Overview
Aspalathus puberula (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren, also known as the hairy rooibos or puilblad, is a member of the Fabaceae or legume family. It is an evergreen shrub native to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa.
Common Names
Aspalathus puberula is commonly known as hairy rooibos or puilblad in Afrikaans.
Appearance
Aspalathus puberula is a shrub that grows up to 1 meter high. It has hairy, green branches and oval-shaped leaves that are also hairy and green. The plant produces small, yellow, tubular flowers that bloom from July to October.
Uses
The leaves and stems of Aspalathus puberula are used to make a caffeine-free herbal tea similar to rooibos. The tea is considered to have a slightly sweet taste and is known for its antioxidant properties. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as inflammation, stomach ailments, and fevers.
Light Requirements
Aspalathus puberula is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It cannot thrive in shaded conditions as it needs sunlight to carry out the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for the plant's growth and survival. Therefore, it should be grown in open areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
As a native plant of South Africa, Aspalathus puberula is well-adapted to warm and dry conditions, and it can tolerate hot temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 20 and 30°C during the day and not less than 12°C during the night. In winter, the plant can tolerate mild frost but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures, which can kill it.
Soil Requirements
Aspalathus puberula prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It grows well in sandy soils and can tolerate low to moderate fertility. The plant cannot withstand waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Therefore, the soil should be enriched with organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage. Additionally, the plant can grow in areas with low to medium rainfall.
Cultivation Methods
Aspalathus puberula is a shrub that can be grown both horizontally and vertically. It is best to plant the shrubs in well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.0. Furthermore, it grows best in full sunlight, and it thrives in warm conditions with moderate humidity. Plant the shrubs in the spring, after the last frost has passed, to ensure optimal growth. Seedlings should be spaced apart to allow for ample light and air circulation and to prevent competition for nutrients. Furthermore, it is critical to keep the soil moist during the shrub’s early development stages.
Watering Needs
The Aspalathus puberula plant requires moderate watering, with the shrubp often needing irrigation only once or twice a week. It is critical to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged in the plant’s early stages of growth. Drought causes the shrub to lose its leaves, making it easy prey for pests and encouraging fungal growth. Once the plant is established, it is more tolerant of periods of drought. However, during its maturation stage and when it’s fruiting, water should be more regular. The shrub does best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.0.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the soil with a balanced blend of NPK fertilizer will increase the plant's growth if done during the Aspalathus puberula's peak growth season in the summer. To do so, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the spring or early summer, while the plant is in its growing stage, to encourage growth. Add a balanced fertilizer before flowering to boost the plant's nutrient levels, as well as after harvesting to prepare the bush in readiness for the next blossoming season. Note that over-fertilizing Aspalathus puberula may result in excessive leaf growth, at the cost of flower production and fruit set or causing a burnt or stunted effect.
Pruning
Pruning of A. puberula should take place during the early spring months, before the plant begins to grow actively. Pruning is vital to remove any dead or damaged branches, allowing the plant to focus its resources on producing new growth. If the bush is not pruned, its vigorous shoots grow upward and lush, resulting in heavy blocking, affecting the production of flowers. Remove the aggressive stems and thin out the branches to prevent crossing of branches and allow adequate sunlight and air circulation. Shearing also provides a shrub a more compact or rounded look. However, it’s best to lop off the old, dead vegetation entirely and allow the new vegetation to grow and fill any gaps from scratches or nicks on the plant.
Propagation of Aspalathus puberula
Aspalathus puberula (Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.Dahlgren, commonly known as Red Root, is a small shrub native to South Africa. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is known for its medicinal and ornamental properties. Here are the different methods of propagating Aspalathus puberula:
From Seed
The easiest method of propagating Aspalathus puberula is by seed. The seeds can be collected from the plant during the flowering season. They can then be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready for sowing.
The seeds should be sown in a seedling tray filled with a well-draining potting mix. They should be covered lightly with the soil and kept moist. The tray should be placed in a warm, bright spot, but not in direct sunlight.
The seedlings should appear within a few weeks. Once they have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
From Cuttings
Aspalathus puberula can also be propagated from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growth period, which is usually in the spring and summer months.
The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the plant and should be around 5-10 cm long. They should be stripped of their lower leaves and then dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm, bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can then be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
From Division
Aspalathus puberula can also be propagated by division, although this method is less common. The plant should be dug up carefully and then divided into smaller sections, each with its own root system and foliage.
The divisions should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm, bright spot, but not in direct sunlight.
Propagation of Aspalathus puberula is simple and easy, and it can be done using any of these methods. It is a hardy plant that grows well in most soil types and is relatively low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Disease Management
Aspalathus puberula is a drought-resistant plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, they can still suffer from a few diseases, including:
- Root rot: excessive watering and poor drainage can cause root rot. Remove affected plants, avoid overhead watering and improve soil drainage.
- Anthracnose: this fungal disease is characterized by brown, sunken lesions on leaves. Remove affected foliage, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
- Botrytis blight: this fungal disease can cause browning and wilting of leaves. Remove affected foliage, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Aspalathus puberula is not very vulnerable to pests. However, a few pests may still cause damage to these plants. Here are the most common ones and ways to manage them:
- Spider mite: these pests are tiny and can suck the plant's sap, leading to wilting and yellowing of leaves. Wash off the mites using a strong stream of water and apply insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: these pests cause scarring, curling, and spotting of leaves. Use sticky traps to monitor and control them and remove affected leaves.
- Nematodes: nematodes are microscopic worms that can damage the plant's roots. Rotate crops and ensure the use of nematode-resistant plants. Soil solarization can also help reduce the nematode population in the soil.
