Overview of Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv.
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. is a small tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and was first described by a British botanist, Daniel Oliver in the year 1860. The plant has gained popularity in recent years due to its ornamental value, but it also has medicinal properties.
Common Names
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. is commonly known by many names, including Welwitschia tree, Butterfly tree, Nasturtium tree, Kabondwe, and Mubuyu. These names vary due to the location and language used.
Appearance
The plant grows up to a height of 10m with a trunk having a diameter of up to 30cm. The bark is grey and smooth when young, but as the tree matures, it becomes rough with deep furrows. The leaves have a unique butterfly shape with a cutout at the center. They are green when young but turn yellow when mature. The plant blooms throughout the year, forming large clusters of fragrant pinkish-purple flowers with five petals.
Uses
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. is widely used for its medicinal properties. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomachache. It is also used to treat respiratory infections such as tuberculosis. The plant has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it useful in the treatment of skin infections. The tree is also used for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful flowers and unique leaves. Birds, bees, and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, making it an important plant in the pollination process. The wood of the tree is used in making furniture, and the bark is used for making rope and twine.
Overall, Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. is an important plant species with medicinal and ornamental values. Its unique butterfly-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers add beauty to natural landscapes, making it a plant worth conserving.Light Requirements
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. prefers partial to full sun exposure. It grows well in areas that receive ample amounts of sunlight for most of the day. Placement of the plant in shaded areas affects its growth and blooming abilities.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in warm to hot temperatures. It prefers temperatures within the range of 18-25 degrees Celsius. Freezing temperatures are not ideal for the plant, and it can cause damage or death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal soil for planting the plant is sandy loam. Poorly drained soil affects the plant's growth, blooming abilities, and the plant's overall health.
Cultivation Methods for Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv.
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. thrives best in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and occasional shade. The preferred soil pH level is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant is propagated by seeds, which are sown in a shallow container. The container should be covered with a plastic lid until seedlings emerge, after which it is removed.
Watering Needs for Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv.
The plant is drought-tolerant, but it prefers moderate watering. It is best to avoid over-watering to prevent the plant's roots from rotting. Water the plant once a week during warmer months, and reduce watering during cooler months. Water the plant more frequently when growing in sandy soil and less when growing in clay soil.
Fertilization for Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv.
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow and thrive. A balanced fertilizer is recommended, with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season, every four to six weeks. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter because it may lead to excessive growth, resulting in weakened branches.
Pruning Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv.
Pruning promotes healthy growth by removing dead or damaged branches. The ideal time for pruning is during the plant's dormant period, which is during winter. Cut out dead or diseased branches to prevent further damage to the plant. Additionally, prune to shape the plant and control its size. When pruning, use clean and sharp tools to prevent the spread of infections.
Propagation of Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv.
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. is a tropical climbing plant that is native to Angola and Namibia. The plant is well-known for its beautiful pink and white flowers, which are borne on long stalks from mid-spring through summer. It is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated through various methods.
Seeds
Seeds are the most common way of propagating Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season. The seed should be sown in a sterile potting mix that is moist but not wet. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
It will take two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 4 inches, they can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. To take cuttings, select a healthy, young stem that is free of any diseases or pests. The cutting should be about 6 inches in length and should be taken from the tip of the stem. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only two to three leaves at the top of the stem.
Put the cutting into a pot of well-draining soil and water it lightly. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright location. The cutting will start to grow roots in two to three weeks. Once the roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. This method involves creating a small wound on a healthy stem and applying a rooting hormone. A moist, sterile soil mixture is then packed around the wound, and it is covered with plastic wrap.
After a few weeks, roots will emerge from the wound. Once the roots are well developed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and replanted.
Division
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant's roots into smaller sections, each of which can be planted in a separate pot or directly into the ground.
To do this, gently dig up the plant and separate the roots using a sharp knife or garden spade. Be sure to keep each section of the root system intact. Replant each section in a separate pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management:
Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. is susceptible to a range of fungal and bacterial diseases, such as leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause defoliation, reduced growth, and even death of the plant if left untreated.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain a healthy plant through regular pruning and watering, as well as avoiding overhead watering and removing infected leaves promptly. Additionally, applying fungicides or bactericides can be effective in controlling the spread of disease.
Pest Management:
Common pests that may affect Bauhinia welwitschii Oliv. include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems, leading to reduced growth and even death of the plant if not managed properly.
To manage these pests, regular monitoring and inspection of the plant can help detect the problem early. It is also effective to introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control the population of the pests. In severe cases, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective in controlling the pest population.
