Origin and Common Names
Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. is a perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The plant is commonly known as the forest wild basil or mountain wild basil due to its habitat and aroma. This plant species is indigenous to East and southern Africa, specifically found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.General Appearance
The Becium affine plant generally grows up to 80 cm tall and features a woody stem that is covered in small hairs. It has oval-shaped leaves, which are dark green and slightly succulent. The leaves are also fragrant, with a minty scent that is often used in cooking. The flowers of the Becium affine plant are small and white, sometimes a shade of light purple. They grow in dense clusters at the top of the plant and attract bees and other pollinators.Uses
The Becium affine plant has significant medicinal value in traditional African medicine. Its leaves, stems, and roots are used to make remedies for a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, fevers, and diarrhea. The plant also possesses antimicrobial properties that make it effective in treating various infections. In addition to its medicinal uses, Becium affine is often used as a flavoring in food and beverages. The plant's leaves can be added to tea for a refreshing and fragrant beverage, and it is also used as a garnish in salads and stews. Overall, Becium affine is an important plant species in African traditional medicine and gastronomy, providing both medicinal and culinary benefits to the community.Growth Conditions of Becium affine
Becium affine (Hochst. ex Benth.) Chiov. is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Africa. It is commonly found in open woodlands, grasslands, and in rocky places. The plant grows in clumps and has a woody base.
Light Requirements
Becium affine requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but if grown in too much shade, it will become leggy and produce fewer flowers. The plant should be placed in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Becium affine is 15-25°C. It is a heat-tolerant plant and can withstand high temperatures. It is not frost tolerant and should be grown in areas where the temperature does not fall below 10°C. The plant can survive in areas with low humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity.
Soil Requirements
Becium affine prefers well-draining soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it grows best in sandy or loamy soils. The pH of the soil should be between 6.5-8.5. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and can survive in areas with low rainfall, but it should be watered regularly during prolonged dry spells.
Overall, Becium affine is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. By providing enough sunlight, maintaining the right temperatures, and using the appropriate soil type, it will thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Becium affine is a drought-tolerant, shrubby perennial, native to Africa. It can reach up to 1 m in height and 50 cm width. This plant prefers full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. It can grow well in a wide range of soil types, but well-drained soil is crucial for optimal growth and development.
You can propagate this plant using seeds or stem cuttings. Sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost, or take stem cuttings during the summer. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and mist them regularly until they establish strong roots.
Watering Needs
Although the plant is drought tolerant, regular and deep watering once a week during the growing season is essential for its optimal growth and development. Watering requirements vary depending on the soil type and the plant's age and size. Avoid overwatering, as this may promote root rot.
Fertilization
Becium affine does not require heavy feeding. However, you can fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to enhance flowering and growth. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost to feed the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not a necessity for Becium affine, but you can trim it in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact and tidy shape. Cut off any dry or damaged stems and cut back the previous year's growth by up to a third to encourage new shoots and enhance bushiness. Deadheading the faded flowers regularly can also extend the plant's flowering period.
Propagation of Becium Affine
Becium affine is a herbaceous plant species that can be propagated by both sexual and asexual means. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common means of propagation for Becium affine. It is advisable to collect the seeds during the flowering season. The seeds should be dried, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dry place before planting.
Place the seeds in a soil mixture that is well-drained and fertile. The seeds should be covered with a layer of soil that is about twice their size. Water the soil immediately to ensure that the soil is moist. Cover the pot with a transparent sheet or plastic bag to simulate a greenhouse environment.
The seeds will normally germinate within two or three weeks. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and gradually reduce the amount of water. Ensure that the seedlings have access to adequate light, but avoid direct sunlight as it could harm the young plants. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they reach a height of about 5cm.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is the quickest way to multiply Becium affine. The ideal season for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer. Select healthy, mature stems that have no flowers or buds.
Cut the stems into sections that are about 8-10 cm long. Remove the leaves from the lower section of the stem, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
The cuttings should be placed in a soil mixture that is well-draining and kept moist by regular watering. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or transparent sheet to provide a greenhouse environment. The cuttings will root in about three weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, remove the plastic cover and gradually expose them to light.
After four weeks, when the cuttings have started to grow, it is safe to transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Becium affine
Becium affine is a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but it can still fall prey to pests and diseases under certain conditions. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage them, blast them off with water, spray with a mixture of water and detergent, or use insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that attack the leaves of becium. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap, or introducing predatory mites.
Diseases
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can destroy the roots of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage it, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper drainage, and remove infected plants.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper fungicide.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white talcum-like powder on the leaves and stems. To manage it, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply a fungicide.
Black root rot: Black root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to turn black. To manage it, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper drainage, and remove infected plants.
By taking preventive measures and managing diseases and pests promptly, you can keep your Becium affine healthy and thriving.
