Overview
Cotula melaleuca Bolus, also known as black-leaved cotula or black-foot Daisy, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa and grows in scrubland, grassland, and rocky areas.
Appearance
The plant has a rosette of deep green, often black-tinged leaves that are highly serrated. The leaves are hairy and have a strong smell when crushed. This plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers on stems up to 30cm tall. The flowers bloom from July to September.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as black-leaved cotula or black-foot daisy. Other names include midnight scented cotula, black creeper muti, and black paraffin daisy.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. It is used to treat digestive disorders, fever, and colds. The leaves are crushed and applied topically to treat wounds, insect bites, and skin infections. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide. Additionally, the plant has ornamental value and is often used in rock gardens or as an edging plant in sunny areas.
Light Requirements
Cotula melaleuca Bolus thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow properly. If grown in partial shade, it should be protected from the hot, afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
Cotula melaleuca Bolus prefers moderate temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate occasional extremes of temperature, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of this range can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cotula melaleuca Bolus prefers soils that are well-drained. It is best to grow the plant in loamy or sandy soil, but it can also grow in clay soil as long as it is not overly compacted. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate salt spray and can be grown in coastal areas with moderate salt exposure.
Cultivation Methods
Cotula melaleuca Bolus is a low growing plant that requires well-drained soil for healthy growth. It can tolerate most soil types, but it grows best in sandy soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.5. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth of Cotula melaleuca Bolus. The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist during the growing season, but overwatering may cause root rot. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week instead of light watering every day.
Fertilization
Cotula melaleuca Bolus does not require much fertilization. However, you may add some balanced fertilizer during the early stages of growth to promote healthy root growth. A slow-release granular fertilizer applied during the growing season can also promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which may lead to leggy growth.
Pruning
Pruning Cotula melaleuca Bolus is generally unnecessary as it is a low growing plant. However, you may prune it lightly after the growing season to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can also help the plant produce more flowers.
Propagation of Cotula melaleuca Bolus
Cotula melaleuca Bolus, commonly known as the Black Cape Daisy, is a low-growing, evergreen plant that is native to South Africa. It is an excellent ground cover option that produces attractive, dark green foliage and daisy-like flowers with yellow centers.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest method of propagating Cotula melaleuca Bolus is by seed. The seeds of the plant are small and can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and barely cover it with a thin layer of sand and keep the soil moist. The seeds should sprout within 10-14 days. When the seedlings reach 2-3 inches in height, transplant them to their permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Cotula melaleuca Bolus is by division. Divide the plant in spring or fall by carefully digging up the roots and separating the plant into sections. Each section should have a portion of the roots and several shoots. Replant the divided sections, keeping them well-watered until they are established.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is also a possible method for Cotula melaleuca Bolus. Take 3-4 inch long cuttings from new growth in spring and early summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in moist soil or a well-draining potting mix and keep it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist until roots form, which should take 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting into its permanent location.
Disease Management
Cotula melaleuca Bolus is generally a hardy plant species. However, it can be susceptible to certain diseases, including:
- Leaf spot diseases: These are fungal infections that cause circular or oval-shaped spots on leaves. To manage this, remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid wetting the leaves when watering the plant.
- Root rot: This is a soil-borne disease that can cause the roots to become mushy and eventually die. To prevent this, ensure proper drainage by planting the Cotula melaleuca Bolus in well-draining soil.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery coating on leaves. To prevent this, avoid overcrowding the plants and provide good air circulation around them.
Pest Management
The Cotula melaleuca Bolus plant can also be affected by several pests. These include:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow. To manage this, regularly spray the leaves with water to keep them clean and apply an insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and leave a slimy trail behind. To manage this, handpick them off the plant or create a barrier around the plants with copper tape.
- Caterpillars: These pests can chew through leaves and cause significant damage to the plant. To manage this, inspect the leaves regularly and manually remove any caterpillars found.
