Barleria bremekampii Oberm.
Barleria bremekampii Oberm. is a species belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 1 meter wide. It is native to Tanzania, East Africa, and is commonly found in coastal forests, rocky hills, and grasslands.
Common names
Barleria bremekampii Oberm. is commonly known as 'Coastal barleria' or 'Bremekamp's barleria'.
Uses
The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, fever, and snake bites. The roots and leaves of the plant are boiled, and the decoction is used as a remedy.
Additionally, the plant is often used for landscaping purposes in coastal regions due to its tolerance of sandy soils and harsh salt spray conditions.
General Appearance
The leaves of Barleria bremekampii Oberm. are oblong to lance-shaped, about 10 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The flowers are tubular and have a purple color with white accents. They bloom in clusters at the tips of the branches from spring to summer. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Barleria bremekampii Oberm. thrives in full to partial sun exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well. Low light conditions can hinder its growth and flowering ability.
Temperature Requirements
The plant favors warm temperatures and cannot tolerate freezing conditions. Barleria bremekampii grows best in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. If the temperatures fall below 10°C, the plant may die.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Barleria bremekampii is well-draining, slightly acidic, and nutrient-rich. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Sandy loam soil is the best for this plant. The addition of organic matter such as compost or leaf mold can improve soil quality and fertility.
Cultivation:
The Barleria bremekampii Oberm. plant thrives the best in a warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 20 - 25 degrees Celsius. It prefers well-draining soil that is high in organic matter and slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 - 6.5. The ideal location for planting this species would be in an area that receives direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon.
Watering Needs:
This plant requires regular watering to maintain its moisture levels. However, you should be careful not to overwater it or allow the soil to become too soggy or waterlogged. You should wait for the top 1 - 2 inches of the soil to become dry before watering it again. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency to prevent waterlogged soil.
Fertilization:
As an acid-loving plant, Barleria bremekampii Oberm. requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth. You should provide it with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that contains high levels of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Fertilize the plant every month during the growing season and reduce the amount during the dormant season.
Pruning:
Barleria bremekampii Oberm. requires regular pruning to control its size and shape. You should prune it in the early spring or late winter, just before the active growing season. You can trim the plant to the desired size and shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. You can also remove any old flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Barleria bremekampii Oberm.
Barleria bremekampii Oberm. can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds should be collected from the fruits when they turn brownish. Then, wash the seeds with clean water and remove the pulp. Sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix, with a depth of around 0.5 cm. Ensure that the soil is constantly moist, but not waterlogged. With adequate temperature and moisture, the seeds shall germinate within 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Take stem cuttings around 5-7 cm long with 2-3 nodes, from a healthy plant during the active growth time. Remove any lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone before planting. After that, place the cutting in a potting mix consisting of sand or perlite and peat moss. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet. After 2-3 weeks, the cutting shall develop roots and grow several leaves.
Propagation through Division
The plant can also be propagated through division, which is best done during the spring season or early summer. Dig up the plant and divide it into several smaller sections, ensuring that each section has roots and shoots. Replant the sections in well-drained soil, keeping them adequately moist. New growth shall emerge from the divided sections within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Barleria bremekampii Oberm. is susceptible to a variety of fungal diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust, and root rot. Keeping the plant healthy and maintaining good air circulation can prevent most of these diseases. In case of an outbreak, a fungicide can be used to treat the affected area. It is recommended to follow the instructions mentioned on the product label for correct dosage and application.
Pest Management
Barleria bremekampii Oberm. can be affected by many pests like aphids, mites, whiteflies, and scale insects. These pests can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and even death of the plant. Regular inspection of the plant can help identify any pest infestations. In case of an infestation, a pest control solution can be used. Treatment can be done by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Always read the label instructions before applying any pest control product. Additionally, removing the affected parts of the plant and keeping the area clean can help prevent future pest problems.
