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Re: Stevia, orn oregano, and more

At 11:12 AM 8/12/97 +0100, you wrote:
>Hi Richard,
>Haven't come across the concept of air drainage before ... can you explain
>?
>markspkn@iol.ie
>Galway, Ireland.

Mark:

Air drainage is the above-ground analogy of soil drainage.  Many
Meciterranean plants develop a congestion of dense leaves and twigs
internally, especially at their base.   This is a way to shelter themselves
from excess sun, wind, etc.

This backfires in humid climates, creating an environment for pests and
pathogens, thus weakening the plant.  Removal of this material helps the
plant survive.  It is essential that the plant is elevated for this to work,
so that heavier, more humid air can drain to a lower area.

Besides air flow, penetration by sunlight keeps the crown dry.  This helps
prevent rotting.  A 1/4 inch (1 cm) layer of reflective beach or
construction sand spread out underneath the plant can help by reflecting
light to the under side of leaves, keeping them dry.  Pea gravel and rock
mulches work the same way, and are essential for the successful culture of
some plants, even in the most beneficial climates.

One of the best ways to grow such plants is in containers such as hypertufa
troughs.  This has been a frequent topic of discussion on Alpine-L and
MeditPlants e-mail discussion groups.

Hope this helps,

Rich Dufresne
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