Overview
Buchnera cryptocephala (Baker) Philcox var. mwinilungensis Philcox is a type of herb that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is a highly parasitic plant that attaches to the roots of other plants to absorb nutrients and water. The plant is native to Africa, particularly in the eastern region of Zambia.
Common Names
The plant Buchnera cryptocephala (Baker) Philcox var. mwinilungensis Philcox is commonly referred to as the Mwinilunga Buchnera and locally known as "Kasonso" in Zambia.
Appearance
The Buchnera cryptocephala (Baker) Philcox var. mwinilungensis Philcox has a typical height of 15-30cm and is characterized by its lanceolate and green leaves which are about 7-10cm in length. The plant produces vibrant purple flowers that are dotted with white on its petals and have a long slender tube-like shape.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Buchnera cryptocephala (Baker) Philcox var. mwinilungensis Philcox is used to treat a wide range of ailments, including various respiratory infections such as bronchitis and asthma. It is also used to manage various skin conditions such as boils and abscesses. Additionally, this plant is seen as a symbol of beauty, strength, and resilience, making it an essential part of various cultural ceremonies and practices in the local communities of Zambia.
Light Requirements
Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis Philcox grows best in a bright and sunny environment. This plant prefers full sun exposure and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow well. However, it can also grow in partially shaded areas, but this slows down its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis Philcox growth is between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). This tropical plant is susceptible to cold weather, and the temperatures should not drop below 13°C (55°F) at any point, or the plant may die. It also does not tolerate extreme heat, so temperatures should not exceed 30°C (86°F).
Soil Requirements
Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis Philcox prefers well-drained soils enriched with organic matter. The pH levels of the soil should range between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant is adapted to grow in loamy, sandy, or rocky soils. However, to ensure healthy growth of the plant, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant is also sensitive to salt, and it is essential to avoid salty soils.
Cultivation
Buchnera cryptocephala (Baker) Philcox var. mwinilungensis Philcox is a perennial shrub that requires proper cultivation conditions to thrive. When planting, the shrub requires well-drained soil with a pH of 5-6.5. It does well in full sun or partial shade, depending on the climatic conditions.
The shrub is drought resistant, and it's necessary to water it well during planting and then rarely afterwards. This assures development of a deep root system, which helps the shrub to thrive even during the dry seasons.
Watering Needs
The shrub requires moist soil during its early days after planting. Daily watering or several times a week will be necessary to keep the soil moist. However, the plant is drought resistant, so watering once a week will suffice during the summer season.
Watering is necessary until the shrub is well established, usually after 8-12 weeks. The plant then requires minimal watering except for during dry seasons or extreme heat which might dry out the soil around the shrub too quickly.
Fertilization
Buchnera cryptocephala (Baker) Philcox var. mwinilungensis Philcox requires fertilization to ensure the steady supply of nutrients necessary for flowering and fruiting. This plant is nitrogen-fixing, so it requires little to no supplementation of nitrogen. The shrub benefits from a potassium and phosphorous-based fertilizer, applied lightly during the early stages of planting and once annually when dormant.
Too much fertilizer can harm the plant, leading to overgrowth, weakening of the stem, and death of the plant. After applying fertilizer, it is advisable to water the plant well to ensure the nutrients seep into the soil to reach the roots.
Pruning
Pruning the plant helps maintain a healthy, attractive shape and encourages new growth by removing dead wood and weak stems. The best time to prune this shrub is during the dormant season, after flowering. Pruning should involve removing dead wood and stems from the previous year, cutting back older branches to encourage new growth, and lightly shaping the shrub to maintain its overall shape.
It is best to use sterilized pruning equipment when pruning the plant to prevent the development of diseases that can affect the plant's growth and development.
Propagation of Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis
Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or can be started in a seed-starting tray. If starting the seeds indoors, it is recommended to sow them 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. The germination process takes around 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are 2-4 inches tall.
Vegetative propagation
Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Stem cuttings can be collected from the parent plant during the growing season. The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long, with 2-3 leaves attached at the top. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil mix and water it regularly. The cutting will root within 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division can be done in the early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Dig up the parent plant and gently separate the roots into sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some top growth. Replant each section in a well-draining soil mix and water it regularly to establish it in the new location.
Disease Management
Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis Philcox may be vulnerable to various diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. The most common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Mildew: This is a fungi that can grow on leaves, stems and branches of the plant. Mildew can cause leaves to turn yellow and wilt, which can eventually kill the plant. To manage mildew, make sure to keep the plant dry by watering it at the base and providing adequate air flow around the plant.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by a bacteria or fungi that can make small or large dots on leaves. As the disease progress, the leaves will start to turn brown and eventually fall off. Leaf spot can also affect the health of the stem and branches. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and branch, ensure proper plant spacing and water the plant at the base.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, browning of leaves and stems, and eventually death. To manage root rot, remove the affected parts of the plant, improve soil drainage and decrease watering frequency.
Pest Management
Buchnera cryptocephala var. mwinilungensis Philcox can also fall prey to various pests that can affect its growth and ultimately cause the plant to die. Below are common pests to watch for and how to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that can suck sap from the plant and cause leaves to curl and wilt. They often appear in colonies on the underside of leaves. To manage aphids, hose off the leaves with water, apply insecticides, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that spin webbing on the plant and suck out the sap. Leaves of the plant will turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant, spray with insecticidal soap or oil, or introduce natural predators.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small insects that can jump and fly. They can cause deformity and holes on leaves and stems. To manage leafhoppers, spray the plant with insecticides, or introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs.
Proper cultural practices such as regular pruning and fertilization can help to prevent disease and pest infestations. It is important to monitor the plant regularly to detect any pests or diseases and take action to manage them before they become too severe.
