Origin
Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill, commonly known as Lemon-scented basil, is a plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is originally from southern Africa and can be found in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as Lemon-scented basil or Lemon bush. In South Africa, it is called "Umavumbuka" in Zulu, which means "the one that makes you wake up."
Uses
Becium citriodorum has a fragrant lemon scent and is used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Its leaves are used as a flavoring ingredient in salads, sauces, and soups. In traditional medicine, the leaves are used to treat coughs, colds, and fever. The plant is also used as an insect repellent and to keep ants away from homes. Becium citriodorum is a popular ornamental plant in gardens, and its essential oil is used in perfumery and aromatherapy.
General appearance
Becium citriodorum is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. It has slender stems that are green or reddish-brown in color, with small hairs. The leaves are oval-shaped, green, and grow up to 5 cm long and 3 cm wide. They have a rough texture, and the margins are toothed. The plant produces small white or purple flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom from summer to autumn.
Growth Conditions of Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill
Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill, also known as Lemon Bush, is a perennial plant that typically grows in South Africa. It requires specific growth conditions to thrive and produce healthy blooms and foliage.
Light Requirements
The Lemon Bush requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. The plant cannot tolerate shade, and if it is grown in low light conditions, it will produce fewer blooms, and the foliage will be weak.
Temperature Requirements
The Lemon Bush is a plant that requires warm temperatures to grow. It thrives in temperatures between 75°F (24°C) and 85°F (29°C) during the day and 60°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C) at night. Temperatures outside this range may cause plant stress, resulting in stunted growth and wilting of leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements
The Lemon Bush requires well-draining soil to grow. The soil should have good aeration, so water and nutrients can easily reach the roots. It also requires soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level of between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant can grow in various types of soil, including sandy, loam, and clay; however, it grows best in sandy soil with low clay content.
Water Requirements
The Lemon Bush requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth and development. It needs sufficient water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and under-watering can cause plant wilting. It is recommended to water the Lemon Bush deeply once a week in the absence of rain. During the hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering to prevent dehydration.
Fertilizer Requirements
The Lemon Bush requires adequate fertilization to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. It is recommended to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, preferably in spring and again in mid-summer.
Overall, the Lemon Bush requires warm temperatures, full sun exposure, well-draining soil, regular watering, and adequate fertilizer to grow optimally and produce healthy blooms and foliage.
Cultivation
In its natural habitat, Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill is found in open grasslands and along forest margins. To cultivate this plant, choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. This plant is tolerant of different soil types, but it prefers soils that are slightly acidic.
Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Plant the seeds or cuttings in the spring, after the last frost. The seeds should be planted in shallow furrows and covered with a thin layer of soil. For cuttings, remove a 4- to 6-inch stem from a healthy plant and plant the cutting in moist soil.
Watering Needs
Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to foliar diseases. Instead, water the plant at the base to prevent water from sitting on the leaves.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, fertilize Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Additionally, you can amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning Becium citriodorum S.D.Will. & K.Balkwill encourages branching and helps to promote a bushier growth habit. This plant can be pruned at any time during the growing season. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage lateral growth, and remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, you can remove the spent flowers to prolong the blooming period.
Propagation of Becium citriodorum
Becium citriodorum, commonly known as Lemon Bush or Lemon-scented shrub, is a herbal plant native to Southern Africa. It is a bushy plant with gray-green foliage and lemon-scented leaves that make it an attractive plant for the gardeners. It can grow up to a height of 2 meters and thrives in well-drained soils and full sunlight. Propagation of Becium citriodorum can be done using various methods.
Seed propagation
The plant can be propagated from seeds, which can be sown in early spring or late winter. The seeds must be sown in a pot or seed bed containing well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, water them, and keep them in a warm and moist place. Within three weeks, the seeds will germinate. Once seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.
Cutting propagation
Becium citriodorum can also be propagated using cuttings. Take a 5-10 cm cutting from the end of the stem, ensuring that it has a few leaves. Remove any leaves near the base of the stem and dip it into rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a pot containing well-draining soil and keep them in a warm and moist place. The cuttings will root within 2-4 weeks. Move the rooted cuttings to a larger pot or plant them into the garden bed.
Division propagation
Becium citriodorum can also be propagated by division. In the early spring, dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps. Replant the divided plants in a well-draining soil mixture.
Grafting propagation
Becium citriodorum can also be propagated by grafting. Take a stem from a healthy plant, and graft it onto a suitable rootstock. Water the newly grafted plant and keep it in a warm and moist place. Once the graft is complete, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.
Disease Management
Becium citriodorum is generally resistant to major fungal diseases. However, it can sometimes fall prey to powdery mildew, especially in cool and moist conditions. Brown spot and leaf spot can also affect the plant.
To manage powdery mildew, prune the infected areas of the plant and destroy them. Water the plant only at the base, and avoid overhead irrigation. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged. You can also apply fungicides to prevent its spread.
Brown spot and leaf spot can be managed by removing the infected plant parts and destroying them. Use sterilized tools to prune the plant. Ensure that the plant is well-ventilated and not overcrowded, which can lead to the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Becium citriodorum is not commonly affected by pests. However, it can become the target of spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Spider mites can be washed off with a strong jet of water. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a last resort. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, which can harm beneficial insects.
Aphids and whiteflies can be managed by releasing natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a last resort. Ensure that the plant is well-maintained, as unhealthy plants are more susceptible to pests.
