Origin
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum is a sub-species of the plant Becium obovatum. This plant is native to Southern Africa, specifically found in countries such as South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique.
Common Names
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum is commonly known as "Diamondleaf Stonecrop" due to the lovely diamond-like glistening appearance of its leaves. Other common names for the plant include "Natal stonecrop", "Vegetable sage" and "Dankieboom".
Uses
The leaves and stems of Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum are used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine. The plant contains antiviral and antibiotic properties, and it is used to treat throat infections, coughs, and bronchitis. It is also a natural pain reliever and can help to reduce inflammation. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used for culinary purposes, primarily as a flavoring herb for soups, stews, and meat dishes.
General Appearance
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum is a creeping plant that grows up to 1-2 meters with woody stems. The plant has small, thick, diamond-like leaves that are dark green on the top and white or silver underneath, which gives it a glistening appearance. Its flowers are small, lilac-colored, and bloom in clusters. The plant prefers well-drained soil and thrives in sunny areas.
Growth Conditions of Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum A.J.Paton, also known as Silverleaf Becium, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, commonly found in the southern parts of Africa.
Light Requirements
The plant prefers full sun exposure, but also tolerates partial shade. It needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. Insufficient light can lead to weak stems, reduced leaf size, and poor flowering.
Temperature Needs
Silverleaf Becium is versatile with regard to temperature conditions. It can withstand high temperatures of up to 40 °C and low temperatures of up to -9 °C. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 24 °C and 30 °C.
Soil Requirements
The plant performs well in sandy loam soils with good drainage and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. However, it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clayey, gravelly, and rocky soils, provided they have adequate drainage. The plant is moderately drought tolerant, but prolonged drought conditions may weaken it and cause a reduction in flowering and growth.
Cultivation Methods
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum A.J.Paton prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can grow in full sun to partial shade, but partial shade may be preferable in hot climates. The plant is tolerant of heat and drought, but it may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
Watering Needs
It is essential to water the plant regularly during its early growth stages to establish a strong root system. Once the plant has matured, it can handle short periods of drought. However, it is beneficial to water the plant occasionally during prolonged dry periods to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum A.J.Paton grows well in nutrient-rich soils. Applying a balanced fertilizer with a 1:1:1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be beneficial. However, too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth, and it is crucial to avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum A.J.Paton can help maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. It is best to prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any straggly growth to encourage a more compact growth habit. However, avoid pruning too much, as it can reduce the number of flowers produced.
Propagation of Becium Obovatum subsp. Crystallinum:
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings. Propagation through stem cuttings is the preferred method as it results in plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Propagation through Stem cuttings:
Stem cuttings are taken from healthy, disease-free parent plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 5-10 cm long and taken from non-flowering stems. The cutting should include at least two leaves and a node.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location with high humidity. Covering the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or placing them in a propagator can help maintain high humidity levels.
The cuttings should root within 2-4 weeks. Once roots have formed, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into a larger container for growing on.
Propagation through Seeds:
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be scattered on the surface of the potting mix and covered lightly with a thin layer of vermiculite or sand.
The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds should be kept in a warm, bright location. Germination should occur within 1-2 weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger container for growing on.
Disease Management
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum can be affected by a range of diseases. The most common ones include:
- Root rot: This is caused by fungi such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora. To prevent root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Treat the infected plants with fungicides containing active ingredients such as mefenoxam and metalaxyl.
- Leaf spot: This is caused by the fungus Cercospora. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag. Spray the plant with a fungicide containing active ingredients such as mancozeb, copper oxychloride, and chlorothalonil.
- Powdery mildew: This is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure adequate air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicides containing active ingredients such as myclobutanil, trifloxystrobin, and propiconazole to treat infected plants.
Pest Management
Becium obovatum subsp. crystallinum can also be affected by pests, including:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause damage by sucking sap from the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also use predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis to control spider mite infestations
- Aphids: Aphids can cause stunted growth and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps to control aphid populations.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause extensive damage by eating the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, manually remove them from the plant and dispose of them. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to treat caterpillar infestations.
