Overview of Baissea Welwitschii (Baill.) Stapf ex Hiern
Baissea welwitschii (Baill.) Stapf ex Hiern is a species of flowering plant belonging to the subfamily Capparoideae, within the wider family Brassicaceae. This plant is commonly referred to as Maguire's mustard, and it is native to southern Angola and western Namibia.
General Appearance
The Baissea welwitschii plant has a shrubby, woody appearance with thick stems that grow up to 1.5 meters high. The leaves of this plant are simple, and circular in shape, with a distinct velvety appearance on both sides.
These leaves are characterized as succulent leaves that are bright green, and measure up to 9 cm wide and 15-20 cm long. Each leaf has a single, prominent mid-vein and several secondary veins. The flowers are small and pale yellow, measuring up to 7 mm across, and form clusters at the tips of the branches. The flowers bloom during the spring months and produce oblong fruits that are about 2 cm long.
Traditional Uses and Medicinal Properties
The Baissea welwitschii plant is highly valued by indigenous communities in Angola and Namibia due to its numerous medicinal properties. Traditionally, the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments, including stomach and intestinal pains, fever, and bronchitis.
In addition, the plant contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which have been found to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Hence, the plant has great potential as a source for natural medicine.
Cultivation and Conservation
Baissea welwitschii is not a commonly cultivated plant, given its native distribution and highly specialized growth requirements. The plant thrives in a semi-arid habitat, with well-drained soil. It is tolerant of both partial shade and full sun and prefers warm, dry climates, making it resilient to drought and extreme temperatures.
However, due to the plant's highly specialized growth requirements and habitat fragmentation in its native range, Baissea welwitschii is considered threatened and is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving this unique species and its natural habitat are currently underway.
Light Requirements:
Baissea welwitschii thrives in bright and indirect sunlight. It is recommended to provide the plant with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to promote healthy growth. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch, so it is best to move the plant away from the window during hot summer months to avoid overexposure. Proper illumination is necessary to encourage healthy foliage and flowering.
Temperature Requirements:
It is important to maintain the temperature of Baissea welwitschii within the range of 18 to 24°C (65 to 75°F). The plant is not frost tolerant and cannot survive harsh winters. During cold weather, the plant should be moved to a warm and sheltered location. On the other hand, exposure to temperatures above 24°C (75°F) may cause stress and affect the plant's overall health.
Soil Requirements:
Baissea welwitschii thrives in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The pH level should be between 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil mixture should be loamy and have good aeration. Avoid using heavy and compact soils that may retain water for extended periods, leading to root rot and other soil-borne diseases. It is recommended to repot the plant once every two years to ensure optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods of Baissea welwitschii
Baissea welwitschii is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It grows best in full sun to partial shade.
The plant should be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings in the spring. Transplanting should only be done when the plant is dormant. It is important to plant Baissea welwitschii in a pot or container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out.
Watering Needs of Baissea welwitschii
Baissea welwitschii requires moderate watering during the growing season, with a focus on deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
When watering, ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist without becoming water-logged. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization of Baissea welwitschii
Baissea welwitschii requires minimal fertilization. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. As the plant is slow-growing, apply a small amount of fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Do not over-fertilize as this can damage the plant, leading to yellowing of leaves or stunted growth.
Pruning of Baissea welwitschii
Baissea welwitschii requires very little pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can stimulate the growth of new flower buds and keep the plant looking neat.
Prune any diseased, damaged, or dead stems immediately. In addition, remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant to prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Baissea welwitschii (Baill.) Stapf ex Hiern
Baissea welwitschii (Baill.) Stapf ex Hiern is a rare and endangered plant species endemic to Angola. Propagation of this plant species is crucial for its conservation and preservation.
Seed Propagation
This plant species produces small, shiny, black seeds that eventually turn red when fully matured. The use of fresh, viable seeds is recommended for propagation.
The seeds can be sown either in seedboxes or in the field. When sown in seedboxes, ensure that soil quality is excellent, with good drainage and aeration. The seedbed should be moistened, and the seedboxes should be kept under shade and protected from direct sunlight. Germination starts between two to three weeks, and the emergence rate is about 70%.
When sown in the field, the recommended spacing is 2 - 3 m between seedlings. The field should be prepared before sowing by clearing weeds and incorporating organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm, and the soil should be pressed lightly to ensure good seed-soil contact.
Cuttings Propagation
Baissea welwitschii (Baill.) Stapf ex Hiern can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Hardwood cuttings collected from mature, healthy plants are preferred for propagation. Cuttings that are about 20 - 30 cm long and about 0.5 - 1 cm thick should be collected during the dormant season. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a well-draining substrate. Rooting occurs in about 3 - 4 months, and the success rate is about 50 - 60%.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Baissea welwitschii (Baill.) Stapf ex Hiern. The method involves dividing mature plants into small pieces that have developed root systems. The divided pieces should be planted in a well-draining substrate, and the plants should be watered and fertilized regularly.
Disease and Pest Management for Baissea welwitschii
Baissea welwitschii is a drought-resistant plant that usually grows in sandy and rocky soils of the African savannah. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can cause extensive damage and hinder its growth. Employing the following disease and pest management strategies can help protect the plant and ensure its healthy development.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes irregular-shaped spots on the leaves, which turns yellow or brown and eventually fall off. Avoid overhead watering or getting the foliage wet, as it promotes the spread of fungus. Also, remove and destroy the infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot: Overwatering and poorly draining soils can cause root rot in Baissea welwitschii. The plant usually exhibits stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. Planting the species in well-draining soil and watering it adequately can help prevent root rot. However, infected plants usually require immediate removal to avoid its spread.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are common in Baissea welwitschii. They are usually located on the undersides of the leaves and can cause stippling and yellowing of the leaves. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs or using insecticidal soap can help control spider mites infestation. Regularly cleaning the foliage using a damp cloth can also prevent their spread.
Scale Insects: These sap-feeding pests commonly attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, forming scales. They can cause chlorotic leaves, stunted growth, and even death in severe infestations. Control scale insects by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or using horticultural oils to suffocate them. Physically removing the scales using a soft-bristled brush or cotton ball dipped in alcohol can also help manage the pest.
By proper maintenance, such as regular watering and pruning, as well as keeping an eye out for signs of pests and diseases, Baissea welwitschii can remain healthy and thrive, providing an attractive and unique addition to any garden.
