Overview:
Baissea axillaris (Benth.) Hua, also known as the Axillary Baissea, belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a herbaceous perennial plant. It has a unique appearance that makes it an attractive addition to any garden.
Appearance:
Baissea axillaris has a woody base, with stems ranging from 30–60 cm in height. Its leaves are green and covered in white hairs, and the flowers are a beautiful shade of lilac-pink, appearing in clusters at the end of the stems.
Origin:
Baissea axillaris is native to South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay. It grows naturally in open fields and is commonly found in the savannas and grasslands of these regions.
Common Names:
Baissea axillaris has a few common names, including “Aromo del Campo” or “Rosa Del Jerico” in Spanish, and “Axillary Baissea” in English.
Uses:
The Axillary Baissea plant has several uses. It is often used in traditional medicine as a treatment for various ailments, including respiratory problems, fever, and stomach issues. Additionally, it is used in the cosmetic industry due to its high flavonoid and phenolic compound content, which possess anti-aging and skin-protective properties.
Light Requirements
Baissea axillaris is a plant species that requires a lot of sunlight to grow well. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, though it grows best in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a window with southern or western exposure for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Baissea axillaris grows best in warm temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This plant can't survive below 10°C, and it may start to wither if exposed to cold temperatures. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in a warm or tropical environment.
Soil Requirements
Baissea axillaris prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A sandy loam or loamy soil mixture will provide the right balance of drainage and moisture retention for optimal plant growth. Avoid planting this species in heavy clay soils, which can become waterlogged and lead to root rot. It is recommended to mix the soil with a slow-release fertilizer to provide the nutrients required for proper growth.
Cultivation of Baissea axillaris
Baissea axillaris is a plant that thrives in warm regions with a dry climate. It requires ample sunlight to grow and should be placed in an area that receives around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight exposure every day. While it can grow in most soil types, it prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Watering Needs of Baissea axillaris
Baissea axillaris is a drought-tolerant plant and prefers to be watered conservatively. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. It is best to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering the plant again. During the summer months, it is recommended to water Baissea axillaris every two to three weeks. During the winter months, you can water the plant even less, around once a month.
Fertilization of Baissea axillaris
Baissea axillaris is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the springtime. It is better to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize, as too much fertilizer can lead to decreased flowering and low plant health.
Pruning Baissea axillaris
Pruning is essential to maintain the health and shape of the plant. Prune Baissea axillaris once a year after it finishes blooming in the fall. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any crossing branches that may become caught in one another. This process will promote healthy growth and encourage better flowering in the next season.
Propagation of Baissea axillaris
Baissea axillaris is a perennial shrub that can be propagated by seed and vegetatively. The following are the propagation methods:
Seed propagation
Baissea axillaris seeds should be collected from ripe fruit, which is dark and has a texture that indicates the seeds are mature. The collected seeds should be washed and soaked in water for 24 hours to improve germination. The soaked seeds should be sown in a seedbed or pots filled with a well-draining medium. The medium should be kept moist, and the seeds should be covered lightly with soil. Seeds should germinate in 4 to 6 weeks at a temperature of 21 to 25°C.
Vegetative propagation
Baissea axillaris can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings and layering. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and vigorous plants in the spring. The cuttings should be 8 to 10 cm long with three to four nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept under high humidity and moderate light conditions until they form roots in 4 to 6 weeks.
Layering is another vegetative propagation method where a branch is bent and buried in soil while still attached to the parent plant. After some time, roots will form at the point where the branch is in contact with the soil, and the layered branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its own pot or into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Baissea axillaris (Benth.) Hua
Baissea axillaris (Benth.) Hua is a hardy plant that can grow well in a variety of conditions. However, like all plants, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can cause damage to the plant and reduce its growth and productivity. Effective disease and pest management are therefore crucial to maintain the health and vigor of Baissea axillaris plants.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Baissea axillaris is leaf spot, which is caused by fungal pathogens such as Septoria and Cercospora. Symptoms of leaf spot include small brown or black spots on the leaves, which may enlarge and merge over time, causing the leaves to wither and die. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides may also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Baissea axillaris is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe. Symptoms of powdery mildew include white or gray powdery patches on the leaves and stems, which can reduce photosynthesis and weaken the plant. To manage powdery mildew, affected leaves and stems should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides may also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One common pest that affects Baissea axillaris is the aphid, which feeds on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and stunted growth. Symptoms of aphid infestation include curled or distorted leaves and the presence of sticky honeydew on the plant. To manage aphids, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings may be introduced to the environment. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to control aphids.
Another pest that can affect Baissea axillaris is the spider mite, which also feeds on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Symptoms of spider mite infestation include webbing on the plant and the presence of tiny specks on the underside of the leaves. To manage spider mites, natural predators such as predatory mites may be introduced to the environment. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to control spider mites.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, gardeners can help to ensure the health and vitality of their Baissea axillaris plants, allowing them to thrive and produce abundant foliage and flowers.
