Overview
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey is a perennial plant that belongs to the Family Asteraceae. It is also known by its common name, the Namib Mountain Daisy.
Origin
The Namib Mountain Daisy is native to southwestern Africa, specifically the Namib Desert which spans across parts of Namibia, Angola, and South Africa. It prefers arid environments with rocky or sandy soils.
Appearance
This plant typically grows up to one meter tall and has a shrub-like habit. The leaves are succulent and are arranged opposite to each other on the stem, and they have a smooth texture.
The flowers are daisy-like with yellow disk flowers in the center and white ray flowers around the edges. They are about four to five centimeters in diameter and bloom in the summertime.
Uses
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis is grown for ornamental purposes, due to its attractive flowers and unique succulent foliage. It is also used for habitat restoration and erosion control in its native range.
Additionally, the Namib Mountain Daisy has been used in traditional medicine in Namibia as a treatment for stomach and chest pains, and the roots have been used to treat respiratory infections.
Light Requirements
The Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey plant typically thrives in full sun exposure. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow healthily. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, it may become spindly and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey plant is native to the high elevations of the eastern Cape of South Africa and prefers cooler temperatures. The plant typically grows well at temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 75°F (24°C). This plant can tolerate slight frost, but extreme weather fluctuations can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey plant does well in well-draining and sandy soils. The soil should also have a neutral or slightly alkaline pH range. Adding organic matter to the soil can help to improve drainage and enhance soil fertility. It is also recommended to add a layer of mulch to help keep the soil moist and cool.
Cultivation of Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis, commonly known as the Karoo aster, is a beautiful perennial that can grow up to 60cm tall. Native to South Africa's Karoo region, this plant is well adapted to arid conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
Planting
When planting Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis, ensure that the soil is well-drained and slightly acidic. You can improve poorly drained soil by adding perlite or sand to increase drainage. The plant should be placed in an area with full sunlight exposure. Planting should be done in the spring or early fall when the weather is cool.
Watering
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis is adapted to dry conditions and doesn't require much watering. Water the plant every other week, or whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, apply water at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage.
Fertilization
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis doesn't require heavy fertilization. However, you can supplement the soil with organic matter or slow-release fertilizer in early spring. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can also be used. Avoid using too much nitrogen, which can cause foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Regular pruning can help keep Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis in shape and improve airflow around the plant. Deadheading the spent flowers and removing any dead or diseased leaves will also help prevent pest and disease problems. Pruning should be done in the fall after the plant has stopped flowering.
Propagation of Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey
The plant Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey is propagated by seed and cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey seeds are best sown during spring or summer. The seeds must be sown in a well-draining mix, lightly covered with soil and watered moderately. The germination process can take up to 30 days. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their permanent location.
Propagation by cuttings
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey can also be propagated by taking softwood cuttings during spring or early summer. The cuttings must be 8-10 cm long and taken from the tips of the stems. The lower leaves must be removed, and the remaining ones must be cut in half to reduce transpiration. The cuttings must be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining mix. They must be kept in a warm and moist environment until they root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their permanent location.
Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey is relatively easy to propagate by both seed and cuttings, making it an ideal plant for gardeners and nurseries to propagate and cultivate.
Disease Management
The Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey plant is known to suffer from various diseases that can reduce its growth and yield, leading to significant economic losses. The most common diseases that affect this plant include root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
To manage root rot, it is advisable to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure adequate air circulation. In case of severe infection, it may be necessary to uproot the infected plant and dispose of it properly.
Powdery mildew can be controlled by planting disease-resistant varieties of the plant and ensuring good air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity levels. In severe cases, it may be necessary to apply fungicides to the affected plant to control the disease.
Leaf spot can be managed by ensuring good sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead irrigation. Applying fungicides to the plant may also help to control the disease.
Pest Management
The Bothriocline inyangana N.E.Br. var. amplexicaulis (Muschl.) C.Jeffrey plant is also prone to attack by various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
To manage aphids, it is advisable to use natural predators such as ladybugs or release parasitic wasps that will consume the aphids. You can also apply insecticidal soaps and oils to the plant to control the pests.
Spider mites can be managed by ensuring good air circulation, reducing humidity levels, and keeping the plant well-watered. Applying insecticidal soaps and oils to the plant may also help to control the pests.
Caterpillars can be controlled by physically removing and destroying them or by using natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps. In severe cases, it may be necessary to apply insecticides to the affected plant to control the pests.
