Overview
Blepharis carduifolia (L.f.) Nees var. glabra (Nees) T.Anderson is a herbaceous plant native to the tropical regions of Africa. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family and is commonly known as the Smooth Blepharis or Kadasiru in local language.Appearance
The Smooth Blepharis plant is a small, perennial subshrub that grows to a height of about 30 cm. The leaves are narrow, linear, and dark green in color, and they grow opposite each other along the stem. The flowers are small, tubular, and purplish-blue in color, and they grow in clusters at the tip of the stem. The fruit is a small capsule that splits open to reveal shiny black seeds.Uses
Blepharis carduifolia (L.f.) Nees var. glabra (Nees) T.Anderson has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, cough, and sore throat. It is also used to treat eye problems and is believed to have some antimicrobial properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, the Smooth Blepharis plant is also used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage. It is commonly grown as a border plant or in rock gardens.Cultivation
The Smooth Blepharis plant prefers well-drained soil and requires full sun to partial shade to grow. It is a heat-loving plant and can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The plant is propagated by seeds or by stem cuttings, and it requires regular watering and fertilization to thrive.Growth Conditions of Blepharis carduifolia (L.f.) Nees var. glabra (Nees) T.Anderson:
Light Requirements: Blepharis carduifolia var. glabra prefers full sunlight for its growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but the plant tends to grow longer and weaker under such conditions. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a sunlit area with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, and therefore, requires high temperatures to grow well. The ideal temperature range for Blepharis carduifolia var. glabra is between 20-35°C (68-95°F). The plant can tolerate colder temperatures but may not grow as well or produce as many flowers.
Soil Requirements: Blepharis carduifolia var. glabra prefers well-drained, sandy soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0-7.5. The plant does not tolerate soggy or poorly drained soils and is prone to root rot under such conditions.
Water Requirements: This plant prefers moderate watering, with the soil being allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering may lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. Watering frequency may need to be increased during hot and dry periods.
Fertilizer Requirements: Blepharis carduifolia var. glabra can benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, preferably every two weeks, to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation methods
Blepharis carduifolia (L.f.) Nees var. glabra (Nees) T.Anderson plant requires well-drained soil and a warm, dry climate to grow correctly. It is best to plant this plant during spring or fall when the temperature is not extreme. Growing the plant in the full sun is also beneficial as it will receive the required light to perform photosynthesis.
Watering needs
The plant should receive water during its growing period, but make sure not to overwater it. When watering, it would be best to pour the water close to the roots to avoid leaving the foliage wet. It is best to let the soil dry out before watering the plant again. A regularly watered plant will exhibit healthy growth.
Fertilization
Blepharis carduifolia should be fertilized once a month during its growing period using a balanced fertilizer, one with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this may burn the roots and lead to stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning eases any signs of pest infestation, gets rid of dead foliage, promotes healthy growth, and ensures that the plant retains its attractive shape. It is best to prune the plant during its dormant period, which is autumn and winter. The main idea behind pruning is to get rid of the pop growth and the awkward and diseased branches.
Propagation of Blepharis carduifolia var. glabra
Blepharis carduifolia var. glabra (Nees) T.Anderson can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. It is important to note that propagation through seeds for this plant species requires certain conditions where the seeds must undergo pre-sowing treatment.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds involves collecting matured and healthy seeds from the parent plant. The seeds must be soaked in hot water for 24 hours to remove their dormancy. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in a germination medium that contains equal proportions of sand and compost. The sown seeds should be kept in a warm and moist environment where they can germinate and grow.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be used to propagate Blepharis carduifolia var. glabra. The cutting should be obtained from a healthy and mature parent plant that is approximately 5-10 cm long and free from any diseases or pests. The lower leaves should be removed, and the lower end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cutting should then be planted in a rooting medium that contains a combination of perlite and peat moss. Provide a warm and moist environment suitable for the cutting to grow roots.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division involves carefully cutting the parent plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has sufficient roots and shoots. Each section is then planted in a suitable container or location with a suitable growing medium, providing ample water and sunlight to promote further growth.
Disease Management
The plant Blepharis carduifolia (L.f.) Nees var. glabra (Nees) T.Anderson is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth, yield, and quality. The common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Rust disease: This fungal disease causes orange-brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can lead to defoliation and reduce plant vigor. Rust disease is managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by several fungal species and is characterized by circular brown spots on the leaves. Severe infections can cause defoliation and reduce yield. Leaf spot is managed by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, removing and destroying infected plant parts, and using fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the plant's roots, causing them to rot. Symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant. Root rot is managed by improving soil drainage, using disease-free planting material, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Blepharis carduifolia (L.f.) Nees var. glabra (Nees) T.Anderson is also vulnerable to pest attacks that can affect its growth and yield. The common pests that attack this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and distorted leaves. They can also transmit viruses. Aphids can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides.
- Whiteflies: These tiny, flying insects suck sap from the plant and excrete sticky honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. They can also transmit viruses. Whiteflies can be managed by using yellow sticky traps, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or using other insecticides.
- Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing defoliation and reduced plant vigor. Caterpillars can be managed by handpicking or using biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or other chemical insecticides.
