Overview
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is a flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae, belonging to the genus Bartsia. It is commonly known as Kilimanjaro Bartsia and is native to the East African mountains. The plant is used for various medicinal purposes and has a unique appearance that distinguishes it from other plants.
Origin
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is originated in East Africa, particularly in the mountains of Tanzania, including Kilimanjaro, Meru, and the Usambara Mountains. These plants are generally found in alpine and subalpine areas, growing in gravelly soil, rock crevices, and moss cushions. They thrive in wet and cool environments with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 25°C.
Common Names
In addition to Kilimanjaro Bartsia, Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is known by other common names such as 'Nambaro', 'Fringed Bartsia', and 'Mt. Kilimanjaro Bartsia'. These names refer to the plant's unique appearance and its natural habitat.
Uses
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. has various medicinal properties attributed to its use in African traditional medicine. The plant extract is used to treat malaria, fever, coughs, and colds. It also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in treating wounds and infections. Apart from its medicinal properties, Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. has ornamental value, and its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.
General Appearance
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall. The plant has a woody stem with small, narrow, and pointed leaves. The flowers are large and tubular with a distinctive fringed edge. They are bright pink, red, or purple and appear in clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit of the plant is a small, capsule-like structure that contains many tiny seeds.
In conclusion, Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is a unique and beneficial plant that plays a significant role in the African traditional medicine. Its striking appearance makes it an attractive ornamental plant, and its natural habitat in the East African mountains is worth preserving.Light Requirements
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. thrives under full sun to partial shade conditions. It is well-adapted to the high light conditions while growing naturally in the alpine and subalpine zones, where it has access to maximum sunlight exposure.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-drained soils and can grow in various types of soil including, volcanic ash, gravelly loam, and shallow soils in steep areas. Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is commonly found growing in soils that have low fertility levels, low nutrient elements, and are acidic which makes it well-adapted to challenging environments.
Temperature Requirements
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. grows in different temperature ranges with preference to a colder environment. It is well-adapted to cool-temperate to cold climate zones, where temperatures are below freezing point. It can survive in temperatures between -7°C to 20°C, which makes it well-suited to alpine habitats and cold regions such as the Himalayas.
Cultivation Methods
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is a rare plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. When planting, make sure to choose well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can propagate the plant through seeds or cuttings. While planting, space the plants around 12-18 inches apart to provide enough room for growth.
Watering Needs
This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. During the winter, reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming too wet and cold.
Fertilization
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. needs regular fertilization to ensure that it gets all the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause salt buildup and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant. However, if you want to control its growth or shape it, you can cut back some of the branches at the end of the growing season. Prune the plant just above the node, where the leaf connects to the stem. Avoid pruning during the winter, as it can cause damage to the plant.
Propagation of Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl.
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. commonly known as Kilimanjaro bartsia, is a plant native to East Africa that can be propagated through several methods.
Seeds
Propagation of Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is mostly through seeds. Collect the seeds in the fall after the capsules have fully ripened, harvested, and dried. The seed capsules can be easily broken open to obtain the seeds. Clean the seeds and store them in a dry and cool place. Just before the next growing season, sow the seeds in seed trays filled with a sandy loam mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand and keep them moist. Maintain a constant temperature of about 20°C by using a greenhouse or propagator. Germination typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Once they have grown a little, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Division
An alternative method of propagation for Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is by division. However, this is not commonly practiced due to the plant's taproot that is difficult to divide without damaging it. For those willing to try, it is best to divide the plant in the spring just as the new growth begins. Use a sharp spade to dig around the plant from the soil's outer edge, then lift and divide it into smaller portions, making sure that each portion has a part of the taproot system and sufficient shoots. Replant the divided portions into a moist, well-draining soil, ensuring that they are well watered, and protect them from direct sunlight for a few days to allow them to establish.
Cuttings
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. can also be propagated by cuttings, but this method is rare. To propagate through cuttings, select the strongest, healthiest shoots or stems during the active growing season. Cut the shoots or stem tips to a length of 10 to 15 cm, ensuring that there are at least two or three leaves on each cutting. Use a rooting hormone, then plant the cuttings into a rooting mix such as peat moss and sand. Keep the cuttings warm and moist while rooting. Rooting typically takes several weeks, and once rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl.
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is generally considered a hardy plant and is not often subjected to severe illness or pest attack. However, it is not immune to various diseases and pests that could affect both its appearance and growth. Timely and effective management of pests and diseases is essential to ensure healthy and robust growth of Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl.
Common Diseases
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is prone to fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases that could weaken or even kill the plant. The most common diseases that infest Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. include:
- Leaf spot: Leaf spots usually manifest in the early stages of plant development and are caused by fungal infestations. Infected leaves show small circular spots that turn yellow and eventually brown and fall off.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by soil-borne pathogens, and it is a deadly disease that affects the roots of the plant. Plants that are infected with root rot exhibit stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and can eventually lead to death.
- Mosaic virus: Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes mottling or discoloration of the leaves, and it can reduce the overall size of the plant. Plants with mosaic virus can also exhibit twisted and distorted growth.
Common Pests
Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. is also susceptible to pest attacks, particularly by insects that feed on the plant's leaves, stem, and roots. Some common pests that infest Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl. include:
- Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied insects that usually feed on the undersides of leaves, stem, and flowers. They suck the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and wilting.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are larvae of moths and butterflies. They feed on the plant's foliage, causing holes and damage to the leaves, and can sometimes lead to defoliation.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that infest the plant's leaves and suck the sap. They usually form spider webs on the leaves, and the affected plant leaves can turn yellow or brown and fall off.
Pest and Disease Management
To manage diseases and pests on Bartsia kilimandscharica Engl., several measures such as cultural, biological, and chemical control can be adopted. These methods work best when integrated for maximum effectiveness. Culturally, proper planting, regular pruning, and adequate water management can help prevent diseases and pests from infesting the plant. Biological control is another way to manage pests. Encouraging natural predators such as beneficial insects can help control infestations adequately. Chemical control can be adopted as a last resort when other methods have failed. The use of pesticides and fungicides should be done with care to avoid detrimental effects on the environment and non-target organisms.
