2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Asclepius (lat. Asclepias) - a flowering plant from the Lastovnevye family. Another name is cotton wool.
Description
Asclepia is a vigorous herbaceous perennial, equipped with horizontal thickened rhizomes diverging far to the sides. The height of the thick stems of asclepia can reach one meter (however, on average, it usually ranges from thirty centimeters to half a meter), and the large leaves of this plant can be either whorled or opposite, and in most cases they are characterized by an elliptical, ovoid or oblong shape …
Asclepia's flowers are also large - brown, red, orange or white, they all gather in very spectacular multi-flowered umbrellas. And, as a rule, all these flowers can boast of a strong enough scent! And the fruits of this plant look like sickle-shaped boxes equipped with a corrugated surface, the length of which can reach twelve centimeters.
As for the name of this plant, it comes from the name of Asclepius, the legendary healer and son of Koronis and Apollo. And the Russian version of the plant's name - cotton wool - is due to the presence of the most delicate silky hairs on the seeds.
In total, there are about eighty species of asclepia in nature.
Where grows
The main homeland of Asclepius is America, although some of its species originate from Africa.
Usage
For cultivation in the garden, one annual species of asclepia and three perennial species of this plant are used. Airy and incredibly delicate asclepia is an excellent addition to a wide variety of large flowers - it will very subtly and exquisitely set off their bright beauty! Asclepius looks especially good in compositions with a warm color palette. This plant instantly gives airiness and splendor to any arrangement, and is also widely used in decorative compositions and in bouquets. And, by the way, bouquets with asclepia are often given to doctors, because the name of this plant bears the name of the most ancient mythical healer!
Most often, tuberous asclepia, meat-red asclepia, as well as their hybrids are used for cutting. True, the stability in the cut of this beauty is quite low - as a rule, it costs quite well from one to four days. It is best to put the asclepius in a small amount of hot water, after cutting it off.
Tuberous essence prepared from fresh rhizomes of Asclepia is widely used in homeopathy. Asclepius first came to Europe in the seventeenth century, spreading very quickly in Germany, France and a number of other European countries. At first, ropes, fibers for the production of coarse fabrics, as well as stuffing for soft toys or furniture were made from the stems of this plant.
Growing and caring
Asclepius does not tolerate temperature drops very well, and at high humidity it tends to rot, and its leaves turn yellow and fall off. But this plant is completely undemanding to soils - absolutely any nutrient soils characterized by a weakly acidic or neutral reaction are perfect for growing it.
As for the reproduction of asclepia, it can be carried out both with the help of seeds and in a vegetative way - by cutting rhizomes or by dividing bushes.
Occasionally, whiteflies can attack Asclepia - these pests feed on the sap of a beautiful plant, sucking it out of the stems. For the fight against whiteflies, drugs such as "Rovikurt" and "Actellik" are perfect. In general, Asclepia is very resistant to both various pests and all kinds of ailments.
