China Doll

Dr.N.K.MANOHARAN

        Most people want to experience a natural environment in their indoor environment. Radermachera Sinica or China Doll is an air purifying, non-toxic and low-maintenance evergreen plant. An evergreen tree in the family Begoniaceae native to the subtropical mountainous regions of southern China and Taiwan. Radermachera Sinica, also known as China doll, serpent tree or emerald, the word Sinica in the name means "from China". The attractive glossy green leaves of this plant make it a good houseplant. It's a plant that doesn't need constant moisture, but to avoid stem rot and other problems, water only after the soil underneath is dry. Another thing to note is that if this plant is grown in the same pot for long periods, excess salt will build up in the soil it is standing in, causing leaf tip burn. The plant needs well-drained, but dry soil, but frost is the plant's enemy, as protecting the plant from strong winds is essential to its survival. Is a China doll an indoor plant or an outdoor plant? Now you may be in doubt, China doll with bright emerald-colored leaves is an indoor plant, but it can be grown outdoors as well. As an indoor plant, this plant needs 4-5 hours of full sunlight a day. This plant is very fast growing under ideal conditions so it needs to be trimmed occasionally. Grows to over six feet tall. A proper balance of light and moisture is essential for a healthy China doll plant with shiny leaves to grow well. However, these plants grow slowly the trick is to do it before you feel the need for pruning. It is worth noting that Radermachera Sinica or China Doll is not a poisonous plant and is non-toxic to animals and humans, so you can safely grow a China Doll plant in your home as well as purify the air around it.

The best soil for planting Radermachera Sinica or China Doll should be a pe

at moss-based mix with vermiculite or perlite added, such as African Violet Potting Mix. Applying organic fertilizers every 2 weeks will help the plant grow. Feed the China Doll plant with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 N-P-K) diluted in half from spring to fall. 4-inch (10 cm) stem cuttings can be planted in spring or summer to produce new seedlings. The camphor cuttings should be planted in a bright and indirect light location. Keep the soil moist during this time and within 3-4 weeks the roots will begin to grow. Radermachera Sinica or China Doll is a tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height and one meter in diameter. When fully grown, the leaves are 20 to 70 cm long and 15 to 25 cm wide, and the flowers are white, about 7 cm long, and resemble a large begonia flower in shape. The flowers bloom at night and last only one night and wither in the morning sunlight. The flowers appear from spring to early summer and are very fragrant. This is a tea that doesn't like constant repotting, Radermachera Sinica or China Doll is cultivated in West Bengal, India. Recently, shorter high breed varieties have been released, often known as the Asian bell tree. The leaves are very attractive, glossy, dark green and lacy. It grows to a maximum height of 3 meters, so it can be called an indoor or patio plant that needs indirect sunlight. It can be grown outdoors in tropical to subtropical and Mediterranean climates. It should be planted in rich, well-drained soil with good sunlight and partial shade, protected from drying winds and frost.

 

Drynaria Quercifolia

Dr.N.K.MANOHARAN

Drynaria quercifolia, commonly known as oak-leaf fern, is an epiphytic fern found in the tropics. It is widely grown throughout Southeast Asia, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This fern is known for its distinctive stems that resemble oak leaves. Its scientific name is Drynaria quercifolia.  In our country, it is known as Tuthimpalakanal, Marayolapannal, Kottapannal, Okilapannal, Konga, Pannipacha, and Crown pannal. It is known by many names. It is used as medicine in traditional medicine and Ayurveda. It is a plant commonly found in India, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea and Australia. It has deeply divided pinnate leaves, but the leaves on the side of the nest resemble acorns. From it comes the name Okilapannal or Oak Leaf Fern. Drynaria quercifolia, commonly known as oak-leaf fern or basket fern, is a species of epiphytic fern in the family Polypodiaceae. Now we will see what are its characteristics, habitat and uses. The stems of this plant i.e. Drynaria quercifolia are dimorphic, meaning they come in two forms. Fertile stems are large, deeply lobed, and oak-leaf shaped, while sterile stems are short, rounded, and form a basket-like structure at the base. A characteristic feature of this plant is its hairy rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant to stick to the bark of trees or other surfaces. Fertile stems can be up to 90 cm long. Drynaria quercifolia is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants, most commonly trees, but it is not parasitic. It also grows by drawing nutrients from the air and sediments that accumulate around it.  The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia, including India, China, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia. It thrives well in moist and shady environments such as rainforests and moist and shady woodlands. It seems that this area you are seeing is also like that. Here this plant grows on oil palms. It seems to be a plantation owned by the government. Now let's see how it is cultivated and protected. This plant prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn its stems. Moisten the substrate regularly

Watering is necessary, but do not stand water. Prefers warm temperatures typical of tropical climates. This plant should be protected from extreme cold during winter. Drynaria quercifolia is popular as an ornamental plant due to its attractive stems and epiphytic nature. It is often attached to hanging baskets, bark, or tree trunks. In some countries, parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including bone fractures and arthritis, although scientific evidence to support these uses is limited. Interesting facts about this plant The basket-like structure formed by its sterile stems helps it collect organic debris, which decomposes and provides nutrients to the plant. This creates a microhabitat for small organisms, which helps the plant's nutrient supply. Likewise, Drainaria quercifolia can be easily propagated by seeds or rhizome division. Its rhizomes are thick, covered with brown hairs, prefer moist and shady environments, and usually grow on trees or rocks.

Drynaria quercifolia is used in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Its rhizomes are the primary part used for medicinal purposes. In traditional Chinese medicine, the rhizome is used to treat bone fractures and promote bone healing. It is believed to stimulate osteoblast activity and aid in bone formation and repair. Also this plant is used to control osteoporosis oil by improving bone density. Moreover, its rhizome extract has anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in treating conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Compounds in Drynaria quercifolia exhibit antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage. The plant is traditionally applied to wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. Extracts from the plant show antimicrobial activity against various pathogens including bacteria and fungi. It is also used to treat respiratory ailments like cough, cold and asthma. Its rhizome is used to treat digestive problems like diarrhoea and dysentery. Drynaria quercifolia contains various bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, as well as phenolic compounds.  Its rhizome is often boiled to make a decoction for internal use or external application. The dried rhizome can be ground into a powder and used in capsules or mixed with other ingredients. A paste or powder made from the rhizome is applied to wounds or fractures. The correct dose should be determined by a healthcare provider, especially as higher doses may cause adverse effects.

It is best not to use Drynaria quercifolia during pregnancy and breastfeeding because studies on that route are yet to be done, so it should be used with caution. As with any herbal medicine, there is a possibility of allergic reactions. A patch should be tested for local applications.  Drynaria quercifolia is a fern with considerable medicinal value, especially for bone health and its anti-inflammatory properties. Its traditional uses and modern research support its role in treating various ailments. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before using as a remedy to ensure safety and effectiveness