Origin
Becium mearnsii (Ayob. ex Sebald) A.J.Paton, commonly known as Blue Wild Sage, is a perennial plant that is native to Southern Africa, specifically in Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Blue Wild Sage, Lungwort sage, Wild sage, or Zambia Mountain Sage.
Uses
Becium mearnsii is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and respiratory infections. The leaves of the plant are rich in essential oils, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also used as a culinary herb, and its leaves are used to add flavor to salads, meat dishes, and soups.
General Appearance
The Blue Wild Sage has a bushy growth habit that can reach up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are ovate and have a rough texture, dark green in color, and covered with fine hairs. The plant produces spikes of small, tubular flowers that are blue to purple in color and bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Light Requirements
Becium mearnsii requires full sunlight to thrive. It is unable to grow under shade or in low light conditions. Therefore, it grows well in open fields, savannas, and clearings in forests where it can receive maximum sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to southern Africa and is adapted to warm temperatures. As such, it can only grow in areas with high average temperatures, ranging from 25-35°C during the day. At night, the temperatures should not fall below 15°C. Becium mearnsii can, however, tolerate some occasional frost but cannot handle prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Becium mearnsii can grow in a range of soils including sandy, loamy and clay soils. However, the soil must be fertile and well-draining. The plant cannot grow in waterlogged soils or in soils with poor drainage. It grows well in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. If the soil lacks these nutrients, fertilizer application is recommended. Besides, the plant should be watered regularly for optimal growth.
Cultivation of Becium Mearnsii
Becium mearnsii is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows well in warm and humid regions. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings, and it is recommended that the soil is moist and warm (around 20-25°C) for the seeds to germinate. Becium mearnsii can be grown in both pots and garden beds.
Watering Needs of Becium Mearnsii
It is important to keep the soil moist during the growing season, which usually occurs in spring and summer. Waterlogging of the soil must be avoided, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal and bacterial diseases. However, the plant must not be allowed to dry out completely as it may wilt and die. Irrigation can be reduced in the fall and winter seasons.
Fertilization of Becium Mearnsii
Becium mearnsii requires moderate fertilization, with periodic application of slow-release fertilizers or organic manure. A balance of NPK fertilizers at a ratio of 4:3:2 is recommended. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth with reduced floral production.
Pruning of Becium Mearnsii
Becium mearnsii requires periodic pruning to control its growth and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning can be done in the fall or spring season, preferably after the flowering period. Cuttings can be treated with rooting hormone powder before being planted in a rooting medium to produce new plants. Regular pruning will help to maintain the plant's shape and vigor and encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Becium Mearnsii
Becium mearnsii is commonly propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Both methods have been successful in producing new plants.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Becium mearnsii are small and black, with a papery outer layer. They are best collected from the plant when fully ripe and dry. The seeds can then be sown directly into the soil or started in pots.
If sowing directly into the soil, prepare the area by removing any debris and loosening the soil. Scatter the seeds over the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water the area and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
If starting the seeds in pots, fill a pot with seed-starting soil mix. Scatter the seeds over the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water the pot and cover with plastic wrap. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from Becium mearnsii plants in the spring or summer. Take a cutting from the tip of a healthy stem, measuring approximately 10cm in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
Prepare a pot filled with potting mix and make a hole in the center. Insert the cut end of the stem into the hole and tamp the soil around the stem. Water the pot and cover with plastic wrap. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot until the cutting starts producing new growth.
Disease Management
Becium mearnsii is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases affecting this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots and cankers on the stems. The infected leaves often turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and stems, and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide to protect plants from further infection.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery covering on the leaves. It can reduce plant growth and affect flowering. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plants. Apply fungicide to protect other plants from becoming infected.
- Root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots and causes leaf drop and wilting. To manage this disease, make sure the soil drains well and avoid overwatering the plant. Apply fungicide to protect healthy roots.
Regular monitoring of the plant and prompt action when symptoms of disease are seen, goes a long way in preventing the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Becium mearnsii is generally pest-resistant. However, some common pests may still attack the plant, and include:
- Whiteflies: These sap-sucking insects cause leaves to yellow and can spread diseases. To manage them, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the leaves and cause a stippling or yellowing of the foliage. To manage them, spray the plant with a forceful jet of water to knock them off or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These insects feed on the leaves and can defoliate the plant. To manage them, pick them off the plant by hand or use an insecticide spray.
Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and taking prompt action when infestations are detected, is essential for effective pest control.
