Overview
Calesium fulvum Engl. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is endemic to Tanzania and mostly found in the Uluguru Mountains.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Uluguru Calesium or Uluguru Daisy.
Appearance
C. fulvum usually grows up to 40-70 cm tall and has a woody base. The stem is sparsely covered with gray to brown hairs while the leaves are green and ovate with serrated margins. The plant produces bright yellow flower heads with a diameter of 3-5 cm, which bloom from July to October.
Uses
C. fulvum has medicinal and ornamental values. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pains. The plant extracts have also shown potential as anticancer and antioxidant agents. Furthermore, the plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers.
Light Requirements
Calesium fulvum Engl. thrives in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. It is advised to expose this plant to at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Inadequate sunlight exposure may lead to stunted growth and poor health, especially in younger plants.
Temperature Requirements
Calesium fulvum Engl. can tolerate high temperatures of up to 35°C, but it grows optimally at a temperature range of 18°C to 30°C. Consequently, this plant can only survive in areas with moderate temperatures and poorly adapted to cold conditions. Exposure to low temperatures may cause leaf damage and death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soils are the most suitable for Calesium fulvum Engl. since they prevent waterlogging. This plant prefers sandy, loamy, and clay soils, with a pH range of 5.6-7.8. It is essential to note that the plant is categorized as drought-resistant, but it requires regular watering to control soil moisture. Frequent watering maintains soil moisture and guarantees healthy plant growth.
Cultivation Methods for Calesium Fulvum Engl.
Calesium fulvum Engl. is a tropical plant that requires adequate warmth and sunlight for growth. The ideal temperature for cultivating it is around 25 degrees Celsius. The plant grows best in nutrient-rich soil that is well-drained and has a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be moist, but avoid water-logging or over-flooding.
Watering Needs for Calesium Fulvum Engl.
The watering needs of Calesium fulvum Engl. depend on various factors such as the season, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture content. It is recommended to water the plant frequently during the hot and dry season, but reduce watering in winter when the temperatures are low.
Fertilization for Calesium Fulvum Engl.
Calesium fulvum Engl. requires regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 20:20:20 every two months during the growing season. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to rapid growth but weak foliage.
Pruning for Calesium Fulvum Engl.
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Calesium fulvum Engl. It helps in shaping the plant structure, encouraging new growth, and promoting flowering. Prune the overgrown, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves regularly. Also, remove the faded flowers to encourage new blooms. Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent diseases from affecting the plant.
Propagation of Calesium fulvum Engl.
Calesium fulvum Engl., commonly known as the yellow bird tree, is a beautiful ornamental plant that can grow up to 7 meters tall. If you want to propagate it, there are several methods you can follow, such as:
Seed Propagation
You can start propagating Calesium fulvum Engl. using its seeds. You can sow the seeds in containers filled with potting mixture or straight into the ground. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown 3-4 leaves, you can transplant them outdoors.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. Take a 6-10 inch cutting from a mature healthy tree and remove all but the top four leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them in a suitable potting mixture. Ensure the soil is kept moist, and the cuttings are kept in a shaded area until new growth appears. Once the roots develop, you can transplant the cutting to a larger container or in-ground.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another effective propagation method for Calesium fulvum Engl. You can select a suitable branch with the right thickness and height and make small cuts in the bark. Then, insert some rooting hormone into the cut and wrap it with sphagnum moss or a rooting medium. Keep the moss damp and cover it with plastic wrap to retain moisture. The roots will start developing after a few weeks, and once the roots have reached an adequate length, you can cut the branch and plant it in a suitable potting mixture or in-ground.
Propagation of the yellow bird tree is relatively easy, and you can choose the method that works best for you. Ensure the growing conditions are optimal, and the plants have adequate water and nutrition while they establish.
Disease and Pest Management for Calesium fulvum Engl.
Calesium fulvum Engl., commonly known as the Tafelkraut, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to the southern parts of Africa and is grown for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. However, like all plants, Calesium fulvum is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can damage or even kill the plant.
Common Diseases
Calesium fulvum is prone to several diseases that can affect its growth and development. The most common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid over-watering and to improve drainage in the soil.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small brown or black spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves and destroy them.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove infected leaves and avoid over-crowding of plants.
Common Pests
Calesium fulvum is also susceptible to certain pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to deform and yellow. To manage aphids, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that spin webs on the leaves of the plant and suck its sap, causing them to dry out and die. To manage spider mites, it is important to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small insects that can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking its sap. To manage whiteflies, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, to prevent diseases and pests from affecting Calesium fulvum, it is important to maintain good cultural practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Additionally, regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations is important so that prompt action can be taken if needed.
