Origin
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Long-stalked Bothriocline and in Swahili, it goes by the name Mlenda-mawe.
General Appearance
The Long-stalked Bothriocline is a perennial herb that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The stem is usually branched, and the leaves are simple and elliptic. They are dark green in color and have a slightly rough texture. The flowers are small, about 1.5cm in diameter, and are usually arranged in clusters of 2-3. They are bright yellow in color, giving the plant a beautiful appearance when in bloom. The seeds are small and brown in color.
Uses
The Long-stalked Bothriocline is grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers and foliage. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes in some African communities. The roots and leaves are used to make a decoction that is believed to have antiseptic properties. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach problems, headaches, and fever. In some parts of Africa, the plant is used as a remedy for snake bites.
Growth conditions of Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is primarily found in East and Central Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. In order for this plant to grow successfully, it requires specific growth conditions that include:
Light
Bothriocline schimperi var. longipes requires full sun exposure in order to grow. It needs at least six hours of sunlight daily to photosynthesize and produce energy. It cannot grow in shady areas or under trees that may block the sun, as it needs constant and direct sunlight.
Temperature
This plant species thrives in warm to hot climates. It prefers temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). It cannot tolerate cold temperatures or frost. Bothriocline schimperi var. longipes grows best in regions where the climate is dry with low humidity.
Soil
The soil type for Bothriocline schimperi var. longipes needs to be well drained. It must be composed of sandy or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level must be neutral or slightly acidic between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also have good aeration, as the plant's roots require oxygen for optimal growth.
Providing Bothriocline schimperi var. longipes with the proper growth conditions is essential to its survival and ability to produce flowers. It is important to remember that these growth conditions may vary slightly depending on the specific location and climate where the plant is grown.
Cultivation Methods for Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern
To cultivate Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern, you should start by selecting a well-draining soil mixture. This plant prefers a sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic. It can also tolerate full sun or partial shade, but it needs good air circulation to thrive. Therefore, you can plant it in a location that receives sunlight for at least six hours each day, with enough space around it for air movement.
The best time to plant Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern is in late spring, once the last frost has passed. Before you plant, make sure to prepare the soil mix with organic matter such as compost, to help improve the soil structure and provide nutrients to the plant. You can plant the seeds or the seedlings about 18 inches apart, and then water them in gently.
Watering Needs of Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern
Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern requires moderate watering to grow best. This means that you should water the plant once a week during the growing season, and then reduce the frequency during the dormant season. You can use a drip irrigation system or a watering can to avoid over-watering or under-watering the plant.
It is essential to avoid letting the soil get too dry or too wet, as this can harm the plant. Therefore, you should check the soil moisture level regularly, to ensure that the plant is getting enough water. If the top-inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization of Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern
In addition to good soil mix and consistent watering, Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern needs proper fertilization to grow well. You can apply a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, every month during the growing season, which extends from spring to early fall. You can also add a slow-release granular fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, to continuously release nutrients throughout the season.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer, to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can harm it. If you observe signs of over-fertilization such as wilting or drooping leaves, flush the plant with plenty of water to reduce the amount of fertilizer in the soil.
Pruning of Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern
Pruning Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern is crucial for removing dead or damaged foliage, promoting healthy growth and maintaining the plant's shape. You should prune once a year at the end of the dormant season or the beginning of the growing season, which extends from late fall to early spring.
You can use pruning shears to remove any diseased or dead branches, or those that have grown excessively. Make sure to clean the pruning tools before and after use, to avoid cross-contamination between plants. You can also pinch back the tips of the growing shoots during the growing season, to encourage bushier, fuller growth rather than leggy growth.
Propagation of Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern
The Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern is a plant that can be propagated by using several methods. Here are the most common methods:
Seed Propagation
The seeds of the Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern can be used for propagation. The seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil during the rainy season. The seedlings emerge within a few days, and they can be transplanted to their permanent locations after they have grown a few inches tall.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagation for Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants, and they should be about 4–6 inches long with at least two leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, then planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept warm and moist until roots develop. Once rooted, they can be transplanted to larger pots or outdoor locations.
Division Propagation
The Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern can also be propagated through division. Mature parent plants can be divided into several clumps, each with their own root system. Each clump should be replanted in a well-prepared bed, and they will each grow into their own mature plant.
Disease Management
The Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern plant is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and can result in wilting, stunted growth, and eventually death. It can be managed by maintaining well-drained soil and avoiding over-watering.
- Gray mold: Also known as botrytis, this disease causes grayish-brown spots on the leaves and stems. It can be managed by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. It can be managed by ensuring proper spacing between plants and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
The Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern plant is also susceptible to attacks from pests such as:
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the leaves and can cause yellowing and distortion. They can be managed by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests also suck sap from the leaves and cause yellowing. They can be managed by spraying the plants with a high-pressure water hose or applying insecticidal soap.
- Leafhoppers: These pests feed on the leaves and can cause wilting and yellowing. They can be managed by removing weeds and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing both diseases and pests in the Bothriocline schimperi Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth. var. longipes Oliv. & Hiern plant. Practicing good cultural practices such as maintaining proper watering and fertilization can also help in preventing infestations.
