Origin and Common Names
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern, commonly known as Angolan Bothriocline, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Angola and grows mainly in rocky areas and seasonally flooded grasslands.
General Appearance
The plant has a succulent stem and can grow up to 50 cm in height. The leaves are alternate and can grow up to 15 cm long. They are green, oblong, and have a prominent mid-vein. The flowers are yellow and can grow up to 5 cm in diameter. They are clustered at the end of the stem and resemble a daisy. The plant blooms from July to October. The fruit is an achene, and the seeds are dispersed by wind.
Uses
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern is commonly used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach pains, fever, and diarrhea. The plant is also used for its insecticidal properties. In addition, the leaves are used as animal fodder, and the plant is an important source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
Growth Conditions for Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, and is found in Angola. The plant requires specific growth conditions to achieve optimal growth and development.
Light Requirements
Bothriocline schimperi requires full sunlight, meaning it needs 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can also thrive in partial shade, especially in areas with high temperatures. It can only grow in areas with low light conditions if other plants are not blocking its access to sufficient light.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained sandy-loam soil that is fertile and has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Bothriocline schimperi does not tolerate extremely clayey soils, water-logged, or compacted soils. The plant requires moderate soil moisture for optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures and grows well in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures above 35°C may lead to wilting while temperatures below 15°C may slow down the plant's growth rate. During the cooler months, the plant can become dormant if the temperatures are too low.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering because it is not drought tolerant. Watering should be done when the topsoil becomes dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and kill the plant. It is recommended to avoid watering the leaves and flowers, as excessive moisture can cause fungal diseases.
Nutrient Requirements
Bothriocline schimperi requires appropriate levels of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and other essential elements for optimal growth and development. It is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer during the spring season to enhance the plant's growth and development.
By providing the necessary light, temperature, soil, water, and nutrient conditions, Bothriocline schimperi can withstand environmental stresses and produce beautiful and healthy flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern is a hardy plant that thrives in a range of soil types. It is best grown in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant requires bright sunlight for most of the day but can also grow in partial shade. The ideal temperature for cultivation is between 20-30°C.
The planting process involves placing the seeds in moist soil and covering them with a thin layer of soil. The seeds germinate in 2-3 weeks, and once seedlings are established, they require minimal care.
Watering Needs
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other diseases. During the dormant season, water sparingly to prevent soil from drying out completely.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from periodic fertilization to boost growth and flower production. Use a balanced fertilizer with NPK ratios of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Fertilize the plant every two months during the growing season, reducing the frequency during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern. Begin pruning once the plant has reached its desired size, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or stems. Prune the plant back by one-third of its height in the early spring to encourage new growth and branching.
Propagation of Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern is propagated through seeds and herbaceous stem cuttings. Here are some details about each method:
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be collected from its flowers. The seeds need to be collected once they have fully matured and turned brown. It's important to collect the seeds before they are dispersed by the wind.
Before sowing the seeds, they need to be scarified. Scarification involves breaking or scratching the hard seed coat to enhance germination. This can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or soaking them in hot water overnight.
Sow the scarified seeds in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm. Keep the soil moist and place the tray in a warm, brightly lit area. The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
The plant can be propagated through herbaceous stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Take cuttings that are 8-10 cm long and have at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil that has been moistened. Make a hole in the soil with a pencil and insert the cutting. Firm the soil around the cutting and water it in. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to increase humidity and place it in a warm, brightly lit area, avoiding direct sunlight.
The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks. You can test if roots have formed by gently tugging on the cutting. If there is resistance, roots have formed and the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern, commonly known as the Angolan daisy, is a resilient plant that is generally resistant to disease and pest infestations. However, there are a few common threats that gardeners and farmers should be aware of and take measures to manage.
Diseases
The Angolan daisy is most susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Root rot and stem rot are the most common fungal ailments, and they can be caused by overwatering the plant or leaving it in waterlogged soil. Infected plants may show signs of blackened, mushy roots or stems, wilting, and leaf yellowing.
To control fungal diseases, it is important to remove infected plants as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus. To prevent fungal infections in the first place, it is recommended to avoid overwatering and provide good drainage for the plant. In addition, fungicides can be applied to protect the plant from potential fungal infections. Be sure to choose a fungicide labeled for use on Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern and follow the application instructions carefully.
Pests
While the Angolan daisy is generally resistant to pest infestations, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can occasionally be a problem. These pests can cause damage to the foliage and stunt growth, and may transmit viruses to the plant.
To control pests, try using insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are effective and environmentally friendly options. These can be applied directly to the affected areas of the plant to kill the pests on contact. It is important to do this on a cloudy day or in the early morning or late evening to prevent sun damage to the plant. For more severe infestations, stronger chemical insecticides may be necessary. Be sure to choose an insecticide labeled for use on Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. angolensis Hiern and follow the application instructions carefully.
Regularly inspecting and monitoring the plant is the key to catching and managing any disease or pest problems before they become severe. Providing good growing conditions, including proper watering, fertilization, and sunlight, can also go a long way in preventing disease and pest issues.
