Contents
Description
Eclipta Angustata, also known as False Daisy, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties, such as treating liver diseases, hair loss, skin infections, and respiratory disorders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Eclipta |
Appearance
Eclipta Angustata is a small, annual plant that can grow up to 50cm in height. It has thin, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are dark green and have a smooth surface. The plant produces small, white or yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the stem. The flowers bloom from summer to fall and are followed by small, brown seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
To grow Eclipta Angustata, you need to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Soil: Plant Eclipta Angustata in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0-7.0).
Sunlight: Eclipta Angustata prefers full to partial sun exposure. Provide it with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Eclipta Angustata is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eclipta Angustata is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:
Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can attack Eclipta Angustata. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Diseases: The plant can be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent them, avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Eclipta Angustata is a versatile plant that can grow in different habitats, such as wetlands, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist soils and warm temperatures, but can tolerate some drought and shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eclipta Angustata easy to grow?
A: Yes, Eclipta Angustata is relatively easy to grow as long as you provide it with the right care.
Q: Can Eclipta Angustata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Eclipta Angustata can be grown indoors as long as you provide it with enough sunlight and humidity.
Q: What is the best time to harvest Eclipta Angustata?
A: The best time to harvest Eclipta Angustata is when it is in full bloom. This is when the plant has the highest concentration of medicinal compounds.
Q: How can I propagate Eclipta Angustata?
A: You can propagate Eclipta Angustata by dividing the root ball or by sowing seeds in spring or summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Eclipta Angustata:
- Eclipta Prostrata
- Wedelia Chinensis
- Blumea Balsamifera
- Ageratum Conyzoides
References
- Tanaka, Y., Shibata, S., & Shibata, T. (2013). Eclipta prostrata and its uses in traditional medicine. Journal of natural medicines, 67(2), 222-233.
- Wu, J. B., Wang, Z. T., Vandenhoek, S., & Moccasin, W. (2007). New triterpenoids from Eclipta prostrata. Journal of natural products, 70(7), 1210-1213.
- Rao, Y. K., Geethangili, M., Fang, S. H., & Tzeng, Y. M. (2008). Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of naturally occurring phenolic and related compounds: a comparative study. Food and chemical toxicology, 46(12), 3636-3645.
