruning
Thlaspi perfoliatum requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can promote additional blooms, and cutting back leggy or damaged stems can help maintain plant shape and vigor. However, pruning should be kept to a minimum, as excessive cutting can lead to reduced flowering in the following year.
Propagation of Thlaspi perfoliatum
Thlaspi perfoliatum, also known as the Limestone Pennyroyal, is a perennial herb that can grow up to 30cm in height. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it is commonly used for medicinal purposes.
Propagation by Seed
One of the most common methods of propagating Thlaspi perfoliatum is through seed. The seeds of the plant are small and black and can be collected from the mature flowerheads after they have dried and turned brown.
Once collected, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with a good quality seed compost. The seeds should be lightly covered with compost and kept moist. The trays or pots should then be placed in a warm location, and the seedlings will emerge within a couple of weeks.
Once the seedlings have grown to around 5-10cm in height, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are large enough to be planted out into their final positions in the garden.
Propagation by Division
Another way to propagate Thlaspi perfoliatum is through division. This method is best carried out in the autumn or early spring.
To divide the plant, carefully dig up the clump and separate the individual plants by gently pulling them apart. Each new plant should have a good root system and several shoots.
The new plants can then be potted up or planted out into their final positions in the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible for Thlaspi perfoliatum. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer.
To take a cutting, select a healthy shoot and carefully cut it off just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and sand, or a good quality potting compost. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and the cutting should be kept moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should have developed roots, and it can then be planted out into its final position in the garden.
Overall, Thlaspi perfoliatum can be propagated by seed, division, and cuttings. Each propagation method has its own advantages, and the choice of method will depend on the individual gardener's preferences and requirements.
Disease Management
The Thlaspi perfoliatum, commonly known as the "perfoliate penny-cress," is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to diseases. However, there are still a few illnesses that can affect it, such as:
- Downy mildew: characterized by white or gray spots on leaves, downy mildew can be managed by using copper-based fungicides.
- Clubroot: this disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The best way to prevent clubroot is to rotate crops.
- Virus diseases: viruses can cause stunted growth, yellow or distorted leaves, and premature death of the plant. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections, so preventing the spread of viruses is crucial.
One way to prevent diseases in your plants is to maintain good sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves and properly disposing of them. Additionally, cultivars developed specifically for disease resistance can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Pest Management
While the Thlaspi perfoliatum is relatively resistant to pests, there are still a few that can cause damage to the plant. These pests include:
- Cabbage root fly: the larvae of this fly burrow into the roots of the plant, causing damage and stunted growth. Row covers can help prevent adult flies from laying eggs near the plant, and beneficial nematodes can be added to the soil to target the larvae.
- Cabbage white butterfly: the caterpillars of this butterfly can eat through the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. Row covers can also help prevent these pests from laying eggs, and handpicking caterpillars off the plant can help control their population.
- Slugs and snails: these pests can also cause significant damage to the plant by eating through leaves and stems. Beer traps and copper barriers can help control populations of slugs and snails.
It is also essential to keep the growing environment clean and free from debris to prevent habitats for pests. Additionally, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help control populations of harmful pests while not harming the plant.
