Origin
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore, commonly known as Eyles's Buchnera, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to the southern parts of Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Apart from Eyles's Buchnera, the plant is also known by other common names like 'silver-leaved Buchnera,' 'variegated Buchnera,' and 'silver Buchnera.'
Uses
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is well suited for rock gardens and borders, and its silvery-grey leaves make it a popular choice for adding contrast and texture to planting schemes. The plant is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments like diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and fever.
General Appearance
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore is a small evergreen shrub that grows to a height of about 0.5 to 1 meter. Its leaves are succulent, oval, and have a silvery-grey color with a light green edging. The plant produces tubular flowers that are usually white or pale pink and are clustered at the end of the stem. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that contains tiny seeds.
Light Requirements
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore requires full or partial sunlight for optimal growth. It can withstand some shade, but too much shade will result in less vigorous growth and smaller leaves.
Temperature Requirements
These plants thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 18-26 °C (65-80 °F). Temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F) can cause damage to the leaves and slow down growth. If temperatures get too hot, above 30 °C (86 °F), the plant may start to wilt and leaves can turn yellow.
Soil Requirements
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore grows best in well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. A pH level of 5.5-6.5 is ideal for this plant. It can grow in poor soil quality, but soil that is enriched with compost or other organic matter will help it thrive.
Cultivation methods of Buchnera eylesii S.Moore
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore is a versatile plant and can grow in various soil types and light conditions. However, the plant thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is ideally grown in full sun or partial shade, and the optimum temperature range for growth is between 20 to 25°C.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If propagating by cuttings, it is best to take tip cuttings from healthy plants in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist but not waterlogged until they are established.
Watering needs of Buchnera eylesii S.Moore
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, and the frequency can be adjusted according to the weather conditions and soil type.
The plant should be watered at the base, and the leaves should be kept dry to prevent fungal diseases. It is important to note that the plant can tolerate some drought, so it is better to err on the side of under-watering than over-watering.
Fertilization of Buchnera eylesii S.Moore
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore requires regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal.
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, and the fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant. Over-fertilizing should be avoided as it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning of Buchnera eylesii S.Moore
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore requires minimal pruning. However, if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, it can be pruned back in the spring or fall to promote new growth.
The dead flowers should be removed regularly to encourage prolonged flowering. The plant can also be pinched back to promote bushier growth. However, it is important to note that the plant may self-seed, so it is best to leave some seed heads to allow for natural propagation.
Propagation of Buchnera eylesii S.Moore
Buchnera eylesii S.Moore, also known as the African blue basil, is propagated through stem cuttings or seed sowing.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
The ideal time for taking stem cuttings of Buchnera eylesii is during the early spring season, right after the end of the last frost. Cut a 4-6 inch stem section from the mother plant using a sterilized pruning shear. Ensure that the cutting has at least two nodes on it. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and trim the remaining leaves by half to reduce moisture loss. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot and cutting with a plastic bag to increase humidity and place it in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. After three to five weeks, roots will begin to form, and the cutting can be transplanted into a larger container or straight into the ground.
Propagation by Seed Sowing
It is best to sow Buchnera eylesii seeds indoors in early spring. Fill a seed tray with moistened potting soil, scatter seeds on top, and cover the tray with plastic wrap to maintain moisture levels. Place the tray in a warm place, with temperatures between 70-75°F. Once the seeds germinate, remove the plastic wrap, and move the tray to a sunny windowsill. Monitor the soil's moisture level, and do not allow it to dry out. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them until they reach a sufficient size. After the last frost, they can be planted directly into the ground.
Disease Management:
Buchnera eylesii is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can still fall prey to diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To manage these issues, it is essential to keep the plant's environment clean and dry. Avoid watering the plant excessively and keep it well-ventilated.
If you notice symptoms of disease, such as yellowing or browning of leaves, remove affected plant parts immediately and discard them appropriately. You can also use fungicides as a preventative measure to protect the plant from diseases.
Pest Management:
Buchnera eylesii may also attract a variety of pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can weaken the plant and cause significant damage if left unchecked.
To manage pest infestations on the plant, try using natural methods such as spraying the plant with a solution of water and mild soap. Also, you can introduce natural predators that feed on the pests, like ladybugs and lacewings. Additionally, you can use chemical pesticides as the last resort, but make sure to choose a product that targets the specific pests that are affecting your plant to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Regularly inspect your Buchnera eylesii for signs of pest infestations and take prompt action if you notice any. By following these simple measures, you can keep your Buchnera eylesii healthy and pest-free.
