Overview
Becium filamentosum, also known as shrubby stachys or hairy-leaved becium, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. This plant is native to Eastern Africa and can be found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is commonly used for medicinal and culinary purposes.Appearance
Becium filamentosum is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height with a spread of about 50 cm. It has a woody stem, which is covered by small hairs, and produces elongated leaves that are typically about 6 cm in length. The leaves are hairy, rough, and can cover the entire plant. The flowers are tubular in shape, about 2 cm long, and are a light shade of pink to lavender. The plant commonly blooms during the dry season.Uses
Becium filamentosum is widely used in traditional medicine in Eastern Africa for treating various ailments such as stomachaches, headaches, and respiratory problems. The leaves are boiled in water to make a tea that is consumed to treat these ailments. The plant is also used as a spice in cooking, mostly in Ethiopia, where the leaves are added to soups and stews to give them a unique flavor. In addition, the plant has antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat skin infections. The plant extracts have shown promising results in inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth. The essential oils extracted from the plant have also been used in aromatherapy.Conclusion
Becium filamentosum is a versatile plant with many uses in traditional medicine, cooking, and aromatherapy. It is an attractive shrubby plant with elongated hairy leaves and pink to lavender tubular flowers. This plant is a valuable resource to the people of Eastern Africa and has potential for further research in medicine and other industries.Light Conditions
Becium filamentosum thrives in full sunlight conditions. It requires a minimum of 6 hours to 8 hours of direct sunlight to grow properly. In low light conditions, the plant tends to grow tall and leggy, which impacts its overall health.
Temperature Requirements
Becium filamentosum is a heat-loving plant that can withstand high temperatures up to 40 °C. It is commonly found inhabiting hot and arid regions and can also tolerate very dry conditions. The minimum temperature required for its growth is between 15-20 °C, while the maximum temperature typically falls between 25-40 °C.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in sandy to loamy soils that are well-draining. It can tolerate a pH range between 5.5-7.5. Becium filamentosum prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients, but it can also grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, the plant is sensitive to waterlogging, so it is essential to ensure adequate drainage.
Cultivation
Becium filamentosum (Forssk.) Chiov. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils. It prefers well-draining soil, but can also tolerate heavy soil.
The plant should be planted in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
Propagation can be done through either seeds or cuttings. For seeds, sow them in the spring after the last frost. For cuttings, take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in a mixture of sand and peat moss.
Watering Needs
Becium filamentosum (Forssk.) Chiov. prefers moderate watering. It should be watered deeply, but infrequently. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Fertilization
Becium filamentosum (Forssk.) Chiov. does not require a lot of fertilization. A general-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth. However, it's important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Becium filamentosum (Forssk.) Chiov. can be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring. Cut back any dead or damaged growth, then lightly trim the plant to shape it as desired.
Deadheading the plant after flowering can also encourage more blooms.
Propagation of Becium filamentosum
Becium filamentosum (Forssk.) Chiov. can be propagated both sexually and asexually. The plant is mainly propagated through stem cuttings and seeds.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is the most common method for propagating Becium filamentosum. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the end of a non-flowering stem and should be approximately 10-15 cm in length. After removing the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting, it should be placed in a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil.
A humidity dome or plastic bag can be placed over the cutting to help retain moisture, and it should be kept in a shaded area until roots start to form. Once roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is also possible, but it is less common. Seeds should be collected from ripe seed capsules and sown in well-draining soil. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate.
After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out to ensure adequate spacing. It is recommended to transplant the seedlings into larger pots or the garden once they have established a good root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Becium filamentosum
Becium filamentosum is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it is not completely immune, and if conditions are unfavorable, pests and diseases can become a problem. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Becium filamentosum, and some suggestions for managing them:
Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to rot and decay. The symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and that plants are not overwatered. If root rot does occur, remove affected plants immediately and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellowish spots to appear on the leaves of plants. The spots eventually turn brown or black and cause leaves to fall off prematurely. To prevent rust, ensure that plants are not overcrowded and that there is good air circulation around them. If rust does occur, remove affected leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish powdery coating to appear on the leaves of plants. Mildew can weaken plants and make them more susceptible to other diseases and pests. To prevent mildew, avoid overhead watering and make sure plants are not overcrowded. If mildew does occur, remove affected leaves and treat plants with a fungicide.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. The symptoms of an aphid infestation include distorted leaves and stunted growth. To control aphids, spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock them off, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that feed on the juices of plants. The symptoms of a spider mite infestation include yellowing leaves and fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. To control spider mites, spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock them off, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants. The symptoms of a thrips infestation include distorted leaves and flowers, and black fecal spots on leaves. To control thrips, use sticky traps to catch them, or treat plants with a systemic insecticide.
