Description of Basilaea coronata Lam.
Basilaea coronata Lam., also known as Crown-flower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family of Apocynaceae.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to tropical Asia, including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is also found in Australia, Africa, and the Pacific islands. Basilaea coronata Lam. prefers to grow in warm and humid conditions and can be found in lowland and hill forests.
Common Names
Basilaea coronata Lam. is referred to by different names depending on the location. In Indonesia, it is called "Mahkota Dewa," which means "God's Crown," while in Malaysia, it is known as "Pokok Tiga Hari," which means "Three-day plant."
Uses
The plant is widely used in traditional medicine as it is believed to have medicinal properties. In Indonesia, the fruit and leaves of Basilaea coronata Lam. are used to treat various ailments, including fever, hypertension, and diabetes. In Malaysia, the plant is known for its antitumor and anticancer properties.
Basilaea coronata Lam. is also used for ornamental purposes as it produces beautiful white and yellow flowers that resemble a crown. The flowers are used in religious ceremonies and festivals across Southeast Asia.
General Appearance
Basilaea coronata Lam. is a small tree that grows up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are large and glossy, and the flowers are small, white, and yellow, with five petals. The fruit is a round berry that contains numerous seeds. The plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Growth conditions for Basilaea coronata Lam.
Light: Basilaea coronata Lam. prefers a well-lit environment with bright, direct sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but must receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature: This plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures between 20 to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C but doesn't survive long in temperatures below 15°C. It is important to note that excessive heat can cause damage to the leaves and impact plant growth and development.
Soil: Basilaea coronata Lam. requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers sandy soil that is well-aerated and can retain some moisture. It grows well in soil that has been supplemented with organic matter like compost or manure. It is not recommended to grow this plant in clayey soil as it does not drain well.
Water: This plant requires regular watering done deeply and less frequently. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to leaf yellowing and root rot. The frequency of watering depends on various factors like temperature, humidity, and soil porosity. It is recommended to water twice a week during summer and once a week during winter.
Fertilizer: Basilaea coronata Lam. requires regular fertilization to maintain growth and overall health. It is recommended to add a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and then monthly during the growing season. Over-fertilization can result in salt build-up, leading to toxicity in the plant.
Humidity: This plant prefers a moderate to high level of humidity. It grows well in environments with moderate humidity levels of around 60-70%. High humidity can promote the development of fungal diseases, so it is essential to maintain the right balance.
Cultivation Methods
Basilaea coronata Lam. is a shrub that is commonly grown in tropical regions. It is an easy plant to grow, and it requires minimal care.
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in full sun or partial shade, but it does best in bright, indirect light. The plant needs to be protected from strong winds and cold temperatures, which can damage the foliage.
Basilaea coronata Lam. can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seeds should be sown in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering Needs
Basilaea coronata Lam. requires regular watering, but it should not be overwatered. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
During the hot and dry months, the plant should be watered more frequently. The water should be applied directly to the soil, avoiding the foliage. Overhead watering can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Basilaea coronata Lam. benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 is ideal for this plant.
The fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. It should be watered in immediately after application.
Pruning
Basilaea coronata Lam. should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.
The plant can be pruned any time of the year, but it is best to do it at the beginning of the growing season. The pruning should be done with clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to the plant.
The pruning should focus on removing dead or damaged branches and encouraging new growth from the base of the plant. It can also be trimmed to maintain a desired size or shape.
Propagation of Basilaea coronata Lam.
Basilaea coronata Lam. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, layering, and division.
Seed propagation
Seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the field. The best time for sowing is during the monsoon season or at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with compost. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist. The seeds should germinate within 10 to 15 days.
Cutting propagation
Basilaea coronata Lam. can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inches long stem cuttings from the parent plant during the growing season. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot containing well-draining soil mixed with compost and keep it in a shaded area. Water the cutting regularly and it will develop roots in a few weeks.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagation for Basilaea coronata Lam. Bend a low-growing stem of the parent plant and cover it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. After a few weeks, roots will develop from the covered part of the stem. Cut the new plant from the parent plant and plant it in a new pot or in the field.
Division
Basilaea coronata Lam. can also be propagated through division. This can be done by digging up the parent plant during the dormant season and dividing the root mass into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots. Plant the divided sections in a new pot or in the field, keeping the soil moist until the plant is established.
Disease and Pest Management for Basilaea coronata Lam.
Basilaea coronata Lam. is a popular herbal plant that is commonly used in traditional medicines. It is more commonly known as the crown flower or giant milkweed. While it is a relatively hardy plant, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can impact its health and productivity. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Pest Management
Milkweed bugs: Milkweed bugs are one of the most common pests that affect Basilaea coronata. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage this pest, you can prune off infected plant parts, keep the plant well-watered, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the insects.
Aphids: Aphids are another commonly encountered pest that can damage Basilaea coronata. They attack the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause stunted growth and leaf curling. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with water to dislodge them, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or use insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can be difficult to detect until significant damage has occurred. They feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can increase humidity around the plant, prune off infected plant parts, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Disease Management
Fungal leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Basilaea coronata. It causes small, circular black or brown spots on the leaves that can grow and merge, eventually causing the leaf to wither and die. To manage fungal leaf spot, you can remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and use copper fungicides.
Root rot: Root rot is a serious disease that can affect Basilaea coronata if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. It causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt and die. To manage root rot, you can improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants.
Mosaic virus: Basilaea coronata can be susceptible to mosaic virus, which causes mottling and yellowing of the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this virus, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
By staying vigilant and taking appropriate measures to manage pests and diseases, you can keep your Basilaea coronata healthy and productive for years to come.
