Overview of Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl.
Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl. is a parasitic plant species belonging to the Santalaceae family. It is commonly known as the crab's claw mistletoe, due to the shape of its fruit, which resembles a crab's claw. This plant has significant cultural importance in some indigenous communities, where it is used for various purposes, including medicinal uses.
Origin of Viscum bivalve
Viscum bivalve is native to Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. It typically grows on the branches of various trees, including evergreen and deciduous trees, such as Dipterocarpus tuberculatus, Shorea siamensis, and Syzygium cumini.
General Appearance of Viscum bivalve
Viscum bivalve has small and fleshy leaves that are lanceolate in shape and about 3 to 4 cm long. Its flowers are small and yellowish-green, with five petals, and bloom from August to September. The fruits of this plant are small, round, and green when mature, measuring about 7mm in diameter, and are shaped like a crab's claw. The plant does not have any stems or roots, and it forms a parasitic connection with the host tree through a specialized organ called a haustorium.
Uses of Viscum bivalve
Viscum bivalve has significant cultural importance in some indigenous communities. In Vietnam, it is used to treat rheumatism and arthritis. In Thailand, it is used to treat hypertension, diabetes, liver diseases, and other ailments. In some communities, the plant's leaves and stem bark are boiled and used as a tea to relieve pain and discomfort. Additionally, the plant's leaves are believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties and are used as a traditional medicine in various Southeast Asian countries.
Light Requirements
Viscum bivalve, also known as Mistletoe, is a partial hemiparasite that grows on the branches of other trees. As such, it does not require direct sunlight and can survive in low light conditions. However, it does need some sunlight to keep its green color and facilitate photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Viscum bivalve is between 15°C to 27°C. It can tolerate lower temperatures but cannot survive under extreme conditions such as frost or drought.
Soil Requirements
Since it is a parasitic plant, Viscum bivalve has low nutrient requirements. It absorbs most of its nutrients from the host tree and only needs a minimal amount of nutrients from the soil. However, it does require a moist and well-draining soil to establish its roots and grow steadily.
Cultivation methods for Viscum bivalve
Viscum bivalve is a semi-parasitic plant that grows well in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. The plant requires soil that is well-draining and is rich in organic matter. It thrives in partial shade to full sunlight with a temperature of about 20°C-25°C. The seeds are usually dispersed by birds and germinate on trees or shrubs.
Watering needs for Viscum bivalve
Watering should be done consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions and the moisture content of the soil. During dry weather, watering should be done more regularly to avoid drying out of the plant.
Fertilization for Viscum bivalve
The semi-parasitic nature of Viscum bivalve provides adequate nutrients for the plant. However, it is essential to supplement with fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium during the growth phase for an optimal yield. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season.
Pruning for Viscum bivalve
Viscum bivalve requires minimal pruning, mainly to maintain its shape and control its spread. To prune, use sharp, sterile pruning shears and cut back any unwanted growth. Dead or damaged parts of the plant can also be removed to facilitate new growth. Pruning is usually done during the dormant season to promote healthy growth in the following season.
Propagation of Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl.
Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl., commonly known as Mistletoe, is an evergreen, parasitic plant that grows on the branches of other trees. Propagation of Viscum bivalve is usually carried out through the collection of seeds from mature fruits or stem cuttings from host plants.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of Viscum bivalve by seed requires collection of mature fruit in order to obtain viable seeds. This can be done by harvesting the fruits from the host plant when they turn yellow or white. The collected fruits must be dried and crushed to extract the seeds. The extracted seeds should be separated from the debris and stored in a dry, cool place for later use.
Before sowing the seeds, they must be soaked in hot water for about 48 hours to soften the hard seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot should be placed in a warm, humid area and watered regularly. Seedlings should emerge in 2-4 weeks depending on the temperature.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Viscum bivalve can also be carried out through the use of stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from host plants during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be taken from mature stems that are at least 1 year old. The base of the cuttings should be stripped of leaves and dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix.
The pot should be placed in a warm, humid area and kept moist until the cuttings root, which usually takes about 6-8 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into a larger container or planted directly into the ground.
Propagation of Viscum bivalve can be a challenging process, but it can be achieved successfully with the right techniques and care.
Disease Management for Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl.
Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl. is not known to be highly susceptible to diseases. However, like most plants, it can be attacked by various pathogens, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and death of the plant. To manage diseases, it is important to maintain good plant health by following these practices:
- Watering the plant properly
- Avoiding excess fertilization
- Keeping the area around the plant free of weeds and debris for improved air circulation
- Practicing crop rotation to avoid planting the same crop in the same area
Common diseases that may affect Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl. include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew presents as powdery white patches on the plant leaves and can be managed by using fungicides. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering and use fungicides. Leaf spot can be managed by pruning infected leaves and using fungicides. In severe cases, remove the infected plant and destroy it to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl.
Viscum bivalve (Tiegh.) Engl., like any other plant, is also vulnerable to pest attacks. Pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs can damage the plant and reduce its productivity. To manage pests, follow these measures:
- Removing infected plant parts to prevent pests' spread to other parts of the plant and other plants around
- Using insecticides to control the population of pests
- Using sticky traps and barriers to prevent pests from infesting the plant
- Encouraging the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to feed on pests like aphids
Spider mites cause yellowing leaves and webbing around the plant's base. They can be managed by keeping the plant adequately irrigated, using insecticides, and removing webbing from the plant. Scale insects present as hard, round and brown patches on the plant, and can be managed by using insecticides or manually removing the insects with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. Mealybugs cover the plant with a white and powdery coating and can be managed by removing the bugs with a brush and using insecticides.
