Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. Description
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as "Puerto Rican creeping-oxeye" or "creeping-oxeye" and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of North, Central, and South America.
The plant usually grows up to 50 cm tall and prefers wet or moist environments such as forests, wetlands, and streambanks. It has long and pointed leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along its stem. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are about 2.5 cm in diameter.
Uses of Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich.
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. has several traditional medicinal uses. Its leaves and stems are used to treat wounds, fever, inflammation, and stomach problems. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat liver and lung disorders. The leaves are crushed and made into a poultice to treat skin irritations. The plant is also used in landscaping due to its ornamental value and ability to thrive in humid environments.
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. has also been found to have some potential for industrial applications. The plant contains a fatty acid called vernolic acid that is commonly used in the production of polymers and coatings.
General Appearance of Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich.
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. is a herbaceous plant with bright yellow flowers and long, pointed leaves that grow in opposite pairs along its stem. The plant typically grows up to 50 cm tall and prefers wet or moist environments such as forests, wetlands, and streambanks. It has traditional medicinal uses as well as potential for industrial applications due to its fatty acid content.
Light requirement
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich is a sun-loving plant and requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but the foliage may become less dense and the flowering may be reduced.
Temperature requirement
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it thrives in warm to hot temperatures between 20 to 35°C. It is intolerant to frost and should be protected in frost-prone areas. However, it can handle occasional cold snaps as long as its roots are well established in the ground.
Water requirement
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It can handle periods of drought once it is well established, but it will require regular watering during the first few months after planting to establish its roots.
Soil requirement
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich prefers soils that are well-draining and have good aeration. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. The plant prefers a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
Cultivation Methods for Wedelia Calycina L.C. Rich.
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich., commonly known as devil's potato or creeping daisy, is a perennial herb that can be grown in gardens or containers. It prefers full sunlight but also grows well in partial shade. You can grow it in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5 but ensure that the soil has good drainage capacity. Propagation is possible through seeds, cuttings, and division of roots.
Watering Needs for Wedelia Calycina L.C. Rich.
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. requires regular watering to thrive. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot. As a guide, water the plant once a week or when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Water deeply to encourage the roots to grow deep into the soil.
Fertilization of Wedelia Calycina L.C. Rich.
To encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms, fertilize your Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. plant every month during the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Follow the instructions on the label and apply the fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant.
Pruning Wedelia Calycina L.C. Rich.
Regular pruning will help to keep your Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. plant neat and compact. Pinch back the stems to remove the spent flowers and encourage new blooms. You can also trim the stems to control the plant's size and shape. Prune the plant in the early spring before the new growth begins.
Propagation of Wedelia Calycina L.C. Rich.
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich., also known as the Wedelia plant, is a popular ornamental plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant originates from South America and is known for its beautiful yellow-colored flowers and beautiful foliage. Propagation of Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. can be done in various ways, such as:
Propagation by Cuttings
The most common method of propagating Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant of the same species. Use a sharp and sterilized tool to cut the tip of the stem, ensuring that it has at least 2-3 nodes. Strip off the lower leaves and moisten the cuttings with rooting hormone powder, then plant immediately in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, with a temperature range of 20-30°C. Rooting should occur within 2-4 weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another method of propagating Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. This method involves bending a low-growing stem down to the soil surface, where it is anchored in place with a small wire or peg. A shallow cut should be made on the underside of the stem, where it touches the soil, to encourage rooting. The stem should be kept moist, and roots should develop within 2-3 months. Once roots are visible, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagating Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. from seeds is not recommended as it is a time-consuming process. The seeds are tiny and require special attention to germinate. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist and warm in a temperature range of 20-25°C. Seedlings should emerge within 3-4 weeks, and they can be transplanted to their permanent location once they get big enough. However, seed-propagated plants may not retain all the desirable traits of the parent plant.
In conclusion, propagating Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. is relatively easy and can be done with cuttings and layering methods. These methods provide reliable results and are therefore recommended for propagation purposes.
Disease Management
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. is a hardy plant that is not affected by many diseases. However, some diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a whitish-gray coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune infected leaves and use a fungicide.
Pest Management
Wedelia calycina L.C. Rich. is not commonly attacked by pests, but some that can affect the plant include:
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves of the plant. To manage them, handpick and destroy the caterpillars or use a pesticide.
- Spider mites: Spider mites suck the sap from the leaves and can cause yellowing. To manage them, use a miticide or prune infected branches.
Regular inspection of the plant can help detect any disease or pest infestation early for effective management.
