Overview
Becium obovatum is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae, also known as the mint family. It is native to Southern Africa, specifically in the coastal regions of South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
Common Names
B. obovatum is also known by its common names as Dense-Flowered Broomweed, Nhlanga, Umhlaba, and Ukalandela in Africa.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall with woody stems and elongated leaves that grow opposite each other. The leaves are elliptic obovate and hairless. The inflorescence grows at the end of the stems and is composed of dense clusters of tiny white or pinkish flowers that bloom in early summer and autumn.
Uses
Traditional healers use the plant as a remedy for various ailments, including headaches, stomach aches, colds, and coughs. The plant is also used as a natural insect repellent. It has been reported to have antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and some research suggests that it may have potential as a natural remedy for certain diseases.
In modern times, the plant is grown as an ornamental plant, particularly in xeriscapes, because it is drought tolerant and low maintenance.
Light Requirements
Becium obovatum prefers full sunlight for optimal growth. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If grown in partial shade, it may become leggy and stretched, producing fewer flowers than in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
Becium obovatum is a hardy plant and can adapt to a wide range of temperatures. It tolerates high temperatures and is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for dry, hot climates. However, it can also survive in cooler temperatures as long as it is protected from frost.
Soil Requirements
Becium obovatum prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. The addition of organic matter such as compost or aged manure can help improve the overall soil quality and drainage.
Cultivation of Becium obovatum
Becium obovatum is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal effort for growth and propagation.
Watering Needs for Becium obovatum
Becium obovatum prefers well-drained sandy soil with moderate watering. Too much watering may lead to root rot, and too little watering may impede growth. It is best to water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization of Becium obovatum
Becium obovatum does not require much fertilization and will grow well in nutrient-poor soil. Adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, every four to six weeks, can be beneficial. However, avoid using too much fertilizer as it can harm the plant.
Pruning Becium obovatum
Becium obovatum requires minimal pruning and shaping. However, it is advisable to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems promptly. Regular pruning of the branches and flowers after blooming helps in encouraging bushier growth and prolonged blooming periods.
Propagation of Becium obovatum
Becium obovatum, commonly known as the round-leaved mint, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky areas and grasslands. The plant has attractive round leaves and produces delicate pink flowers in the summer.
Propagation Methods
Becium obovatum can be propagated by two methods, namely by seed or by cuttings. Both methods have their pros and cons, and the one chosen depends on the availability of plant material, time available, and desired outcomes.
Propagation by Seed
This method involves sowing the Becium obovatum seeds in growing media in a seed tray or pots. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 5 to 10 mm and watered well. The seedlings should emerge in 2 to 3 weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots when they are large enough to handle, usually after four to six weeks. The plants can then be grown in pots or transplanted into the garden, preferably during the spring.
However, it is important to note that Becium obovatum has low seed germination rates, and not all seeds will germinate. Additionally, the plants grown from seed may not be identical to the parent plant, as the plant has a tendency to hybridize with other plants in the Lamiaceae family.
Propagation by Cuttings
This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant, usually during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the upper part of the plant, just below a node, and should be about 10 to 15 cm long. The cuttings should be stripped of their lower leaves and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in growing media in a pot.
The cuttings should be kept moist and warm and should develop roots in about 4 to 6 weeks. They can then be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden, preferably during the spring. The advantage of this method is that the plants grown from cuttings will be identical to the parent plant and will have the same desirable traits.
Overall, becoming familiar with both propagation methods is helpful in preserving this plant's species.
Disease and Pest Management for Becium obovatum
Becium obovatum is a drought-tolerant herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, known for its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties. However, like any other plant species, Becium obovatum is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that might affect its growth, health, and yield. It is crucial to implement effective disease and pest management strategies to prevent and control these threats.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Becium obovatum is susceptible to root rot, a fungal disease caused by Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium spp. Root rot symptoms include stunted growth, wilting, yellowing of leaves, and soft, brown, and rotten roots. To manage root rot, use well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides regularly.
Powdery Mildew: Another common disease that affects Becium obovatum is powdery mildew, caused by the fungi Erysiphe cichoracearum and Leveillula taurica. Powdery mildew can deplete the plant's nutrients, retard growth and development, and reduce yield. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation around the plant, prune infected parts, use organic fungicides, and avoid watering the plant from above.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease is caused by Cercospora spp. and affects the plant's leaves, causing small, dark, water-soaked spots that later turn yellow and develop a brownish-black coloration. Leaf spots reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, apply fungicides, and avoid crowding the plants.
Common Pests
Trips: Thrips are tiny insects of the order Thysanoptera known for their rasping mouthparts that suck the plant's sap. Thrips cause silver streaks on the plant's surface, yellowing and withering of leaves, and scars on leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil, and avoid over-fertilizing.
Spider Mites: These tiny insects are known for the fine webbing they spin on the plant's surface. Spider mites pierce the plant's cells to extract sap, causing discoloration, wilting, and death of leaves and stems. To control spider mites, increase the air humidity around the plant, use beneficial insects like ladybugs, and spray with horticultural oil.
Aphids: Aphids are common sap-feeding pests that reproduce rapidly, causing severe damage to Becium obovatum. Aphids cause yellowing, twisting, and deformity of leaves, as well as the transmission of plant viruses. To manage aphids, remove infected parts, use insecticidal soap, and introduce predator species like lacewings.
In conclusion, Becium obovatum faces several disease and pest threats that can undermine its growth and yield. However, with careful monitoring, intervention, and prevention strategies, these threats can be managed effectively.
