Tragia friesiana Prain: Description, Origin, Common Names and Uses
Tragia friesiana Prain is a perennial plant that belongs to the genus Tragia and the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to India and can be found in the Western Ghats, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa. Tragia friesiana Prain is commonly known as 'Sahadevi' in Hindi and Marathi, displaying its local importance and prevalence.
The plant has a woody stem and grows up to 1.5 meters in height with hairy branches that have small thorns. The leaves are alternate and arise from a petiole, which eventually supports a lamina covered with numerous glandular hairs. The flowers are yellowish-green in color and small, held in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule, which pops open when fully ripe, and several rough seeds are dispersed.
The plant is utilized for various purposes due to its unique properties. Researchers have discovered that the plant contains active constituents that are toxic to insects and pests; thus, the plant is used as a natural pesticide. The plant's bark is used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin diseases, asthma, spleen enlargement, and fever, among others. Women also use it to promote lactation during breastfeeding.
The plant's roots are also believed to have antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the roots, along with other parts, are processed to prepare Ayurvedic medicines for various illnesses. Despite the plant's positive properties and uses, it is significant to note that high doses could be toxic and cause gastro-intestinal disorders.
Conclusion
Tragia friesiana Prain is a valuable plant that is widely used in India due to its various medicinal properties and uses. It has a unique appearance characterized by its hairy branches, thorns, and glandular leaves. Although it has numerous benefits, careful dosage and use should be observed to avoid causing adverse side effects.
Light Requirements
Tragia friesiana thrives best in bright shade environments, characterized by direct sunlight filtered through a light canopy of trees. As such, it would do well when grown under semi-shade conditions in greenhouses or alongside trees having a moderately open canopy.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in tropical to subtropical regions, and hence, requires moderate to high relative humidity levels, preferably between 60-70%. The temperature range would need to be warm, ranging from 20°C to 25°C. Any temperature below or above that range would lead to slowed growth. As such, it would be best to plant the plant in a location with constant moderate temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Tragia friesiana requires well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. It tends to thrive best in loamy soils with a slightly acidic pH range of 6.0-7.0. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. As such, planting the plant in terraces or raised beds is ideal to avoid waterlogging. It is crucial to ensure that the plant's roots have sufficient airflow and that there is no risk of root rot by ensuring adequate drainage.
Cultivation
Tragia friesiana Prain is a native plant of India and needs warm temperatures to grow. It can be cultivated in both partial shade and full sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It can be grown in pots or on open ground, but care must be taken to avoid waterlogging.
The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings, and the best time to do this is in the early summer when the temperature is high, and the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems and should be approximately 5 to 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower end and plant in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, and in a few weeks, the plant will root.
Watering Needs
Tragia friesiana Prain needs regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, care must be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. Water the plant at the base and avoid wetting the leaves, particularly during the hot part of the day, as this can cause leaf scorching.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy feeding, but you can give it a balanced fertilizer every three months to encourage growth. Feeding can be stopped during the winter months when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Tragia friesiana Prain, but it can be done to shape and control the size of the plant. Prune during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Remove dead or diseased branches and any branches that have crossed to promote air circulation.
Propagation of Tragia friesiana Prain
Tragia friesiana Prain, commonly known as the stinging nettle, is a tropical plant native to India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The plant is propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seeds
The seeds of Tragia friesiana Prain are small, black, and round. They should be collected during the flowering period and preserved in a cool and dry place. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for several hours.
The seeds can be sowed directly into moist soil or in a seed tray filled with fertile soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds will germinate within a few days or weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they are 2-3 inches tall and have a well-developed root system.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are the easiest and quickest way to propagate Tragia friesiana Prain. The cuttings should be at least 3-4 inches long and have several leaves. The cuttings should be taken from the lower part of the plant as they root more easily.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or a glass jar to create a humid environment. The cuttings will root in 2-3 weeks, and the covering should be removed gradually to allow the plants to adapt to the normal environment.
Propagation of Tragia friesiana Prain through cuttings is best done during the active growth period, which is from spring to summer.
Disease and Pest Management for Tragia friesiana Prain
Tragia friesiana Prain, commonly known as the Nepalese noseburn, belongs to the family Euphorbiaceous and is a medicinal plant. This plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases; however, some issues can still occur, affecting its quality. Here we describe the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest their management.
Common diseases
Powdery mildew: This is one of the common diseases that affect the Tragia friesiana Prain plant. It is characterized by the presence of a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. This disease can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage and adequate air circulation. Chemical treatments such as neem oil and copper sulfate can also be used to manage powdery mildew.
Root rot disease: Excessive moisture can lead to root rot disease in the Tragia friesiana Prain plant. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing of leaves and wilting of the plant. To prevent this disease, it is necessary to maintain proper soil drainage. Fungal treatments such as copper fungicides or sulfur can be used to manage root rot disease.
Common pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be treated by using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Regular inspection and removal of infested leaves can also be helpful in controlling aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that can be found on the undersides of the plant's leaves. They suck the sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing and curling. Spider mites can be controlled by using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Regular watering and misting of the plant can also help to prevent spider mites.
Caterpillars: Some species of caterpillars can also cause damage to the Tragia friesiana Prain plant by feeding on its foliage. They can be controlled by using Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterial pesticide. Handpicking and removing the caterpillars can also be helpful.
In conclusion, proper soil drainage, adequate air circulation, and regular inspection of the plant can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from affecting the Tragia friesiana Prain plant. Using organic treatments such as neem oil and Bacillus thuringiensis can help to manage infestations effectively.
