Overview:
Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. is a perennial herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known by several names such as the Namibian River Daisy and Bitter Kruid in South Africa. This plant is native to southern Africa, and it thrives in sandy soils near rivers, streams, and other water sources.
Appearance:
Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. grows up to 30-50 centimeters in height with leaves that are flat and linear and usually 6-10 centimeters long. The leaves are hairy or woolly and are green in color. This plant produces bright orange-yellow flowers that appear in clusters at the end of the stem. The flowers are daisy-like and measure about 3-4 centimeters in diameter, with a yellow center surrounded by yellow-orange petals. It blooms from July to December.
Uses:
Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. has various uses, both medicinal and cultural. The Nama people of Namibia use this plant to treat constipation, coughs, and indigestion, while the San communities use it as a natural dye for their traditional clothing. The flowerheads of this plant are also used in ornamental gardening because of their bright and attractive color. Additionally, the plant is important to the environment as it helps stabilize riverbanks and prevent erosion.
Cultivation:
Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. is easy to cultivate and requires little maintenance. It is best grown in full sun and well-drained soils in gardens or containers for ornamental purposes. This plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings in the late summer or early autumn. It is a hardy plant that can survive in drought conditions and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Growth conditions of Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh.
Light: Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers bright but filtered light. Direct sun can be harmful to the plant, causing damage to the leaves and stunted growth. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant near a window with sheer curtains, or in a location with bright indirect sunlight.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. is between 18°C to 25°C. It can tolerate a wider temperature range but must be kept away from cold drafts and frost. The plant may become dormant during the winter months if the temperature falls below 10°C.
Soil: A well-draining soil mix with good drainage is essential for healthy growth. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.5. A recommended mix is a combination of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite or compost. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is also advisable to allow the top layer of soil to dry up before watering.
Cultivation Methods
Amphithalea ciliaris, also known as the Golden dewdrop, is a fast-growing shrub that prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. To cultivate, choose a location with well-draining soil and space the plants about three to five feet apart. Plant during the early spring or in the fall months if you live in a warmer climate.
Watering Needs
Golden dewdrops thrive in well-draining soil but require regular watering during the establishment period. Once established, they can tolerate short periods of drought. However, it's best to water the plant deeply once a week during dry spells. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Golden dewdrops require regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Feed the plant every six to eight weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the fertilizer packaging and avoid over-fertilizing as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is another essential aspect of caring for Amphithalea ciliaris. Prune the plant during late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Use a pair of sharp shears and prune the branches about a quarter of an inch above the buds. You can also prune to shape the shrub and promote a bushier growth habit.
Propagation of Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh.
Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. is a woody perennial plant that grows in arid and semi-arid regions of Southern Africa. The plant is commonly propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
Seeds of Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. are collected from mature fruits that have turned brown or black in color. The collected seeds can be sown in seed trays or directly in the field.
The germination rate of Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. seeds is usually low due to their hard seed coat. Scarification of the seed coat by subjecting the seeds to mechanical or chemical treatment can improve the germination rate.
Propagation from stem cuttings
Stem cuttings of Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. are taken from semi-hardwood stems during the summer. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long, with at least two nodes.
The lower leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cuttings are treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium such as sand or a mixture of sand and peat moss.
The cuttings are kept in a warm, humid environment with a temperature of about 25 to 30°C. Rooting usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to a pot or directly into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh.
Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the Hairy Amphithalea, is a plant species that is prone to fungal diseases such as the following:
Fungal Diseases
1. Leaf Spot - Leaf spot disease is characterized by circular, brownish spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be caused by several fungal pathogens. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to prune the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to control leaf spot.
2. Root Rot - Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to decay. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil. Fungicides can also be used to control root rot.
Pest Management
Amphithalea ciliaris Eckl. & Zeyh. is also prone to several pests such as:
1. Aphids - Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by using insecticidal soap.
2. Spider mites - Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or by regularly spraying the plant with water.
3. Whiteflies - Whiteflies are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. They can be managed by introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps or by using insecticidal soap.
Regularly inspecting and monitoring the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations is essential to prevent the spread of infections. Early intervention is crucial to preventing the loss or damage of the plant. Using organic and natural methods to control pests and diseases is also recommended to avoid the harmful effects of chemical pesticides.
