Overview
Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is indigenous to southern Africa and commonly found in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It is widely known for its culinary and medicinal properties.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to by various names like lepokolo, climbie, monkey ropes, Bosso-ya-masotsha, and elephant's trunk tea because of the shape of its branches.
Appearance
The plant grows as a shrub reaching up to 1 meter tall and is characterized by a multi-branched, woody base. The stem is green and has scales on it. The leaves are fine and needle-like, and the flowers are typically yellow, small, and cylindrical. The plant has a carious and resinous fragrance, which is particularly distinct on warm sunny days.
Uses
The Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma has enormous medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic effects. The plant is traditionally used to cure various ailments, including stomach problems, heartburn, and rheumatism. Due to its medicinal potentials, the plant is also used in the production of various industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements. In the culinary industry, Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma commonly referred to as rooibos, used to make tea, popular for its high content of antioxidants and its caffeine-free properties.
In conclusion, Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma is a plant species that is highly valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. The plant's rich history of traditional medicine practice and modern-day uses has made it a prominent species of study in the scientific world.Growth Conditions of Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren
Light Conditions: Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma typically requires full sun for optimum growth and development. The plant usually grows well in areas with bright light, and therefore, it is not favorable to plant them in shady areas.
Temperature Requirements: Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma can grow in various temperature ranges, but it usually thrives well in areas with moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is usually between 20°C and 25°C. It is important to ensure that the temperature is not too high, as it may damage the plant.
Soil Requirements: Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma typically grow well in most soils, but it is best to plant them in well-drained soils. The plant also grows well in sandy and loamy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It is important to note that the plant is not suitable for areas with heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren, commonly known as 'Cape Mountain Tea,' grows well in sandy and loamy soils. It prefers warm and sunny climates in hardiness zones 8 to 11. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in the fall or winter, or root the stem cuttings in early spring.
Watering Needs
Cape Mountain Tea requires regular watering in the first two to three years after planting. Water the plants thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate drought and requires infrequent watering. However, if the soil becomes too dry, the plant may wilt or suffer from heat stress.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, Cape Mountain Tea should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers that may promote excessive vegetative growth, and instead use a low-nitrogen fertilizer that contains phosphorus and potassium. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant, and water it in thoroughly.
Pruning
Cape Mountain Tea requires minimal pruning, but some light pruning may be necessary to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. The best time to prune is after flowering, in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and trim back the tips of the remaining branches to encourage branching. Avoid severe pruning, which may reduce the plant's flower production.
Propagation of Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren
Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren is a plant that can be propagated by different methods:
Seed propagation
The seeds of Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren need to be scarified before sowing to break their hard outer layer. Scarification can be achieved by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper, boiling them in hot water or using a weak acid solution. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil, covered with a thin layer of sand and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren can also be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Cuttings should be taken from lateral shoots that have slightly hardened but still have some flexibility. Cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, stripped of their lower leaves and planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept moist and under partial shade until they form roots, which usually occurs within 6-8 weeks.
Division propagation
Another way of propagating Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren is through division of the plant. This method is best done in spring, when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug out of the ground and gently pulled apart into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some shoots. The sections should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish.
Disease Management
Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it is still susceptible to a few ailments. The following are some of the most common diseases that can affect this plant:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that can cause discoloration and rotting of the plant's roots. To manage it, remove any affected plants and avoid overwatering.
- Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove any affected leaves and avoid overcrowding the plants.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage it, remove any affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plants.
Pest Management
Aspalathus divaricata Thunb. subsp. leptocoma is also relatively pest-resistant, but it can still fall prey to a few insects. The following are some of the most common pests that can affect this plant:
- Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids can cause yellowing and spotting of the leaves. To manage them, wash the leaves with a strong stream of water and keep the air around the plants humid.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects can cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves. To manage them, remove any affected leaves and spray the plants with an insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These small insects can cause curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage them, spray the plants with a strong stream of water or a neem oil solution.
