Origin
Becium obovatum (E.Mey. ex Benth.) N.E.Br. subsp. punctatum (Baker) A.J.Paton is a species of plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. The plant is native to South Africa and can be found in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and Gauteng.
Common Names
Becium obovatum (E.Mey. ex Benth.) N.E.Br. subsp. punctatum (Baker) A.J.Paton is commonly known as the "Blue-leaved Becium" or "Bloublaarperdepis" in Afrikaans.
Uses
The plant has many medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, the leaves and roots are used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and cough. The plant is also used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and to relieve pain. The leaves can be dried and smoked to relieve asthma.
The plant is also used as a culinary herb, specifically in soups and stews.
General Appearance
Becium obovatum (E.Mey. ex Benth.) N.E.Br. subsp. punctatum (Baker) A.J.Paton is a small, drought-resistant shrub that can reach up to 0.5 to 2 meters in height. The leaves are green to grey-green in color and have a distinctive blue tinge. The plant produces small, tubular flowers that are pale pink or mauve in color. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters at the tips of the stems.
Light Conditions
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum thrives in full sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect the intensity of its flowering and reduce its growth rates. In natural habitats, it grows in open grasslands and savannahs, which receive high levels of direct sunlight.
Temperature
The plant requires warm temperatures between 20°C and 35°C for optimal growth. It is a tropical and subtropical plant that cannot tolerate frost. The minimum temperature ranges between 10°C to 15°C. The plant's growth rate is slower during the cold season as it enters dormancy.
Soil Requirements
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum is an adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of soils, provided they are well-drained. It grows best in sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acid pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate poor soils lacking in nutrients but does much better in fertile soils.
It is important to note that the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. These conditions can lead to root rot, affecting the plant's growth rates and eventually leading to death.
When growing the plant in containers, it is essential to use well-draining soil and add organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum is a small, perennial herbaceous plant that requires well-drained soils and full sunlight for optimal growth. It is best cultivated in a warm, dry climate and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils, loams, and clay soils. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, and it is important to choose healthy and disease-free plant materials.
Watering Needs
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum requires moderate watering in its growing season, which is typically in spring and summer. The plant prefers consistent moisture, but it is also tolerant of drought conditions. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
Fertilization
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum does not require heavy feeding as it can easily adapt to poor soil conditions. However, it responds well to occasional applications of organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, during its growing season. It is important to apply fertilizers sparingly, especially nitrogenous fertilizers, as excessive amounts can cause leafy growth at the expense of flowers and essential oil production.
Pruning
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum requires minimal pruning, except for the removal of dead or wilted leaves and flowers. It is important to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before it starts new growth. Pinching the plant's tips can promote bushier growth and increase flower production.
Propagation methods of Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum can be propagated through a number of methods, including:
Seed propagation
The easiest method of propagation for Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum is through seed. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil, without any pre-treatment. It is recommended to sow the seeds during late winter or early spring, which will allow the plants to establish themselves during the growing season.
Cutting propagation
Another method of propagation is through cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings and rooting them in a suitable rooting medium. The stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted. It is also recommended to keep the cuttings in a humid environment until they have established roots.
Division propagation
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in suitable soil. The best time to carry out this method is during the growing season, and it is recommended to keep the newly divided sections consistently moist until they have grown new roots.
Whichever method is chosen, it is important to ensure that the plants are kept in a suitable environment, with adequate water and nutrient supply, to ensure successful propagation.
Disease Management
The plant Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum is vulnerable to various plant diseases that can affect growth and productivity. Some common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Fungal Infections: Fungi like powdery mildew can attack the plant, which causes white or gray patches to appear on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove all infected leaves and apply a sulfur-based fungicide to the remaining foliage
- Bacterial Blight: This disease is characterized by the appearance of water-soaked lesions on the plant's leaves, which eventually turn brown. To manage the disease, prune all infected leaves and destroy them. Ensure proper drainage of the soil and avoid overhead irrigation
- Root Rot: Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum is susceptible to root rot caused by various fungi and watering practices. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not over-watered, and the soil has proper drainage. If the plant already shows signs of infection, the best course of action is to remove the plant from the soil and plant in a sterile, well-draining soil
Pest Management
Becium obovatum subsp. punctatum is also susceptible to pest infestations that can reduce growth and productivity. Some common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can often be found attacking the soft tissues of the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and deform. To manage an aphid infestation, you can use a jet of water to knock them off the plant or apply an insecticidal soap
- Mites: These microscopic pests often cause stippling and yellowing of leaves. To manage mites, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure all the foliage is well coated with the insecticide.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat through the plant's leaves and reduce the overall foliage. Handpicking the caterpillars is an effective way of managing them. Alternatively, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis to control caterpillar population
