Overview: Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn.
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly known by many names, including Oxeye daisy, Gaze of the sun, and Bushy oxeye. This perennial plant is native to western and tropical Africa, where it is widely distributed and can be found in various habitats, such as open woodlands, grasslands, and savannahs.
Appearance:
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is a robust and sprawling plant that grows up to 1 m tall. It has long, slender, and angular branches that contain dense hairs. The leaves are alternately arranged, oblong to lanceolate, serrated, and pubescent. The flowers are borne in large, showy heads, which are yellow and daisy-like, with a prominent black center and with a diameter of up to 5 cm. Each head contains numerous ray flowers that surround many disk flowers. The fruit is small, dry, and one-seeded achene, which is dispersed by the wind.
Uses:
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. The plant is known to contain various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and essential oils, which can be used for treating various ailments, including fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and malaria. Additionally, the plant has been traditionally used for wound healing and as an analgesic. The root is also used to increase breast milk production in lactating women.
Besides its medicinal uses, Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is also used for ornamental purposes, especially in gardens, where it can be grown as a border plant or groundcover. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, and it is easy to cultivate, making it an ideal plant for landscaping.
Conclusion:
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is a robust and attractive plant species that is native to Africa. The plant has several medicinal uses, in addition to being widely used for ornamental purposes. With its showy flowers and easy-to-grow nature, the plant has significant potential in both the pharmaceutical and horticultural industries.
Light Requirements
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. It flourishes in areas with bright and direct sunlight. However, it can also survive in areas with lesser sunlight intensity, as long as there is sufficient light available for photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers moderate to warm temperatures, typically between 15-25°C. Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. can survive in both hot and cold temperatures, but it may not grow as efficiently in extreme weather conditions. It is also known to be frost tolerant, but it may require protection during prolonged periods of frost.
Soil Requirements
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. can adapt well to different soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. However, it requires well-draining soil that can hold sufficient moisture without getting waterlogged. The plant also thrives in fertile soils rich in organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold, and manure. Additionally, a pH range of 6.0-7.5 is considered ideal for optimal plant growth.
Cultivation
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as African marigold bush, is a flowering plant that is indigenous to West Africa and the Congo Basin. To cultivate this plant, start by selecting a site that has well-draining soil and receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. It is best to plant the African marigold bush in the spring or early summer when temperatures are warmer.
Watering Needs
Watering needs for the African marigold bush are moderate. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the summer months, it may be necessary to water plants twice a week. However, in the winter months, it is recommended to water the plant once a week or even less frequently.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and blooming, it is important to fertilize the African marigold bush regularly. Use a slow-release fertilizer or apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Ensure the application follows the instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning the African marigold bush can help promote bushier growth and larger blooms. Pinch back the tips of the plant’s branches once they reach a height of 6-8 inches. Repeat the process every four to six weeks throughout the growing season to encourage more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers is also essential to promote continuous flowering. Remove flowers as soon as they start to fade or wilt to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn.
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as the climbing oxeye, can be propagated by various methods such as seed sowing, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Sowing
Seeds of Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. can be sown directly in the garden in spring or fall. The seeds should be placed about 1/8 inch deep in well-drained soil and kept moist until they germinate. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist during the germination period to ensure the best chances of success.
Stem Cuttings
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings during the spring or early summer months. The cuttings should be taken from the top 3-4 inches of new growth and planted in moist soil. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and kept moist until they develop roots. Once the roots are established, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Division
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The clump of the plant should be lifted and divided into smaller sections, each with roots attached. The divided sections can then be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn.
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as climbing oxeye, is a perennial plant that is native to Africa. While this plant is generally quite hardy and disease-resistant, there are still some pests and diseases that may affect its growth and development. To ensure that your Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. plant stays healthy, it is important to be aware of the potential diseases and pests that can affect it and take appropriate measures to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that may affect Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease presents as white powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant and can stunt its growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overwatering. If the disease is more severe, applying a fungicide may be necessary.
Another disease that may affect Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is rust. This disease presents as reddish-brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause the plant to wither and die. To manage rust, it is important to prune infected plant parts and dispose of them immediately. Applying a fungicide may also be necessary to prevent the disease from spreading.
Common Pests
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. may also be susceptible to infestation by certain pests. One such pest is the aphid. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants and can cause the leaves of the plant to yellow and curl. To manage aphids, it is important to spray the plants with a blast of water to dislodge the insects. In severe cases, applying a pesticide may be necessary.
The plant may also be affected by spider mites, which are small, reddish-brown arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and can cause small yellow or white spots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-hydrated and to spray it with a blast of water to dislodge the insects. In severe cases, applying a pesticide may be necessary.
Conclusion
Buphthalmum scandens Schumach. & Thonn. is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, knowing the potential pests and diseases that can affect it and taking appropriate measures to manage them is important to ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive.
