Overview:
Beckeropsis pirottae (Chiov.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. is a rare species of flowering plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. This plant is native to the high-altitude rocky areas of East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. It is commonly known as Pirotta’s beckeropsis, named after the Italian botanist Dr. Roberto Pirotta who discovered the species in 1935.
General Appearance:
Beckeropsis pirottae is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1 meter high. It has succulent, woody, and branching stems with rough, hairy leaves that are oval to elliptical in shape and about 2-5 cm long. The flowers of Pirotta’s beckeropsis are small, tubular, and white to pale pink in color. The plant blooms from April to June, and fruits in July to September.
Uses:
The leaves and stems of Beckeropsis pirottae are used by local communities in traditional medicine for various ailments, including toothache, stomachache, and fever. The plant contains flavonoids and other chemical compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the whole plant is used as a fodder for livestock in the highland areas where there is a shortage of grazing land.
Light Requirements
Beckeropsis pirottae (Chiov.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with intense sunlight, partial shade is preferred to protect the plant from direct sunlight, which can cause damage to the leaves and other parts of the plant. The plant can tolerate low light conditions, but it will not thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Beckeropsis pirottae (Chiov.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 35°C. However, when temperatures exceed 35°C, it can lead to stress, drying, and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Beckeropsis pirottae (Chiov.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. prefers well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a range of soil types, including loam, clay, and gravelly soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, the plant may exhibit stunted growth or nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation
The Beckeropsis pirottae plant is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to grow well. In order to cultivate this plant successfully, you need to have well-draining soil because the plant does not tolerate standing water. You should provide the plant with rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter and has a pH level of around 6.5 to 7.5.
The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors, and it does well in pots or containers. If you are planting the plant in a pot, make sure to choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. You can also plant the plant directly in the ground, but be sure to provide it with plenty of space to spread out.
Watering Needs
The Beckeropsis pirottae plant has moderate watering needs and prefers to be kept consistently moist. You should water the plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot. The plant prefers to be watered from the bottom rather than from the top, so you should consider adding a layer of gravel or pebbles to the bottom of the pot or container to help with drainage.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for the Beckeropsis pirottae plant, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil if you want to encourage growth and blooming. If you choose to fertilize the plant, do so only during the growing season and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for the Beckeropsis pirottae plant, but you may need to remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance. You can also pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth, but this is not necessary.
Propagation of Beckeropsis pirottae
Beckeropsis pirottae is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Propagation of this plant species can be done by two methods, including:
1. Division
Division is the most common method used to propagate Beckeropsis pirottae. The process involves separating the rhizomes of the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in a new location.
Before dividing the plant, it is important to ensure that the soil around the plant is moist. This helps to prevent damage to the plant's roots during the process. Once the soil is moist, carefully use a garden fork or spade to lift the plant from the ground. Shake off any excess soil, and then use a sharp knife to divide the plant's rhizomes into smaller sections. Replant the divided sections in a new location, ensuring that each section has enough space to grow and develop.
2. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Beckeropsis pirottae. The process involves collecting seeds from the plant and sowing them in a suitable location.
To collect the seeds, wait until the flowers have wilted and dried out. The seeds will be located in the center of the wilted flower. Carefully collect the seeds and store them in a dry, cool location until ready to be sowed.
To sow the seeds, prepare a suitable location with well-draining soil and ensure that the area is moist. Sprinkle the seeds over the soil and lightly cover them with a layer of soil. Water the area gently to provide hydration for the seeds and maintain soil moisture. Germination usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks.
Disease Management
Beckeropsis pirottae is generally quite resistant to disease, but there are a few common issues that can affect the plant. One common disease is root rot, which can occur in plants that are overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. To prevent root rot, make sure to plant Beckeropsis pirottae in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Another disease that can affect Beckeropsis pirottae is powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure to keep the leaves dry and remove any affected leaves or plants immediately. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Beckeropsis pirottae can also be affected by a few different types of pests. One common pest is spider mites, which are small, reddish-brown insects that like to suck sap from the leaves. To prevent spider mites, make sure to keep the leaves clean and dust-free. You can also apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of any spider mites that do appear.
Another pest that can affect Beckeropsis pirottae is scale insects, which are small, flat insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems. To prevent scale insects, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and remove any affected leaves or plants immediately. You can also apply a horticultural oil or insecticide to prevent the spread of the insects.
