Becium Affine (hochst. Ex Benth.) Chiov. Var. Cyclophyllum Chiov.

Overview

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. is a plant species that belongs to the family Lamiaceae and the genus Becium. It is native to Africa and commonly found in Ethiopia and Somalia.

Common Names

The plant has several common names including African rosemary, Kenya mint, and mountain sage. In Ethiopia, it is known as "chachamwari," while in Somalia, it is called "furmin."

Uses

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including curing stomach ailments, headaches, and respiratory issues. In Ethiopia, the plant is used for culinary purposes where its leaves are added to stews and soups for flavoring. Additionally, the plant is used as an ornamental plant due to its flowers' vibrant colors.

General Appearance

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. is a perennial herb that grows up to one meter in height. The plant has small, narrow leaves that are about four centimeters long and are arranged oppositely on the stem. The leaves are green, slightly hairy and have a pungent odor. The flowers are small and grow in clusters, with colors ranging from pink, purple to white. The plant's stem is woody and hard, making it able to withstand harsh conditions. Overall, Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. has an attractive appearance that makes it ideal for both medicinal and ornamental purposes.

Light Requirements

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. typically grows in areas that receive full sun exposure. In fact, it thrives in locations with high light intensity, making it ideal for cultivation in areas with long sunny hours. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to facilitate its growth process.

Temperature Requirements

The plant requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. It grows well in hot and dry regions with daytime temperatures of between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. During the night, temperatures of between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius are ideal. Adequate ventilation, especially during the hot weather, is essential to moderate the temperature and prevent excessive heat from destroying the plant.

Soil Requirements

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. thrives in sandy-loamy and well-drained soils, which are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The soil should have a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ranging between 6.0-7.0. It is important to note that the plant is intolerant to waterlogging, so the soil should be well-drained to prevent water stagnation, which can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.

Cultivation Methods

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can grow in most types of soil, including dry and rocky soils, but prefers well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division of established clumps. It is easy to cultivate, and once established, it requires minimal care.

Watering Needs

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. can tolerate drought conditions, but it requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on soil moisture levels. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the winter months.

Fertilization

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. does not require much fertilizer. A general-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season to promote growth and flowering. Over-fertilization can produce lush growth at the expense of flowers, so it is essential not to apply too much fertilizer.

Pruning

Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. var. cyclophyllum Chiov. does not require much pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Pruning can be done in the spring to remove any damaged or dead stems. The plant can also be pruned to maintain its shape and reduce its overall size. Regular pruning can promote a fuller, bushier plant.

Propagation of Becium affine var. cyclophyllum

Becium affine var. cyclophyllum, commonly known as Blue Mountain sage, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to East Africa. It can be propagated through both vegetative and seed methods. Here are some of the propagation methods:

Vegetative propagation

Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant parts such as stems, leaves, or roots to produce new plants. The most common vegetative propagation method used for Becium affine var. cyclophyllum is stem cuttings. Here are simple steps to follow when propagating this plant through stem cuttings:

1. Select healthy and disease-free stem cuttings from the parent plant.
2. Cleanly cut the stem cuttings using a sharp knife or pruning shears to about 8-10 cm in length.
3. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving only the top leaves intact.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant them in a rooting medium of sand and peat moss.
5. Water the cuttings gently to prevent the rooting medium from washing away and place the container in a shaded area.
6. After four to six weeks, check if the cuttings have rooted by gently tugging them or observing new growth.
7. Once the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into separate containers containing well-draining potting soil.
8. Provide adequate water and light to the newly transplanted plants.

Seed propagation

Seed propagation involves sowing seeds in a suitable growing medium to establish new plants. If you intend to propagate Becium affine var. cyclophyllum through seed, here are the steps to follow:

1. Collect mature seeds from the parent plant when they turn brown and dry.
2. Scarify or nick the seeds carefully to break their outer covering, which aids in germination.
3. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften their coat and improve germination rates.
4. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mixture, covering them lightly with soil.
5. Water the planting medium lightly to avoid rinsing the seeds away.
6. Place the container in a shaded area with a consistent temperature of around 22-25°C.
7. Keep the planting medium moist by watering gently frequently.
8. The seedlings should emerge within two to four weeks. When the seedlings are significant enough and have produced their first set of true leaves, transplant them into individual containers.

Disease and Pest Management for Becium affine var. cyclophyllum

Becium affine var. cyclophyllum is a species of plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, there are a few common diseases and pests that gardeners should be aware of to ensure the plant stays healthy.

Common Diseases

One common disease that can affect Becium affine var. cyclophyllum is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white or gray powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, fungicidal sprays may also be used.

Another disease that may affect the plant is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to the roots of the plant becoming waterlogged and damaged. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and has good drainage.

Common Pests

One common pest that may affect Becium affine var. cyclophyllum is spider mites. Spider mites are small pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any affected leaves. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil may be effective in controlling spider mites.

Aphids are another common pest that may affect the plant. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling aphids.

Overall, careful management of watering, ventilation, and regular inspection of the plant can help prevent many common diseases and pests that may affect Becium affine var. cyclophyllum. If pest or disease infestations are severe, it is best to consult a professional gardener for additional advice and treatment options.