Chrysanthemoides Monilifera (L.) Norl. Subsp. Pisifera (L.) Norl.
Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. subsp. pisifera (L.) Norl., commonly known as bitou bush, is a shrub species that is native to South Africa but has become invasive in other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The plant grows in coastal areas and is tolerant of salty soils and harsh conditions.
Common Names
The Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. pisifera is known by various common names, including bitou bush, boneseed, and coastal chrysanthemum. Its name "bitou" comes from the indigenous Khoikhoi people of South Africa who used the plant to help heal broken bones.
Uses
The Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. pisifera has been used for medicinal purposes by the indigenous people of South Africa. The leaves and bark are used as a treatment for a range of ailments, including skin issues, sore throats, and respiratory problems. The plant contains chemicals such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are thought to provide its medicinal properties.
However, the bitou bush is considered a highly invasive species in many parts of the world. Its rapid growth and ability to outcompete native species make it a threat to biodiversity. It is also a fire hazard due to the high oil content of its leaves and the dense thickets it forms.
General Appearance
The bitou bush is a woody shrub that can grow up to 3m tall. It has dark green leaves that are 20-60mm long and 10-25mm wide. The plant produces yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from August to October in South Africa. The flowers are followed by fruit that looks similar to a small apple and contains a single seed. The fruit is green when young, turning brown as it matures.
In summary, the Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. pisifera is a shrub species that is native to South Africa but considered invasive in many other parts of the world. It has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people, but its fast-growing and competitive nature make it a threat to biodiversity. The plant has dark green leaves, yellow daisy-like flowers, and small brown fruits.
Light Conditions
The Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. pisifera plant requires direct sunlight to develop. It thrives in full sun environments and requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight exposure every day. Insufficient sunlight will cause stunted growth and a weakened immune system. The plant should not be grown in complete shade settings.
Temperature Requirements
Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. pisifera prefers mild to hot temperatures ranging from 16 - 26°C (60 - 80°F). The lowest temperature tolerated is -3°C (27°F) while temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) could result in the plant drying out. The plant should be protected from frost and extreme weather conditions.
Soil Conditions
The plant prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range of 6 - 7.5. It is found to thrive better in neutral to slightly acidic soils. The plant requires regular watering but cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. The soil type should be loamy or sandy to ensure proper water drainage and nutrient access.
Cultivation methods
Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. subsp. pisifera (L.) Norl. is a hardy plant that can grow in various types of soils, but it thrives in well-drained, fertile soils. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow correctly, and it can tolerate high temperatures and moderate frost.
Propagation of Chrysanthemoides monilifera is either through seeds or cuttings. Using seeds, sow in early spring in a well-prepared seedbed and maintain moist soil for germination. Cuttings can be taken during the growing season and placed in rooting hormone. When roots emerge, move them into a pot or a new spot in the garden.
Watering needs
Watering the plant frequently in the first year of growth promotes root development. However, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant and can survive long dry periods. Nonetheless, it is best to keep the plant hydrated regularly during hot months, especially for those grown in containers.
Fertilization
Chrysanthemoides monilifera benefits from an annual spring application of phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer. Commercially available fertilizers work well, and the quantity used should be based on the plant's current size.
Pruning
Chrysanthemoides monilifera requires minimal pruning but benefits from the occasional removal of old, dead stems to promote new growth. In regions with mild winters, pruning back the shrub in early winter can encourage bushy growth for the following year. Additionally, the plant naturally grows in a rounded shape, and pruning can sculpt it into a desirable form.
Propagation of Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. pisifera
Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. pisifera, commonly known as bitou bush, is a low-maintenance plant that is native to South Africa but has become invasive in many parts of the world. Propagation of this plant can be done using various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of bitou bush are small and black and can be easily sown in pots or directly in the ground. However, before sowing, it is recommended to soak the seeds in a bowl of water for 24-48 hours to improve germination rates.
Seeds can be sown in spring or autumn, in well-draining soil and in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Water the seeds daily until they germinate and grow into small seedlings.
Propagation by Cuttings
Bitou bush can also be propagated using cuttings taken from the parent plant. This method is best done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Select a healthy branch of the plant and cut it off with a sharp pair of pruning shears. Remove all the leaves except for the top two or three and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting in well-draining soil and water it gently. Keep the soil moist and wait for the cutting to develop roots and new growth.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another method of propagating bitou bush. This involves bending a low-hanging branch of the plant to the ground and burying a small section of it in the soil. The branch will eventually develop roots, and a new plant will grow from that section.
This method is best done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Once the new plant has developed roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the soil moist and provide the plant with adequate sunlight and nutrients to ensure healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. subsp. pisifera (L.) Norl.
Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. subsp. pisifera (L.) Norl. is an evergreen shrub that is native to South Africa. This plant is commonly known as the bitou bush or boneseed and is used in ornamental gardens or grown for erosion control. However, like many other plants, the Chrysanthemoides monilifera is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can cause a decline in its health and vigor.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Chrysanthemoides monilifera is the Phytophthora root rot. This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus called Phytophthora cinnamomi, and it infects the plant's roots, causing them to rot. The symptoms of Phytophthora root rot include wilting of the plant, yellowing of the leaves, and stem rot. To manage this disease, it is essential to plant the Chrysanthemoides monilifera in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Additionally, avoid planting the plant in areas where the disease is prevalent as this will increase the plant's susceptibility to infection.
Another disease that affects the Chrysanthemoides monilifera is the leaf spot disease. The symptoms of this disease include brown or black spots on the plant's leaves, which can lead to defoliation if left untreated. The leaf spot disease is caused by a fungus called Cercospora chrysanthemoidis. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove infected plant debris, provide adequate spacing between plants, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that affect Chrysanthemoides monilifera include the chrysanthemum leaf miner, thrips, and scale insects. The chrysanthemum leaf miner is a small, yellowish-white larvae that mine tunnels into the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to turn silver or bronze. Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, sucking sap from them and causing them to wilt and die.
To manage these pests, it is recommended to remove infected plant debris, prune infected branches, and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the pests' population. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can make it more susceptible to pest infestations.
Overall, proper management of diseases and pests is essential to maintain the health and vigor of Chrysanthemoides monilifera. By following the recommendations outlined above, gardeners and landscapers can help prevent and manage diseases and pests that can damage this plant and reduce its aesthetic and ecological value.
