Origin
Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. is a plant species that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in various countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant is known by a variety of common names depending on the location. Some of the common names include African Chocolate Drops, Kala Thakara, and Mountain Ironwood.
Uses
Blepharis integrifolia has numerous uses. The plant's root and bark are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, infertility, and stomach problems. In addition, the plant is used in the preparation of purgatives and enemas. It is also used as an insecticide to repel household pests such as mosquitoes and ticks.
General Appearance
Blepharis integrifolia is a small deciduous tree that grows up to about 6 meters in height. The tree has a greyish-brown bark with deep horizontal fissures. The leaves of the plant are ovate, with slightly toothed margins and are arranged alternately on the stems. The flowers of the plant are small and pink or purple in color, and occur in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule, which when mature, splits open to reveal numerous tiny seeds.
Light Requirements
Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. If the plant is grown indoors, it must be placed near a sunny window that faces south or west.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate low temperatures of up to 5°C for short periods. Since it is a tropical plant, extreme temperature fluctuations must be avoided as it can negatively affect the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. prefers a well-draining, sandy soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. It can also grow in poor soil conditions as long as there is proper drainage. The plant does not do well in waterlogged soil. It is recommended to add organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil during planting for better growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm.
Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. is an easy plant to grow, and its care is not challenging. The plant prefers well-draining sandy soil, so ensure the soil is entirely well-draining. You can plant the Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. in areas that receive full sun or partial shade.
If you are growing this plant in a pot, ensure the pot size is large enough to allow the plant's roots to spread comfortably. Furthermore, you must ensure that the plant has suitable drainage holes on the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs for Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm.
Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. does not require frequent watering. The primary consideration when watering this plant is not to overwater it. Therefore, it would help if you allowed the soil to partially dry out between each watering session.
To determine whether the plant needs watering, stick your finger into the soil. If the soil is dry to a depth of about two inches, it's time to water the plant. Moreover, avoid watering the plant from the top and instead opt to water it at its base to prevent water from getting onto the leaves, which may cause fungal infections or leaf spot.
Fertilization Needs for Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm.
Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. does not require much fertilizer. You can add some organic compost, especially during the growing season, to improve soil nutrients. However, be careful not to overuse the compost.
If you are growing the Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. in a pot, you can add some balanced fertilizer once a month to boost plant growth. However, since the plant is not a heavy feeder, avoid overfeeding it.
Pruning Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm.
Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm. does not require regular pruning. However, if you notice any dead, discolored, or damaged parts, you should remove them. You may also want to cut back the plant to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. Additionally, removing spent flowers is necessary to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season and to prevent the plant from dedicating its energy to seed production.
Propagation of Blepharis integrifolia var. clarkei
Blepharis integrifolia var. clarkei is most commonly propagated through seed and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seed
The plant produces small, black seeds that can be collected in the fall. To propagate through seed, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. The seedlings should be kept moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Germination typically occurs within 1-2 weeks.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Blepharis integrifolia var. clarkei can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free parent plants. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light until roots develop, which typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Once established, Blepharis integrifolia var. clarkei can also be propagated through division of established clumps, but this method is less common.
Disease and Pest Management for Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. clarkei (Schinz) Oberm.
Blepharis integrifolia is a hardy plant that grows well in most conditions. However, it can still suffer from several diseases and pests. Here are some common problems and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases of Blepharis integrifolia is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not sitting in water for prolonged periods. If the plant shows signs of root rot, such as yellowing leaves or a mushy stem, try repotting it in fresh soil with better drainage.
Another disease that can affect Blepharis integrifolia is powdery mildew. This is a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and stems and apply a fungicide as directed.
Pests
Blepharis integrifolia can be susceptible to several pests, including spider mites and mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and weaken the plant. To manage these pests, isolate the plant and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed. You may need to repeat the treatment several times to eliminate all the pests.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for Blepharis integrifolia. These pests can eat the leaves and cause significant damage. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or apply a natural pesticide made of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) as directed.
Overall, proper care and maintenance of Blepharis integrifolia can help prevent many diseases and pest problems. Ensure that the plant is getting enough light and water, and keep an eye out for any signs of problems. When caught early, many diseases and pests can be easily managed and eliminated.
