Overview of Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob.
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to central and eastern Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This plant is also commonly known as flat-leaved becium or African basil.
Description
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is a perennial herb that can grow up to 90 cm in height. It has a woody stem with green leaves that are flat, linear, and up to 12 cm in length. The flowers of this plant are pink to purple and are arranged in whorls. The fruit of this plant is a nutlet that is black or brown in color.
Uses
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used to treat various illnesses. The leaves of this plant are often brewed to make tea that is believed to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. This plant has also been used to treat ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, and fever. Additionally, this plant is used as a culinary herb to flavor foods, and the leaves are used to make insect repellent.
In traditional African medicine, Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is used to treat malaria, gastrointestinal infections, and urinary tract infections. The essential oil of this plant is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a potential source of natural products for the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusion
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is a versatile herb that has a wide range of uses in both traditional medicine and culinary practices. Its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties make it useful in treating various ailments, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a promising source of natural products for pharmaceutical applications.
Light Requirements:
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. needs abundant sunlight to maintain healthy and continuous growth. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure on a daily basis is required for optimal development.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species grows best in warm climatic conditions. An average day temperature ranging from 25-30°C and night temperature from 16-18°C is suitable for its growth. However, it can also tolerate low temperatures ranging from 10-15°C for short periods.
Soil Requirements:
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and essential nutrients. A soil pH value ranging from 6-7 is suitable for optimum growth. It can grow well in sandy soils and loamy soils that have good water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods for Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob.
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is a hardy perennial plant that can grow in various conditions. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures.
To cultivate this plant, choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Ensure that the seeds or cuttings are planted in spring or early summer when the soil is warm.
The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive. Therefore, plant it in an open area where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering Needs for Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob.
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in hot and dry conditions. However, it requires regular watering during its first year of growth.
Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the rainy season. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob.
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. does not require frequent fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth.
Fertilize the plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning of Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob.
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. does not require frequent pruning. However, deadheading spent flowers can promote new growth and ensure the plant looks tidy.
Prune the plant in spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. Additionally, prune the plant to shape it or control its size if necessary.
Propagation of Becium Centrali-Africanum var. Linearifolium Ayob.
Becium Centrali-Africanum var. Linearifolium Ayob., commonly known as "Lemon Bush," can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The Lemon Bush plants produce small-sized black seeds that can be sown directly into the soil. The seeds should be sown during the early spring season, preferably in a shaded area. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have reached a sufficient size, they can be transplanted into their permanent locations.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Becium Centrali-Africanum var. Linearifolium Ayob. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. For this method, choose a healthy stem with green leaves and cut it from the parent plant. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only the top few leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and plant it into a well-draining soil mixture. Water the soil thoroughly and keep the soil moist until roots appear. Transplant the cutting into its permanent location once roots have developed.
Propagation through Division
The Lemon Bush is a clumping plant, which means that it can be propagated through division. To do this, carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots and stems into smaller sections. Replant the divided sections into well-draining soil and water the soil thoroughly. Ensure that the soil remains moist until the new plants have established themselves.
Disease Management
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is vulnerable to various diseases that can cause significant damage if not managed on time. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant, which eventually cause the leaves to wither and fall off. It is caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora and Alternaria. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. Affected plants may exhibit wilting, stunting, yellowing or browning of leaves, and eventually death. To manage root rot, it is recommended to avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Infected plants should also be uprooted and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Becium centrali-africanum (R.E.Fr.) Sebald var. linearifolium Ayob. is also susceptible to pest infestations that can cause damage to the plant if not managed properly. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plant tissues, causing stunted growth, curling of leaves, and yellowing. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Mites: These are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing discoloration and distortion. To manage mites, you can prune and dispose of infected plant parts and apply miticides as a last resort.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on plant leaves, causing ragged holes and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, you can handpick them and dispose of them, or use biological control methods such as the introduction of natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and pest infestation, and take prompt action to manage them. Prevention is always better than cure, so ensure that you maintain good plant hygiene, provide optimal growing conditions, and avoid over-fertilization or overwatering that can weaken the plant's defenses.
