Laggera Alata
Contents
Description
Laggera Alata is a medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Africa and Asia and is commonly found in India, China, and Vietnam. The plant is also known as the Winged Cudweed or the Thao Suea in Thai. Laggera Alata has been used traditionally to treat various ailments, including fever, cough, and malaria.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Laggera |
Appearance
Laggera Alata is a small, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has a bushy appearance with a woody base and numerous branches. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lanceolate, with serrated margins. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a small achene with a pappus of white hairs.
Care Guide
Water: Laggera Alata prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once every two months during the growing season.Soil: Laggera Alata grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Laggera Alata can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Laggera Alata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To control these pests, use a mild insecticide or spray the plant with soapy water.
Habitat
Laggera Alata is a plant that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows in grasslands, woodlands, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Laggera Alata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Laggera Alata can be grown indoors if provided with adequate sunlight and water.
Q: Is Laggera Alata edible?
A: While Laggera Alata is not toxic, it is not commonly consumed as food.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Laggera Alata?
A: Laggera Alata has been used traditionally to treat fever, cough, and malaria. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Q: How often should Laggera Alata be pruned?
A: Laggera Alata does not require frequent pruning. However, pruning can be done to maintain the plant’s shape and size.
Related Plants
- Laggera crispata
- Laggera tomentosa
- Laggera pterodonta
References
- Bharathi, V., & Venkataraman, S. (2014). Laggera alata (D. Don) C. Jeffrey: A review on its phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities and traditional uses. Journal of Acute Disease, 3(4), 253-259.
- Cheng, Y. Y., & Chen, I. S. (2015). Flavonoids and a sesquiterpene lactone from Laggera alata. Journal of natural products, 78(3), 542-547.
- Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, X. (2018). Chemical constituents and biological activities of plants from the genus Laggera. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 15(5), e1700537.
