Description of Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr.
Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr. is a species of plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to Madagascar and known by its common name in the Malagasy language as "tampolo."
General Appearance
Bastardia angulata is a shrubby plant that typically grows up to 1-2m tall. It has a dense arrangement of spiny branches and stiff leaves that are elliptical to ovate in shape, with a length of 3-8 cm and a width of 1.5-5 cm.
The flowers of Bastardia angulata are bright yellow and arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a capsule that splits open when mature to release many small black seeds.
Uses
Bastardia angulata has various traditional uses, including for medicinal purposes. The leaves, bark, and roots are used in several Malagasy traditional medicines to treat various ailments such as stomachache, diarrhea, and fever.
Additionally, the plant has ornamental value and is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and form.
Light Requirements
The plant Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr. thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight exposure may damage the leaves, causing them to wither and brown. Therefore, appropriate shade or filtering of sunlight is advisable to maintain the plant's health.
Temperature Requirements
Bastardia angulata requires a consistent temperature range of 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) for healthy growth. It struggles in temperatures below 15°C (59°F) and temperatures above 24°C (75°F), which lead to slow growth and death of the plant. It is best grown in an environment where there is a moderate temperature range and limited temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and high in acidity, with a pH range of 5 to 6.5. The medium should also maintain sufficient moisture levels without waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. To ensure proper drainage, a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be used as the growing medium.
Cultivation of Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr.
Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr. is a plant that requires minimal maintenance. It is an adaptable plant that can grow in various types of soil and environments. The ideal cultivation condition is in well-draining soil and partial shade. Ensure to plant the seedlings in well-prepared soil with good drainage and adequate spacing.
Watering Needs of Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr.
Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr. requires moderate watering, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, as this could lead to root rot. Watering the plant regularly is beneficial, especially during the dry season, but be careful not to overwater.
Fertilization of Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr.
Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr. requires minimal fertilization. Applying organic fertilizer twice a year in the early spring and late fall is enough. However, if the leaves start to yellow, apply a balanced fertilizer to restore the plant's health and growth.
Pruning of Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr.
Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr. benefits from a light pruning after the flowering season. The pruning will help to encourage more growth and a better shape for the plant. Use a pair of sterile pruning shears to trim the plant by removing dead branches or ones that appear broken or damaged. Always remember to aim at maintaining the plant's natural shape and make sure not to prune more than one-third of the plant's height or branches at once.
Propagation of Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr.
Bastardia angulata Guill. & Perr., also known as the "false olive," is a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to Madagascar. It is a woody plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width. The plant has distinctive leaves that are green and glossy on the upper side, with a pale gray or white underside and angled edges, hence its name "angulata."
Propagation of the Bastardia angulata can be done through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering:
Seeds
Seeds of the Bastardia angulata can be sown directly into the soil or using seed trays. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until germination, which can take up to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the soil.
Cuttings
Cuttings are a popular method of propagation for the Bastardia angulata as they are relatively easy to grow. Softwood cuttings taken from the plant's tips are ideal for propagation. The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long, and the lower leaves should be removed before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. It takes up to six weeks for the roots to develop, and then the cuttings can be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the soil.
Layering
Another propagation method for Bastardia angulata is layering. This involves bending a branch of the plant and burying it in the soil. The branch should be held in place with a stake or wire, and a small mound of soil added on top. The buried section of the branch will then develop roots, which can take around 6-12 months. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Overall, propagation of the Bastardia angulata is relatively easy, and any of the above methods can be used to expand your plant collection or share plants with friends.
Disease Management
Plant diseases can cause significant damage to Bastardia angulata and reduce its productivity. Some common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens and appears as dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. It can cause premature defoliation and reduce plant vigor. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides or practice crop rotation by avoiding planting this species in the same place for consecutive seasons.
- Root rot: This disease is mostly caused by overwatering or soil-borne fungal pathogens. It leads to wilting, yellowing or browning of foliage, and root decay. To manage it, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the plant surface. It can stunt plant growth and reduce yield. To manage it, you can apply fungicides, prune infected parts, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Pest infestation can also affect the quality and quantity of Bastardia angulata. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the plant tissue and suck sap, leading to wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. They also transmit viral diseases. To manage them, you can use insecticides, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them.
- Cutworms: These are larvae of moths that feed on the stem and root of seedlings, leading to wilting and death. To manage them, you can use insecticides or place a collar made of cardboard around the stem of seedlings to prevent them from feeding on the stem.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the plant tissue, leading to yellowing and wilting of foliage. They also produce webbing on the plant surface. To manage them, you can use insecticides or introduce natural predators like predatory mites, ladybugs, or lacewings.
