Origin of Basananthe polygaloides
Basananthe polygaloides is a perennial herbaceous plant that is indigenous to the southeastern part of Africa, specifically found in the countries of Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi.
Common Names of Basananthe polygaloides
The plant is commonly known as 'Velvet Cloak' or 'Velvet Basananthe' due to its velvety leaves. It is also referred to as 'Polygala-like Basananthe' or 'Basananthe Polygaloides'.
Uses of Basananthe polygaloides
Basananthe polygaloides is used for medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional African medicine. It is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat various ailments, including headaches, stomachaches, and diarrhea. The plant is also used for culinary purposes as a traditional African spice and is added to stews and soups to add flavor and aroma.
General Appearance of Basananthe polygaloides
The plant has a distinct and unique appearance. It grows up to 70cm tall and has ovate leaves that are covered with whitish-gray hairs, which gives the plant a velvety feeling when touched. Its flowers are clustered at the end of the branches, and they are pinkish-purple in color. The plant's roots are woody and simple, and it grows well in moist and well-drained soils.
Light Requirements
Basananthe polygaloides grows best under full sunlight exposure. In areas with hot climates, it may benefit from some shade in the hottest parts of the day, especially in the afternoon. In shaded locations, however, the plant may not produce as many flowers as it would in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Basananthe polygaloides is a heat-loving plant, and it thrives in warm to hot conditions. It can withstand moderate frost during winter but may experience some damage in severe frost-prone areas. The plant prefers temperatures between 20-30°C during the day and 10-15°C at night.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral pH. A loamy soil mixed with organic matter such as compost is best. The roots of Basananthe polygaloides are not deep, so it is better to grow it in shallow soils that can retain some moisture for short periods. Avoid waterlogging at all costs as this may cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Basananthe polygaloides is a South African native plant that belongs to the pea family. It grows well in a well-drained soil mix of sand and loam or sandy-loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6-7.5.
The plant prefers full sun or partial shade with ample airflow. Ensure the site has good drainage to avoid waterlogging, especially during the winter season.
Watering Needs
Basananthe polygaloides has moderate to low watering requirements. Water the plant deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out partially before watering again. During the summer season, water the plant at least twice a week.
Reduce watering significantly during the winter season to avoid waterlogging. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Fertilization
For Basananthe polygaloides, a regular application of a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is sufficient, applied once a month during the growing season.
Using organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or organic vegetable fertilizer can also be effective. However, ensure they are well decomposed before applying them to prevent burning of the plant roots and to avoid introducing pathogens to the soil.
Pruning
Basananthe polygaloides requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Ensure to use clean and sterilized pruning tools to minimize the risk of introducing infections to the plant. Only prune during the growing season to avoid stunting the growth of the plant.
You can also prune the plant to maintain its shape, but avoid cutting back more than one-third of the branches at a time.
Propagation of Basananthe Polygaloides
Basananthe polygaloides is a beautiful plant specimen that can be propagated by various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the parent plant when the capsules have ripened, and they are starting to split open. The seeds should be stored in a dry, cool area for a month or two before sowing. The seeds can then be sown in trays or pots filled with a well-draining soil mix, then placed in indirect light until they germinate.
Division
Division is a propagation method that can be done during the growing season. The parent plant has to be dug up very carefully to prevent damaging or destroying the roots. The plant can then be divided into smaller clumps with a clean, sharp knife. The new plants should be planted into a well-drained soil mixture with equal amounts of sand, compost, and peat moss.
Stem Cuttings
A stem cutting of 10 to 15cm long can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cutting should be done just below or above a node, and all the leaves below the node should be removed. The cutting should be planted in well-draining soil mix, with the bottom third of the stem buried firmly. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment and misted daily until it takes root.
With proper care and attention, Basananthe polygaloides can be easily propagated using these methods, enabling gardeners to have more of this beautiful plant in their gardens.
Disease Management
While Basananthe polygaloides (Hutch. & K.Pearce) W.J.de Wilde is resistant to most diseases, it is still prone to some that may stunt its growth or cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Root rot: Occurs due to overwatering and soil that retains too much moisture. To manage this, avoid overwatering and ensure the soil is well-draining.
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves and can inhibit photosynthesis. To manage this, use a fungicide recommended for powdery mildew control.
- Leaf spot: Caused by a fungus that results in circular lesions on the plant's leaves. To manage this, promptly remove and dispose of the affected leaves.
Pest Management
Despite being a hardy plant, Basananthe polygaloides (Hutch. & K.Pearce) W.J.de Wilde can still be vulnerable to different types of pests. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wither. To manage this, spray the plant with a neem oil solution or an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: They can cause the plant's foliage to turn yellow and leave webs around the plant. To manage this, wipe the plant's foliage with a damp cloth, prune heavily-infested areas, and use a miticide to kill the mites.
- Caterpillars: They can eat the plant's foliage and weaken the plant. To manage this, handpick them off the plant, or use an insecticide for heavy infestations.
To prevent these pests and diseases from attacking the plant, ensure that the plant is given appropriate environmental conditions to keep it healthy and strong. Good cultural practices, such as not overwatering or over-fertilizing, can go a long way in preventing the plant from being susceptible to pests and diseases.
