Overview
Borreria scabra auct. is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is also commonly known as rough buttonweed, common buttonweed, and hairy buttonweed. This herbaceous plant is native to Africa and tropical regions around the world. It grows in disturbed areas, roadsides, and often pops up in lawns or gardens.
Appearance
The plant has a prostrate habit and can spread up to a diameter of 3 feet. It has a shallow root system and produces numerous branches from its base. The stems are thin and reddish when young, turning green as they mature. The leaves are opposite and lance-shaped, up to 1 inch long, and covered with bristly hairs that give the plant a rough texture. The white, small flowers (about 0.2 inch wide) emerge from the leaf axils and bloom throughout the year, but more commonly in summer.
Uses
Despite being considered as a weed, Borreria scabra auct. has some medicinal values. In traditional African medicine, the whole plant is used to treat eye diseases, stomach aches, and intestinal worms. The plant has also been reported to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Due to its short height and mat-forming nature, it can also be used as a ground cover in landscaping and reclamation of disturbed areas.
However, caution should be taken because the plant can be toxic to livestock when ingested due to its nitrate content. Moreover, it may cause allergies in some people when touched or when the pollen is inhaled.
Light Requirements
Borreria scabra is adapted to grow well under full sunlight or partial shade. However, it is known to grow best under full sunlight, making it an ideal plant for areas with sunny conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The growth and development of Borreria scabra is optimal under warm conditions, with an average temperature of 25°C. In frost-free regions, the plant can grow throughout the year. However, when exposed to extreme cold temperatures, the plant can start shedding leaves and become dormant, especially during the dry season.
Soil Requirements
Borreria scabra prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth. It can thrive in soils that are fertile and moderately rich in organic matter. The plant can adapt to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is intolerant to waterlogged and saline soils, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.
Cultivation
Borreria scabra auct., commonly known as "rough buttonweed," is a low-growing plant that thrives in hot climates. It can be cultivated outdoors in tropical and subtropical regions. It can also be grown indoors as a houseplant in areas with colder climates.
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Borreria scabra auct. can grow in full sunlight to partial shade.
The ideal temperature range for growing Borreria scabra auct. is between 68 to 86°F. For areas with cooler temperatures, it is essential to protect the plant from frost.
Watering needs
Borreria scabra auct. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It prefers to be in moist soil. However, care should be taken not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced during winter as the plant enters its dormant period.
The frequency of watering depends on the environmental conditions and soil type. It is advisable to water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Borreria scabra auct. benefits from regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The plant can be fertilized using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. It is best to fertilize every four to six weeks during the active growing period.
Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to foliage burn or stunted growth. If the plant becomes over-fertilized, watering should be increased to flush out any excess nutrients.
Pruning
Borreria scabra auct. requires minimal pruning, but it benefits from occasional trimming to promote bushier growth. Pruning can also be used to control the plant's size if it becomes too large for the growing space.
The ideal time to prune is in the early spring before the active growing season. Dead or damaged stems and leaves should be pruned as soon as they are noticed.
Propagation of Borreria scabra auct.
Borreria scabra auct. can be propagated through several methods such as seed, stem cuttings and division of root suckers.
Propagation by seed
Seeds of Borreria scabra auct. can be collected when the fruits have turned brown and dry. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil in a suitable location, or they can be started in containers until they reach a certain size.
It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the seedlings emerge. After that, the young plants should be thinned out if they are overcrowded to give them plenty of space to grow.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Borreria scabra auct. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken at any time of the year. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants with a sharp, sterile knife.
The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid place until they root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be planted in their permanent location.
Propagation by division of root suckers
Borreria scabra auct. produces root suckers, which can be separated from the parent plant to create new plants. The root suckers should be cut away from the parent plant with a clean, sharp knife.
The separated plant should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until it establishes itself.
Overall, Borreria scabra auct. is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and it can be propagated successfully through a variety of methods.
Disease Management
Plant diseases are caused by a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Borreria scabra auct. is susceptible to a number of common plant diseases that can impact its growth and overall health.
One of the most common diseases to affect B. scabra is root rot. This disease is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew, can also affect B. scabra. These diseases can be treated with a fungicide, but prevention is key. Ensure the plant is in well-ventilated areas and avoid wetting the leaves excessively.
Bacterial diseases, such as bacterial leaf spot and bacterial wilt, can also impact B. scabra. These diseases are often spread through contaminated soil, water, or plant material. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Pest Management
Pests can also impact the health of B. scabra. Common pests that can affect this plant include mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems, which can impact the plant's overall health and growth.
To manage pest infestations, it's important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest activity. If an infestation is detected, try removing the pests by hand or using a gentle stream of water. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also be used to manage infestations. Avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects and impact the overall health of the plant.
Additionally, it's important to maintain good growing conditions for the plant to prevent pest infestations from occurring in the first place. Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil, receives adequate sunlight, and is not over or under fertilized.
