Overview:
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy, also known as Burchell's spiderling or goblet flower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is a tropical species that is widely distributed in the Americas, particularly in the Amazonic region of Brazil and parts of Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay.
Appearance:
The plant features a low-growing, trailing habit that can reach up to 50 centimeters in length. It has slender stems that are adorned with small, ovate to lanceolate leaves that are green in color and measure about 1 to 2 centimeters long. The flowers are small and cup-shaped, with five pink or lavender petals that are arranged in a flattened cluster at the end of the stems.
Uses:
Boerhavia burchellii has been widely used in traditional medicine due to its medicinal properties. The plant is known for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects, and is used to treat a variety of ailments such as urinary tract infections, inflammation, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders such as dysentery. It is also believed to have anti-cancer properties and is currently being investigated for its potential as a cancer treatment.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Boerhavia burchellii is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light requirements
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy is a plant that thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight and is considered to be a sun-loving plant. It is best planted in areas with full sun exposure, where it can receive up to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient light may stunt its growth, weaken its stems, or even cause it to die off entirely.
Temperature requirements
This plant is native to warm, humid tropical regions and is adapted to high temperatures. To thrive optimally, the ideal temperature range for Boerhavia burchellii Choisy should be between 20-30°C(68-86°F). The minimum temperature required for growth is 12°C(53°F), and the maximum is 40°C(104°F). When temperatures are too low, it may go dormant, while high temperatures can cause it to wilt and die.
Soil requirements
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy does well in well-drained soils, containing a high percentage of sand, silt, and clay. The pH range of soil for this plant should be neutral to slightly acidic, i.e. 6.0 - 7.5. It prefers well-draining soil, where water does not stagnate, as the roots can rot in waterlogged soil. The plant will benefit from adding organic matter, like compost, to the soil to improve texture and nutrient content.
Cultivation methods:
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings and should be planted during the growing season. The plant requires a lot of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow, and should be planted in an area with full sun exposure.
Watering needs:
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy requires regular watering during the growing season, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant once a week, ensuring that the water reaches the roots, and the excess water drains out of the soil.
Fertilization:
The Boerhavia burchellii Choisy plant does not require a lot of fertilizers. However, it benefits from a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be applied once every month during the growing season. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to excessive growth, which makes it susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning:
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy requires minimal pruning. However, any dead or diseased stems should be pruned as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases to the rest of the plant. The plant can also be pruned to encourage bushy growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is in late winter or early spring.
Propagation of Boerhavia burchellii Choisy
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy is a perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods including seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Boerhavia burchellii Choisy. The seeds can be collected from the parent plant and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The ideal time to sow the seeds is during the spring season when the temperature is warm and the moisture content is high. It is important to provide the seeds with sufficient water and light for optimal growth. Germination usually takes place within 2-4 weeks.
Division
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and replanting them in new pots or locations. This method is particularly useful for plants that have outgrown their current location and require more space. Division is best carried out during the dormant period, which is typically during the winter season.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method that can be used to propagate Boerhavia burchellii Choisy. Select a healthy stem and cut it into several sections, making sure each section has at least two nodes. The cuttings can be placed in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, well-lit location. Rooting usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Boerhavia burchellii Choisy
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy is a flowering plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. Native to South America, this plant is also commonly known as Bushman's Friend. Proper disease and pest management is vital to keep Boerhavia burchellii healthy and to ensure proper growth and development of the plant.
Common Diseases
Boerhavia burchellii Choisy plants are susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Fungal Leaf Spots - These spots appear on the plant's leaves as small brown or black spots that can lead to the leaves' yellowing and falling off. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove the affected leaves and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
- Crown Rot - This disease affects the plant's roots and crown, causing it to wilt and eventually die. Crown rot can be managed by providing well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
Like all plants, Boerhavia burchellii Choisy is also vulnerable to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of these common pests include:
- Aphids - These small insects cluster on the plant's leaves and suck out the sap, causing leaf curling and deformation. To manage aphids, apply soapy water to the leaves or release predator insects like ladybugs that feed on aphids.
- Caterpillars - Caterpillars can chew through the leaves and flowers of the Boerhavia burchellii Choisy plant. Handpicking or applying organic insecticides to the plant can help manage caterpillars.
It is essential to regularly inspect Boerhavia burchellii Choisy plants for signs of disease and pests. Proper sanitation practices like removing dead or infected plant parts can help prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, maintaining optimal growing conditions like providing the plant with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients can promote healthy growth and reduce its susceptibility to pests and diseases.
