Introduction
Becium formosum (Gürke) Chiov. ex Lanza is an aromatic plant species belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is commonly known as blue-leaved balm or purple-top balm.Origin
Becium formosum is native to southern and eastern Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It usually grows in dry or moist savanna habitats, forest margins, and rocky places.Appearance
Becium formosum typically grows up to 2 meters tall and has a woody base. It has a distinctively aromatic and resinous scent. The leaves are blue-green and glossy, and the flowers are tubular, pale pink to mauve, and arranged in spikes. The plant's attractive appearance makes it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.Uses
Becium formosum has several medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial, making it useful in traditional medicine. It is used in treating headaches, fever, colds, and coughs. The plant is also used to relieve anxiety and depression due to its calming effect. Its leaves and flowers can be brewed into a tea or essential oil. Becium formosum is also used as a flavoring and seasoning agent in the food industry. Its essential oil is infused in teas, baked goods, and desserts. In addition, it is used as an insect repellent and is added to soaps, as well as other personal hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash. In conclusion, Becium formosum is a versatile and useful plant with medicinal and commercial applications. Its striking appearance and distinct aroma make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes, and it is highly valued for its medicinal properties and practical uses.Light Requirements
Becium formosum (Gürke) Chiov. ex Lanza thrives in full sun or partial shade. While it can grow in both conditions, it prefers partial shade in extremely hot climates where temperatures can be very high. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight for its growth.
Temperature Requirements
Becium formosum (Gürke) Chiov. ex Lanza prefers warm and hot temperatures. It can grow in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, it cannot tolerate frost or extremely low temperatures, which can be detrimental to its growth. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant in a warm environment to ensure its proper growth.
Soil Requirements
Becium formosum (Gürke) Chiov. ex Lanza thrives in well-drained and fertile soil. The soil pH range can vary from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7). The plant prefers sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. However, it can also grow in clay soils if they are well-drained. It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Becium formosum is a plant that requires full sunlight or partial shade during growth. It thrives in soils that are well-drained and have high organic matter content. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or through division of roots. While planting, ensure that you space the plants evenly to enhance air circulation. This helps prevent diseases and pests from attacking your seedlings.
Watering Needs
Becium formosum requires moderate watering, and you should only irrigate when the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering the plants, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. During dry spells, water your plants early in the morning when the sun is low to reduce water loss through evaporation. Young plants require more watering to establish a healthy root system.
Fertilization
Fertilize your Becium formosum plants annually, preferably during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, and then incorporate it into the soil. You can also add compost to the planting hole to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning Becium formosum helps to promote bushy growth and remove diseased or pest-infested branches. You should prune the plant when it's dormant, preferably in the winter. Use sterile pruning tools to minimize chances of infection. Also, remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep your plant healthy. To encourage flowering, you can deadhead the spent blooms, or cut back the whole plant in late summer by a third of its height.
Propagation of Becium formosum
Becium formosum (Gürke) Chiov. ex Lanza, commonly known as African basil, is a flowering plant that is native to Africa. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is grown for its edible leaves and medicinal properties. Propagation of Becium formosum is relatively easy, and the plant can be propagated successfully by various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Becium formosum can be propagated by seeds in the spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and transplanted after the last frost. The soil should be well-draining and fertile. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and kept moist until germination, which usually takes about 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be thinned to 6 to 12 inches apart.
Propagation by Cuttings
Becium formosum can also be propagated by cuttings, which should be taken in the summer or early fall. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the plant. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Becium formosum can also be propagated by division, which should be done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be separated into smaller sections with a sharp knife. Each section should have some roots attached and a few stems. The divided plant should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until it establishes new roots.
Disease Management for Becium formosum
Becium formosum is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and their management strategies:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown, sunken lesions on the plant's leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing the infected plant parts and applying a fungicide containing copper or sulfur. Irrigating the plant at the base instead of overhead can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight causes wilting and blackening of the affected leaves and stems. It can be managed by using sterilized pruning tools to remove the infected parts and applying a copper-based fungicide. Avoid overhead irrigation and provide adequate spacing between the plants to promote air circulation.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the plant's leaves. It can be managed by improving the soil drainage and avoiding overwatering. Applying a fungicide containing a biocontrol agent such as Trichoderma can also help control the disease.
Pest Management for Becium formosum
Becium formosum is also susceptible to insect pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some of the common pests and their management strategies:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a solution of neem oil and insecticidal soap. Keeping the plant well-hydrated and providing adequate ventilation can also help prevent infestations.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and distortion of leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control the population of aphids.
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the plant's stem at the soil level, causing wilting and death. They can be managed by placing a collar made of cardboard or plastic around the base of the plant. Applying a biological pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis can also help control cutworms.
