General Appearance
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Africa. The plant grows up to 30 centimeters in height and has a thin, fibrous, and branching taproot that helps it to grow in various soil structures. The stem of the plant is erect, simple, and densely covered with non-glandular hairs.
The leaves of the plant are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant, and they are oblanceolate to oblong-obovate in shape. They grow up to 6 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters wide, with smooth edges and a dense covering of hairs. The upper leaves of the stem are smaller and are lanceolate in shape.
The flowers of the plant are small, yellow; the flower heads are corymbose, with fewer flower heads at the end of the corymb. Flowering occurs between September and February.
Common Names
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii is commonly known as New's hawkbit or New's crepis. It is called so in honour of a notable English botanist, Edward Newman (1801-1876).
Uses
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii has lots of medicinal uses. Tea made from the root of the plant has been used to treat diarrhoea and as a general tonic. In some African countries, parts of the plant are chewed to relieve stomach complaints, and preparations from the leaves are used to treat wounds. The plant has also been used to treat diabetes, asthma, and rheumatism.
The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat snakebites and scorpion stings. In addition, the plant is used to make dye for baskets, mats, and clothes.
Light Requirements
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow well in both conditions, but it may flower earlier and produce more flowers in full sun. The plant's leaves can wilt under too much direct sunlight, so shading during the hottest hours of the day may be necessary in areas with extremely high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to mountainous areas of East Africa, where it can experience cool temperatures throughout the year. As a result, Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate frost to some extent. It can grow well at temperatures ranging from 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F). However, it may not survive in regions with extreme heat or cold, so the plant needs to be protected during such times.
Soil Requirements
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii grows well in a well-draining soil. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy soils that are low in nutrients, but grows best in fertile soils rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal, but the plant can still grow in slightly acidic soils. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged. The plant will require regular watering in dry spells.
Cultivation
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii is a perennial plant that is native to the high mountains of East Africa. It can be grown in similar climates and conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who live in regions with cold temperatures and low humidity. Planting should be done in spring, as soon as the ground has thawed.
The ideal soil for Crepis newii is well-draining and rich in organic matter. It prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 and requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It is tough and can thrive in various soil types, including rocky soils, as long as they drain well.
Watering needs
Crepis newii is a drought-tolerant plant and can go for long periods without water once established. However, regular watering is essential during the plant's early growth stage to encourage strong root development. Water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage a deep root system.
Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases, so ensure the soil drains well, and avoid leaving the plant in standing water.
Fertilization
Crepis newii does not require much fertilization, as over-fertilization can lead to leafy growth instead of flower production. The use of organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, is highly recommended. Apply a thin layer of fertilizer around the plant's base, avoiding direct contact with the plant stem. Fertilizing should be done in early spring before the new growth appears, and again in late summer.
Pruning
Pruning Crepis newii is not necessary, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and encourage fuller growth. Deadheading, which involves removing the spent flowers, is recommended to promote more blooming. Cut the spent flowers just above the bud or leaf node. The plant's height can also be controlled by pinching off the top of the stem.
Propagation of Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii, commonly known as New's hawksbeard, is a flowering plant native to Tibet and the Himalayan regions of India. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method of Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii is through its seeds. The seeds of the plant can be collected after the blooming period, which usually occurs in the summer season. The collected seeds must be dried and stored in a cool and dry place. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a sunny location. The soil must be moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate within a few weeks and will grow into healthy plants.
Division Propagation
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them individually. The best time for division propagation is during early spring or late fall. The divided sections must have roots and stems and should be planted in individual containers. These containers must be kept in a shaded location and watered regularly until new growth appears.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii is through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a parent plant and rooting them in a suitable medium. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season and should have at least two leaf nodes. The cuttings must be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil mix must be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in partial shade until new growth appears.
In conclusion, Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, division propagation, and vegetative propagation. These methods are easy and effective for propagating this plant and can be done by both amateur and professional gardeners.
Disease Management
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii can be affected by several diseases that can weaken or kill the plant if not managed properly. The most common diseases affecting this plant are:
- Anthracnose: It is caused by a fungus that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Symptoms include brownish lesions on the plant parts, and in severe cases, the plant may lose its leaves. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
- Rust: It is caused by a fungus that can produce orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected parts, and apply a fungicide as recommended by a professional or an agricultural extension officer.
- Mildew: It is caused by a fungus that produces powdery or downy white spots on the leaves of the plant. It can lead to stunted growth and reduced yield, but it can be effectively managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and applying a fungicide.
Pest Management
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. newii can also be affected by various pests that can feed on the plant parts, resulting in poor growth and yield. The most common pests affecting this plant include:
- Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing curling and distortion of leaves. To manage them, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: They are the larvae of various moths that can cut the stems of the plant at ground level, leading to the death of the plant. To manage them, remove weeds and debris from around the plant, and apply insecticides or predatory nematodes.
- Mites: They are tiny arachnids that can cause discoloration and bronzing of the leaves and produce webbing on the plant parts. To manage them, spray the plant with acaricides or introduce predatory mites.
