Overview of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr.
Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. is a species of plant in the Burmanniaceae family. It is commonly known as the "Welwitschia Burmannia" or "Welwitsch's Burmannia." This plant is native to the African country of Angola, where it is found growing in sandstones and quartzites in savannahs and forests.
General appearance of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr.
The Welwitschia Burmannia is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 20 cm in height. It has a single, unbranched stem that is 0.5-2 mm in diameter and is pale yellow to brown in color. The leaves are reduced to small scales that are 2-4 mm long and only visible at the base of the inflorescence.
The flowers of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. are small, white, and inconspicuous. They are borne in racemes that are 1-3 cm long and are located at the tip of the stem. The roots of this plant are fibrous and do not have any root hairs or root caps.
Uses of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr.
There are no significant medicinal or economic uses of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. known to date. However, it is a rare and beautiful plant that is highly valued by plant collectors and enthusiasts.
Its unique appearance and rarity make it an interesting addition to botanical gardens and private collections. The cultivation of this plant has been successful in certain regions under controlled conditions such as high humidity, bright and indirect light, and an optimum temperature range of 22-30°C.
Conclusion
Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. is an interesting and unique plant species that is only found in Angola. Its small size, unbranched stem, reduced leaves, and small white flowers make it stand out among other plant species. Although there are no known medicinal or economic benefits, it is still highly valued by plant collectors and enthusiasts. With proper care and conditions, this plant can be successfully cultivated in botanical gardens and private collections.
Light Requirements
Burmannia welwitschii Schltr., being a non-photosynthetic heterotrophic plant, does not require a lot of light. It prefers low to medium light conditions. Direct sunlight can damage its tissue as it does not have chlorophyll to photosynthesize. It can grow under artificial light, but care must be taken to not give it too much light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. is between 20°C to 25°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures between 15°C to 30°C. Care must be taken to not expose this plant to extreme temperatures as it is delicate. It grows well in a warm, humid environment.
Soil Requirements
Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. requires specific soil conditions that mimic its natural habitat. It grows well in a well-draining soil mixture consisting of peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, around 5.0-6.0. A nutrient-poor soil is preferred as the plant does not require a lot of nutrients. Fertilizing this plant may cause damage to its delicate roots.
Cultivation
Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. is an epiphytic plant and can be grown in a pot or mounted on a tree or rock. If grown in a pot, a well-draining soil mix is ideal. The plant prefers a humid and warm environment and needs to be protected from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
These plants require consistent watering to thrive and prevent the soil from drying out. Watering should be done regularly but not excessively, as this can cause root rot. It's best to water when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Using rainwater or distilled water is recommended as they are free from chemicals that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for healthy growth, and a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season, spring to summer, and reduced during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning isn't necessary for Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. But removing dead or yellowing leaves can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Additionally, pruning can encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
Propagation of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr.
Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. is a rare and unusual plant that has unique propagation methods. The plant is known to reproduce vegetatively through bulbils or less commonly through seeds. However, due to its rarity, propagating the plant can be difficult and challenging.
Propagation through Bulbils
The most common propagation method for Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. is through bulbils, which are small bulb-like structures that grow at the base of the plant. These bulbils can be harvested by carefully digging them out and planting them in a well-draining substrate such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite. The substrate should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and should be placed in a warm, humid environment.
Bulbil propagation can be done any time of the year, but it is best done during the plant's growing season when the bulbils are actively forming. It is also important to note that not every plant will produce bulbils and that it may take several years for a plant to produce them.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. through seeds is less common than bulbil propagation, but it is still a viable option. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that will later develop into capsules containing numerous small seeds.
To propagate the plant through seeds, the capsules should be harvested when they turn brown and begin to split open. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining substrate and kept moist in a warm environment with high humidity. Germination can take up to several months, and since the plant is slow-growing, it may take several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Overall, propagation of Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. can be challenging, but it is possible through bulbils or seeds. Patience and careful attention to the plant's growing conditions are essential for successful propagation.
Disease Management
Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. is a relatively disease-free plant. However, some common fungal diseases such as leaf spots caused by Alternaria species and powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe spp. can affect the plant. To prevent the occurrence of these diseases, growers should avoid over-watering and ensure adequate air circulation. It is also important to remove infected leaves and prevent contact between healthy and infected plants.
If fungal diseases occur, growers can apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides that are effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens. However, they should follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and intervals, and always wear protective clothing during application.
Pest Management
Some pests may also affect Burmannia welwitschii Schltr. These include mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Mealybugs and spider mites are often found in concealed parts of the plant, such as the axils of leaves or the underside of leaves. Thrips, on the other hand, feed on the leaves and flowers and can cause discoloration and deformation.
Growers can control these pests by practicing good sanitation measures, such as removing debris and weeds from around the plant. They can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests. However, growers should follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and intervals, and always wear protective clothing during application. Biological control, such as using natural enemies like predatory mites and lady beetles, can also be effective in controlling pests.
