Overview of Bauhinia marlothii Engl.
Bauhinia marlothii Engl., also known as the butterfly tree, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is indigenous to southern Africa, specifically found in parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Common Names
The plant has different common names based on its location. In South Africa, it is referred to as the pride of De Kaap, mountain bauhinia, or marloth's mountain bauhinia. In Zimbabwe, the butterfly tree is also known as the mountain ebony or the purple bauhinia.
Appearance
The butterfly tree is a semi-deciduous shrub or tree that can grow up to 7 metres tall. It has a dense canopy that is covered in beautiful purple butterfly-shaped flowers. These flowers can reach up to 8cm in length. The bark of the tree often has fissures and is dark brown in colour. The plant has large, two-lobed, green leaves, and its fruits are flat, woody, and can reach up to 24cm in length.
Uses
Bauhinia marlothii has various uses. The tree is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Its beautiful flowers attract various butterflies and bees, making it an excellent addition to any garden. The tree is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, and wounds. The wood is used in carpentry and is excellent for making furniture as it is hard and durable. Additionally, the tree is used in the treatment of soil erosion as the roots penetrate deep into the ground, holding it firmly in place.
Light requirements
Bauhinia marlothii Engl. is a sun-loving tree that prefers full exposure to sunlight. It grows best in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least six hours every day. While it can endure partial shade, it thrives in areas with abundant sunshine.
Temperature requirements
The plant is native to South Africa and is equipped to handle high temperatures. It prefers average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Bauhinia marlothii can tolerate minimum temperatures around 5°C but can die when exposed to frost.
Soil requirements
Well-draining soils are essential for the growth of Bauhinia marlothii. The plant grows best in sandy soils or soils that have a mix of sandy and loamy soils. It is also tolerant to soils with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. However, the soil should not be too fertile since it can weaken the tree, leading to pest and diseases attacks.
Cultivation Methods
Bauhinia marlothii Engl. is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that thrives in warm, sunny conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow well in both sandy and loamy soil types. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it is best to plant it in spring or summer when the temperatures are warmer.
Watering Needs
Bauhinia marlothii requires moderate watering during the growing season and minimal watering during the dormant season. It is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry, and ensure that the water reaches the roots at a depth of at least 6-8 inches.
Fertilization
Bauhinia marlothii can benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every two months, ensuring that the soil is moist before adding the fertilizer. During the dormant season, fertilization is unnecessary.
Pruning
Bauhinia marlothii requires minimal pruning, and it is best to prune the plant in early spring before the new growth appears. Prune back any damaged or dead stems, and remove any crossing or competing branches to maintain the plant's structure and shape. It is not necessary to prune the plant to promote flowering as it will naturally flower during the appropriate season.
Propagation of Bauhinia Marlothii Engl.
Bauhinia marlothii Engl., also known as the purple-pod bauhinia, is a shrub or small tree native to southern Africa. The plant produces stunning purple-pink flowers that bloom in winter and spring. The plant can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
If you want to propagate the plant by seeds, it's best to start in spring. The process involves collecting mature pods from the parent plant and removing the seeds. Then, you should sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a small pot or seed tray. Keep the soil evenly moist, and the temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Germination should occur within 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another way to propagate Bauhinia marlothii is through cuttings. Take cuttings of about 10-15 cm long from the parent plant in spring or summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose the nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and put the pot in a warm and bright location. Roots should form within 6 to 8 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering involves bending a low branch of the parent plant to the ground, wounding the stem slightly and burying it in soil. The point where the stem has been wounded will form roots. Once roots have formed, cut the branch from the parent plant and replant the new plant in a new location. Layering can be done all year round, but it's best to do it in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Bauhinia marlothii Engl.
Bauhinia marlothii Engl., also known as the purple pride, is a popular ornamental plant that is native to southern Africa. To ensure its proper growth and development, it is important to manage the diseases and pests that can affect it. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that affects the stems of the plant resulting in the formation of sunken, discolored patches on the bark. To manage canker disease, prune the infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent it from spreading.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that results in the formation of small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent it from spreading.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them and spray the affected plant parts thoroughly.
Scale Insects: These are small, immobile insects that feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, prune the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to prevent their spread.
Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on the leaves of the plants. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand and spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to prevent their growth.
By managing these diseases and pests, you can ensure the proper growth and development of your Bauhinia marlothii Engl. plant and keep it healthy and vibrant.
