Description of Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald is a plant species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is commonly known as the Kenyan mountain sage or Kenya savory. This plant is native to Turkana, a county in northern Kenya.
General Appearance
The plant is a shrub and can grow up to a height of 1 meter. It has a dark, woody stem, which is covered with fine grey hairs. The leaves are green, narrow, and lance-shaped. They are also covered with fine hairs and are about 4 centimeters long. The plant produces small, tubular, white or pinkish flowers, which are arranged in whorls. These flowers are characterized by a sweet and aromatic fragrance.
Uses
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald has been traditionally used in Kenya for medicinal purposes. It has been used to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and headaches. The plant contains essential oils that are known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. The Kenyan mountain sage is also used as a culinary herb in Kenyan cuisine. The leaves are added to stews and soups to give a distinct flavor to the dish.
In conclusion, Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald is an important plant in Kenya due to its medicinal and culinary properties. It is a beautiful plant with a sweet aroma and can add beauty to a garden.
Growth Conditions for Becium grandiflorum var. turkanaense
Light: Becium grandiflorum var. turkanaense is a sun-loving plant and requires full sunlight to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade will cause stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to a hot and dry climate and prefers temperatures between 25-35°C. It can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C during the day but needs cooler temperatures at night for optimal growth and flowering. Temperatures below 10°C may cause damage or death to the plant.
Soil: Becium grandiflorum var. turkanaense thrives in well-draining sandy or gravelly soils with low fertility. It prefers soil with a pH between 7.0-8.5 but can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soils. The plant is adapted to grow in rocky terrain and can tolerate drought, so the soil should not be waterlogged.
Water: This plant is adapted to grow in arid and semi-arid regions and can tolerate drought once established. It is recommended to water the plant sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant. However, during the germination and establishment stages, the plant requires frequent and consistent moisture to develop.
Nutrition: This plant does not require much fertilization and prefers low-nutrient soils. Too much fertilizer may cause excessive growth and reduce flowering. It is recommended to add a small amount of slow-release fertilizer during planting and to supplement with compost or a balanced fertilizer sparingly.
Cultivation Methods
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald is a herbaceous plant that requires well-drained soils with a good level of organic matter. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant is propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If planting through seeds, they should be sowed in well-prepared beds and covered lightly with soil. The seeds usually germinate within 2-3 weeks. If propagating from cuttings, the cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, treated with rooting hormone, and then planted in pots with well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can lead to root rot. During drought periods, the plant should be watered deeply to ensure the root system is adequately hydrated.
Fertilization
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content should be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer can also be added to the soil during planting to provide nutrients over a more extended period.
Pruning
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Pruning should be done after the plant has flowered, to encourage more blooming in the next growing season. The plant can be pruned back to about half its size. Deadheading can also be done to remove spent flowers and promote more blooming.
Propagation of Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald, commonly known as Turkana Mountain Sage, is a perennial subshrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The Turkana Mountain Sage is endemic to the arid regions of East Africa, specifically in Tanzania and Kenya. The plant is highly valued for its aromatic leaves, medicinal properties, and potential ornamental use.
Propagation Methods
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald can be propagated both through seeds and vegetative methods. However, the most common method of propagation is through cuttings.
Cuttings
The Turkana Mountain Sage is propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the young branches, about 10-15 cm long, and should be free from disease and pests. The cuttings should be stripped of their lower leaves, and the bottom end should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to boost root development. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining rooting medium such as sand, perlite, or a mix of peat and vermiculite. The rooting medium should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded area to prevent wilting. The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks, and they can be transplanted to a sunny location after 8-10 weeks.
Seeds
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald can also be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants, and they should be cleaned and dried before sowing. The seeds can be sown directly into well-prepared beds with fertile, well-draining soil during the rainy season. Alternatively, the seeds can be started in seed trays filled with sterile potting mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination should occur within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after they have reached a sufficient size.
Disease Management
The plant Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald may suffer from various diseases such as fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and their management methods:
1. Leaf spot disease:
This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove the infected leaves and provide good air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide spray according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Root rot disease:
This is a fungal disease that occurs due to overwatering or poorly drained soil. The plant may wilt, and the roots may become soft and discolored. To manage this disease, allow the soil to dry between watering and improve drainage. Apply a fungicide that contains fosetyl-aluminum before planting or as a soil drench.
3. Powdery mildew disease:
This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage it, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide spray that contains neem oil, sulfur, or potassium bicarbonate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pest Management
The plant Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. turkanaense Sebald can also suffer from various pests such as mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and their management methods:
1. Mites:
These are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves, causing them to turn yellow and become distorted. To manage them, spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce predatory mites or lacewings to feed on the pests.
2. Aphids:
These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage them, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or plant essential oils to control them.
3. Whiteflies:
These are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes fungal growth. To manage them, use sticky traps or vacuum them off the plants. Apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or plant essential oils to control them.
