Overview of Berkheya buphthalmoides (DC.) Schltr.
Berkheya buphthalmoides (DC.) Schltr. is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to several countries in Africa, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia. It commonly grows on rocky hillsides and in open woodland habitats.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including the following:
- Large-flowered berkheya
- Hairy berkheya
- Ionopsis-like berkheya
Appearance
The Berkheya buphthalmoides (DC.) Schltr. plant can grow up to 20-40cm tall, forming a dense cushion-like clump. Its leaves are long, narrow and oblong, measuring about 6-20 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The leaves are hairy and spineless, which is unusual for plants in the Asteraceae family that typically have sharp spines. The hairy leaves give the plant a soft and silvery-gray appearance.
The plant has large and showy flowers that are solitary or in small groups at the top of the stem. The flower heads are about 6-8 cm in diameter, and they have a bright yellow center surrounded by light to dark purple or pink petals. The flowers blooming period occurs from late spring to summer.
Uses
Berkheya buphthalmoides (DC.) Schltr. is used for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks worldwide. The plant's unique appearance, with its soft and silvery-gray foliage, coupled with the showy flowers, makes it a popular choice for gardeners.
The plant has a long history of traditional medicinal use among the indigenous people in southern and eastern Africa. It is used to treat a diverse range of ailments, including stomach problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.
The roots of the plant were also used for dyeing fabric. The roots produced a dark brown to black dye that was used to dye animal hides for clothing and blankets.
Growth Conditions for Berkheya Buphthalmoides
Light: Berkheya buphthalmoides grows best in full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Lack of sufficient sunlight may result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature: The plant is native to the southern African region, where it experiences a temperate climate. It thrives in temperatures ranging between 18°C to 25°C. During winter, the plant is capable of surviving frost, although it is not ideal for its growth. Sudden temperature changes may cause damage to the plant.
Soil: The plant grows well in well-draining soils with medium to low fertility. It thrives in sandy and loamy soils. Acidic soils with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8 are ideal for the growth of Berkheya buphthalmoides. Insufficient drainage can lead to root rot and affect its growth.
Water: Although the plant can tolerate drought conditions, it requires moderate watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply once a week, during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter to avoid waterlogging, which may lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Berkheya buphthalmoides does not require regular fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer once a year during spring can boost its growth, especially if grown in poor soils with low nutrient content.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. For cuttings, use stem cuttings from healthy plants during spring or summer and plant them in well-draining soil. Seeds should be sown during spring, in well-prepared soil, and kept moist until they germinate.
Cultivation Methods
Berkheya buphthalmoides (DC.) Schltr. is a South African perennial herb, usually grown through seeds. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It thrives best in sunny areas and can tolerate some drought conditions. While the plant can withstand frost, it does not grow well in areas with high humidity levels.
When planting the seeds, prepare the soil by adding compost and sand to enhance drainage. Sow the seeds about 2mm deep and water lightly. The seeds will emerge in approximately three weeks, and then you can transfer the seedlings to their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Berkheya buphthalmoides requires medium amounts of water, especially during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again to avoid waterlogging and root rot. During hot weather, water the plant more frequently as it dries out faster. Young plants require more water than mature ones. When watering, avoid pouring water directly on the leaves as this can promote fungal infections.
Fertilization
The plant requires a moderate amount of fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming. You can add a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use slow-release granular fertilizer after every four to six months.
Pruning
To maintain the plant's shape and promote bushy growth, you can pinch the tips of young stems in the early growing season. Deadheading faded flowers can also promote continuous blooming. Prune the plant at the end of the growing season to remove withered stems and leaves. Cut back the leaves up to the ground level, leaving only the basal rosette to regrow in the following season.
Propagation of Berkheya buphthalmoides
Berkheya buphthalmoides (DC.) Schltr., commonly known as "Silverbush," is a drought-resistant perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It is native to South Africa and has a wide range of medicinal uses. Propagation of this plant can be done by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the primary method of propagating Berkheya buphthalmoides. The seeds should be collected from mature plants during the blooming season. The collected seeds must be cleaned and dried before sowing. The dried seeds can be sown directly in the soil or planted in planters, trays, or small pots. The soil mixture should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the soil should be moistened regularly. Seeds usually germinate within two to four weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Berkheya buphthalmoides can also be propagated via cuttings. Softwood stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season, typically in early spring or late summer. The cuttings should be around 5 to 10 cm long, with a few leaves attached. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, such as perlite or vermiculite, and kept moist and in a humid environment. The cuttings will typically take around two to three months to develop roots.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Berkheya buphthalmoides is through division. This method involves dividing the established plant into smaller sections and planting them as individual plants. This technique is best suited for older plants that have grown too big for their current pot or area. The plant should be carefully dug out of the soil, and the root system should be divided into sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some foliage. The new plants should be planted in well-draining soil, and their roots should be kept moist until they establish themselves in the soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Berkheya buphthalmoides
Berkheya buphthalmoides is an ornamental plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Diseases and pests can cause damage to this plant, reducing its aesthetic value. Therefore, it is essential to manage and control the diseases and pests that can affect Berkheya buphthalmoides.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that can affect Berkheya buphthalmoides are fungal diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and stem rot. Rust is characterized by orange, yellow, or brown spots on the leaves, while powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. Stem rot causes the stem to rot at the base, leading to wilting and death of the plant.
Management
The management of fungal diseases in Berkheya buphthalmoides involves cultural and chemical control strategies. Cultural control involves planting resistant varieties, providing adequate spacing between plants, and observing proper hygiene practices. Chemical control involves using fungicides such as copper-based fungicides to control the spread of the diseases.
Common Pests
The common pests that can affect Berkheya buphthalmoides are aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners. Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing, stunting, and distortion of the leaves. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's cells, causing stippling and yellowing of the leaves. Leaf miners are larvae of flies that mine through the leaf tissue, causing brown patches on the leaves.
Management
The management of pests in Berkheya buphthalmoides involves cultural, mechanical, and chemical control strategies. Cultural control involves selecting pest-resistant varieties and providing proper sanitation practices. Mechanical control involves physically removing the pests from the plant using water sprays, vacuuming, or handpicking. Chemical control involves using insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticides to control the population of pests.
