Brachylaena Discolor Dc. Var. Rotundata (s.moore) Beentje

Overview

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Southern Africa and is commonly known as the coast silver oak, coast silver oak leaf or coastal silver oak.

Description

The Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata is a small, evergreen tree or shrub. It has a rounded crown and a single or multi-stemmed trunk, reaching a height of 6-8m tall. The branches are rough and grey. The leaves are simple, alternate, and are a shiny grey-green above, with a white tomentum beneath. The leaves are around 10-12 cm long, with a rounded shape and wavy margins.

Uses

The Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata has a range of uses, including being used for medicinal purposes, as timber for furniture, or as firewood. The bark and leaves are used to treat colds, fever, stomach aches, and headaches. It is also used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. The wood is hard and heavy, making it a desirable option for furniture and construction.

Cultivation

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers a well-drained sandy soil and full sun exposure, although it can tolerate a range of conditions. It is drought-resistant and can handle salty, coastal conditions. It is a slow-growing plant but can be pruned to grow in the desired shape or size.

Growth Conditions for Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje

The plant Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje is native to the African continent, specifically in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is a fairly hardy plant that can adapt to various types of environments, but there are certain growth conditions that it prefers.

Light

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje prefers to grow in areas that receive ample sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can negatively affect its growth. It is recommended to plant this species in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Temperature

The plant can thrive in a range of temperatures, but it prefers warm to hot temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C. The ideal temperature range for optimum growth of Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje is between 20°C to 30°C.

Soil

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It does not do well in compacted soils that retain water for extended periods. The soil should have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost before planting.

Cultivation Methods

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje, commonly known as Silver Oak, is a hardy plant that is native to East Africa. It grows well in a range of soil types and prefers a sunny position. If you live in a region with mild winters, you can plant the Silver Oak outdoors, but if you live in a region with harsh winters, it is best to grow the plant in a pot so that it can be easily moved indoors during cold weather.

Watering Needs

The Silver Oak is a drought-tolerant plant, but it requires regular watering during the first few years of growth to establish itself. Once established, the plant can survive on natural rainfall alone. However, during periods of prolonged drought, it is important to water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

Fertilization

The Silver Oak requires very little fertilization, but if you want to encourage growth, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer every spring. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not over-fertilize as this can lead to weak growth and pest problems.

Pruning

The Silver Oak requires very little pruning, but if you want to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged branches, you can prune it in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make cuts just above a leaf node or lateral branch to encourage new growth.

Propagation of Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata (S.Moore) Beentje is most commonly propagated through the use of seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.

Seeds

Seeds are usually collected from the plant in the fall and cleaned for propagation. Before sowing, they are soaked in hot water for several hours to break their dormancy. The seeds can then be sown in seed flats or pots with well-drained soil mixture. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm, bright area until they germinate, which can take several weeks to several months.

Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are taken from branches that are about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and should be about as thick as a pencil. The bottom end of the cutting is then dipped into a rooting hormone and placed into a well-drained soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a bright area with filtered light. Over the next 6-8 weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and start to grow.

Air Layering

Air layering involves wounding a stem and encouraging roots to grow from the wound while the stem is still attached to the mother plant. This propagation method is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A section of the stem’s bark is then removed and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. Then, a ball of moist sphagnum moss is wrapped around the wound, and then enclosed in a plastic bag. The moss is then checked regularly to ensure it stays moist. In about 6-8 weeks the roots should develop, and the rooted section can be cut off and potted up.

Disease Management

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata is susceptible to a few diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. These diseases include:

• Leaf spot diseases
• Root rots
• Powdery mildew

In order to manage these diseases, it is recommended to follow these steps:

1. Keep the plant healthy by providing it with proper nutrition and watering.
2. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of diseases.
3. Remove and dispose of any infected plant material to prevent the spread of diseases.
4. Use fungicides as a last resort to control severe infections.

Pest Management

Brachylaena discolor DC. var. rotundata is generally resistant to pests, but there are a few insects that can infest the plant. These pests include:

• Mealybugs
• Scale insects
• Spider mites

To manage these pests, it is recommended to:

1. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation.
2. Prune and dispose of any heavily infested plant material.
3. Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population.
4. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control a severe infestation.