Overview
Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It is a small shrub with lovely violet-blue flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It is native to Africa and can be found in many areas across the continent.
Common Names
Buchnera macrocarpa is commonly known as the Large-fruited Buchnera, Blue Buchnera, or Makarika plant. In Swahili, it is known as Mkiki or Mweri.
Appearance
The Buchnera macrocarpa plant is a small shrub with a maximum height of up to 60 cm. It has soft, dense foliage with oval leaves that are 2-4cm long and dark green in color. The plant has beautiful violet-blue flowers that bloom in clusters at the end of its branches. The fruit of the plant is a capsule, and when it matures, it splits open to release tiny seeds.
Uses
Buchnera macrocarpa is widely used as a medicinal herb. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant have been used in traditional African medicine to treat a range of ailments, including malaria, fever, cough, and stomach problems. The plant also has antioxidant properties.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Buchnera macrocarpa is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its lovely flowers. The plant is also a good source of nectar for honeybees and other pollinators.
Light Requirements
Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. requires moderate sunlight to grow. The plant is adapted to partial shade conditions and may not tolerate direct sunlight. Avoid exposing the plants to intense light for prolonged periods as it can damage the leaves and affect growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is suitable for hot and semi-arid regions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C and can tolerate variations. Low temperatures may affect plant growth and survival, and therefore it is advisable to avoid exposing the plant to frost.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining to allow proper water circulation. Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. is adapted to loam and sandy loam soils, and requires a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Avoid planting the plant in soils that are waterlogged or heavy clay as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. is a hardy evergreen shrub that can handle a variety of soil types, including poor soil. It prefers a well-draining growing medium and full sun to partial shade. Plant the shrub in late winter or early spring, ensuring you space the plants approximately 60 centimeters apart. Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11, but it can handle being grown in zone 7 if given a sheltered location.
Watering needs
While Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering to encourage optimal growth. During the growing season, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. During the winter, you can reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become completely dry, as this can damage the shrub.
Fertilization
Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. benefits from an annual feeding in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at a rate of approximately 1 pound per 100 square feet. If you prefer organic fertilizers, consider using well-rotted manure or compost, applying it at the same rate. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and potentially damage the shrub.
Pruning
Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. requires minimal pruning but can benefit from a light trim after flowering. Prune away any damaged or diseased branches or stems, cutting back to healthy wood. You can also prune to shape the shrub, removing any excessively long or protruding branches. Avoid over-pruning, as this can lead to a decrease in flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst.
Buchnera macrocarpa, commonly known as the large-fruited Buchnera, can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The simplest method to propagate Buchnera macrocarpa is by seeds. The seeds should be sown in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be placed in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight. The seeds will typically germinate within two weeks. When the seedlings have grown a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by cuttings
Buchnera macrocarpa can be propagated by cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants in the spring when new growth appears. Take cuttings from the tips of the branches, about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots.
Propagation by division
Buchnera macrocarpa can also be propagated by division. This is done by digging up the plant in the spring and dividing the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a good section of roots. Replant the divided sections in a well-draining potting mix or directly into the garden.
Regardless of the propagation method used, young Buchnera macrocarpa plants should be kept well-watered until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst.
Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. is commonly referred to as the white birch tree and is known for its ornamental qualities. However, just like any other plant, it is prone to pest infestations and disease outbreaks. It is, therefore, crucial for gardeners and landscapers to be aware of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. is susceptible to a range of diseases, including:
- Fungal leaf spots: These are caused by various fungal pathogens and manifest as small, circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. To manage fungal leaf spots, prune out infected leaves and improve the plant's air circulation by spacing out the trees. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
- Leaf rust: This is caused by the fungus Melampsora medusae and manifests as orange or yellowish-orange spots on leaves. To manage leaf rust, avoid overhead watering, prune out infected leaves, and apply fungicides early on in the season.
- Cytospora canker: This is caused by the fungal pathogen Cytospora and results in sunken, reddish-brown cankers on the tree's trunk and branches. To manage cytospora canker, prune out infected branches, and avoid injuring the tree when pruning.
- Verticillium wilt: This is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae and leads to wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of leaves. To manage verticillium wilt, remove infected plants and soil, avoid planting susceptible plants in the same location, and apply fungicides early on in the season.
Common Pests
Some common pests that might affect Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. include:
- Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth, leaf curling, and yellowing. To manage aphids, prune out heavily infested leaves and consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils may also be used.
- Scale insects: These are small, immobile insects that feed on the plant's sap and produce a waxy coating that looks like scales. To manage scale insects, remove the scales using a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils may also be used.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, sap-feeding mites that spin webs on the plant's leaves, leading to yellowing and necrosis. To manage spider mites, prune out heavily infested leaves and increase the plant's humidity levels by misting it regularly. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils may also be used.
- Japanese beetles: These are metallic green and bronze beetles that feed on the plant's leaves, leading to skeletonized foliage. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them early in the morning when they are sluggish and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Insecticides and pheromone traps may also be used.
Overall, it is essential to monitor Buchnera macrocarpa Hochst. regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestations and take appropriate measures early on to prevent further damage.
