Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. - Description
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev., also known as Rosy Short-awned Orchid, is a small terrestrial orchid species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. The plant is native to the African continent and can be found in many parts of the sub-Saharan region, including Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Common Names
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. is commonly referred to as Rosy Short-awned Orchid due to the plant's pinkish-red flowers and short inflorescence. In Tanzania, the plant is known as "Sato mbili" by the Sukuma people, which means two cents - referring to the small and insignificant size of the plant.
Uses
Like many other orchid species, Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. has been used in traditional medicine. It is believed that the plant's tubers possess medicinal properties that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, and gonorrhea. However, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims, and overharvesting of the plant has led to its decline in many regions.
General Appearance
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. is a small plant that grows up to 25cm tall. The plant's flowers are pinkish-red and are arranged in a short inflorescence. The leaves are reduced to small lanceolate scales that are borne on the stem, and the plant's roots are fleshy and cylindrical. The plant typically flowers from January to March and is pollinated by bees.
Growth Conditions for Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev.
Light: Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. grows best when exposed to bright but filtered light. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a shaded area with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause leaf and flower burning.
Temperature: This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers warm temperatures between 60°F to 90°F. It is important to keep the temperature stable as sudden changes can stress the plant and affect its growth. The plant can tolerate slight drops in temperature at night, but drastic temperature changes can cause damage.
Soil: The plant is adaptable to different soil types such as sand, loam, or clay. However, the soil must be well-draining and not retain excess moisture, as this can lead to root rot. A recommended soil mix for Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. is one part potting mix with one part perlite or sand. Additionally, adding organic matter such as compost can improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
Cultivation Methods
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. is a terrestrial orchid that can grow in shady areas with well-draining soil. For cultivation, it is better to use a pot made of terracotta or ceramic that has many drainage holes. The plant should be planted at a depth of about 5 cm.
Watering Needs
The plant needs to be watered frequently but should not be overwatered. The best option is to water it when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. During winters, when the plant is in its dormant phase, watering should be reduced and only done when the soil feels completely dry.
Fertilization
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. requires fertilization during the growth period, which is usually from spring till the end of summer. A balanced orchid fertilizer can be used. Fertilizing once a month is sufficient to keep the plant healthy. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can harm the plant.
Pruning
The plant does not require pruning, except for the removal of dead leaves or stems. Any dead parts should be removed as soon as they appear to avoid the spread of any diseases. The plant should be left mostly untouched, and its natural growth pattern allowed.
Propagation of Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev.
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. can be propagated through both seed and vegetative means. However, propagation through seed is the most commonly used method.
Propagation through seed
The seeds of Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. are minute and dust-like, making it difficult to handle and sow them. The seeds are usually sown in late winter or early spring when the temperature is around 16-18°C, and the relative humidity is around 70-75%. The seedlings will emerge in 3-4 weeks, and it takes up to 4 years for the plant to mature and bloom.
When propagating through seed, it is important to select a suitable growing medium. Some recommended media are peat-based compost or a mixture of peat and grit in equal parts. It is essential to maintain proper moisture levels and temperature during the germination process. The seedlings must be kept in a humid environment, and the soil should always be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. can be achieved through division of the rhizomes. This method is relatively simple and involves separating the rhizomes into smaller sections, each with a shoot and root system. Once the rhizomes have been divided, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground at a spacing of 10-15 cm apart.
Alternatively, Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. can be propagated through tissue culture. This is a more complex and labor-intensive method, involving the use of a sterile environment to grow the plant tissue in culture media with the required nutrients and hormones. This approach is usually employed for mass propagation of the plant.
In conclusion, Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev. can be propagated through seed or vegetative means. Propagation through seed is the most common method and requires a suitable growing medium, proper moisture levels and temperature during the germination process. Vegetative propagation can be achieved through the division of rhizomes or tissue culture.
Disease management
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev, is susceptible to several diseases that might affect its growth and development. Some of the common diseases are:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease is characterized by the appearance of small, circular spots on the leaves. The affected leaves turn yellow and fall prematurely. To manage this disease, remove the affected parts and spray with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots, causing them to turn brownish and mushy. It is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage.
- Virus infection: This disease causes stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of flowers. Affected plants cannot be cured, and the best way to manage the disease is to remove and destroy the affected plants to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy plants.
Pest management
Brachycorythis rosea A.Chev, is also vulnerable to pest attack. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Mealybugs: These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage this pest, remove the affected parts and spray with an insecticide.
- Thrips: These pests feed on the flowers, causing them to turn brown and deformed. To manage this pest, remove the affected flowers and spray with an insecticide.
- Spider mites: These pests cause yellow spots on the leaves and fine webbing on the plant. To manage this pest, spray with an insecticide or wash the plant with a forceful stream of water to remove the mites.
