Lancea Tibetica
Contents
Description
Lancea Tibetica, commonly known as Tibetan lancea, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Himalayas, found in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Tibet. It is a highly valued medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The plant grows up to 80 cm tall and produces beautiful lavender-blue flowers that bloom in summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lancea |
Appearance
Lancea Tibetica has lance-shaped green leaves that grow up to 10 cm long and 3 cm wide. The stems are square and hairy. The flowers grow in whorls and are lavender-blue in color, with a length of up to 2.5 cm. They bloom in summer, from June to August. The plant produces small brown fruit that contains four tiny seeds. The roots are woody and brownish in color, growing up to 5 cm long.
Care Guide
Lancea Tibetica is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some of the care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant Lancea Tibetica in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can tolerate full sun exposure in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: Lancea Tibetica is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lancea Tibetica is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common issues that may occur are:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Use sticky traps or insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and reduce watering if necessary.
Habitat
Lancea Tibetica is native to the Himalayas, where it grows in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and forest margins. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lancea Tibetica a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Lancea Tibetica is a highly valued medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Lancea Tibetica?
A: Lancea Tibetica is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Q: How do you care for Lancea Tibetica?
A: Water the plant regularly, fertilize it once a month during the growing season, plant it in well-drained soil, provide partial shade to full sun exposure, and ensure that it is hardy in your zone.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Lancea Tibetica?
A: Aphids, whiteflies, and root rot are the common pests and diseases that may affect Lancea Tibetica.
Related Plants
- Lancea Tenuifolia
- Lancea Sinensis
- Lancea Chinensis
References
- Bhattarai, S., & Chaudhary, R. P. (2012). Medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Sangla valley of Western Himalaya. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 8(1), 14.
- Li, P., & Gao, X. (2012). Medicinal plant diversity and traditional healing practices in eastern Nepal. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 143(1), 71-79.
- Smith, R. M., & Fletcher, A. (2017). The ethnobotany of Tibetan medicinal plants. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 202, 109-126.
