Overview
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje, commonly known as the New's hawksbeard, is a subspecies of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Its unique characteristics and physical appearance make it an interesting plant for gardeners, botanists, and herbalists alike.
Origin and Distribution
The Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje is native to the high mountains of East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. Its habitat is mainly in rocky areas with thin soil, and it thrives in areas with a dry and cool climate.
Common Names
The Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje is also known as New's hawksbeard, African dandelion, mountain dandelion, and kinchula.
Uses
The plant has a wide variety of uses in traditional African medicine due to its medicinal properties. It has been used to manage various ailments such as headaches, bronchitis, and fever. As per recent research, the plant extracts show strong potential against bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. It is also valued for its ornamental value, and its vibrant yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to gardens.
General Appearance
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje grows up to a height of approximately 20 cm. It has a basal rosette leaf arrangement, and its leaves are lobed and hairy. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters. The flowers are followed by fruits, which contain numerous seeds that have pappus.
Light Requirements:
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje grows best in full sun to partial shade. In areas with intense sunlight, it is best grown in partial shade. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical climates. It thrives in warm temperatures between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b. The plant does not do well in cold temperatures, and thus frost and freezing temperatures should be avoided.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. It grows well in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH between 6.0 and 7.5). The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and good drainage should be provided to prevent waterlogging. The plant does well in sandy, loamy or clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje is a perennial plant that can grow up to a height of 30-50 cm. It is best to plant this species in a well-draining soil type like sandy or loamy-sand soil, rich in organic matter.
This plant prefers a sunny position with some light shade in the afternoon, especially during the hot summer months. It can tolerate frosty conditions but cannot survive in extremely cold environments. Hence, it is best to grow this plant in warm, temperate regions.
Watering Needs
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje requires regular watering during its active growth period. However, care must be taken not to overwater the plant and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the plant can tolerate drought conditions for a short period.
If you grow this plant in a container, ensure that sufficient drainage holes are provided at the bottom, and the excess water is drained out to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the early spring season to provide nutrients to the plant. It is recommended to use an organic fertilizer like compost or worm castings to improve the soil quality and promote healthy growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers that may encourage foliage growth at the expense of flower formation.
Pruning
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading spent flowers can encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period. If the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, you can trim the stems by half during the early spring season to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje
Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje can be propagated by seeds or division.
Propagation by seeds
To propagate Crepis newii subsp. oliveriana by seeds, collect mature seeds from the plant's seed heads. Broadcast the seeds on top of the potting soil mix you have prepared. The seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Place the pots in a warm, bright and humid location. Keep the soil moist by watering frequently. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by division
You can propagate Crepis newii subsp. oliveriana by division when the plant is dormant or during the early spring. Lift the plant carefully out of the ground and gently tease out the roots. Cut through the rootball with a sharp and sterilized knife, dividing it into sections. Replant the divided sections in pots or directly in the ground, making sure that the soil is moist.
Now that you know how to propagate Crepis newii subsp. oliveriana, you can increase your stock of this beautiful plant and enjoy its delicate yellow flowers throughout the garden.
Disease Management
The Crepis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje plant is vulnerable to various diseases, including fungal infections like powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases, and viral infections like mosaic viruses.
To manage fungal infections, it is essential to keep the plant's foliage dry, which can be done by watering the soil at the base of the plant instead of overhead watering. Pruning and removing infected plant parts can help prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, fungicides can be applied on a regular basis, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Viral infections can be challenging to manage. Infected plants should be removed immediately to prevent the virus from spreading. It is also essential to maintain good insect control, as some insects can spread viruses. There are no chemical treatments available for viral infections, so prevention is crucial.
Pest Management
Crepsis newii Oliv. & Hiern subsp. oliveriana (Kuntze) C.Jeffrey & Beentje plants are vulnerable to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Aphids can be removed from plants by spraying them with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soaps or oils. Spider mites can be managed by regularly misting the plant, which helps keep the humidity levels up. Additionally, predatory mites can be used to control spider mite populations. Whiteflies can be removed by vacuuming them off the plant or by using sticky traps.
It is essential to ensure that the plant is healthy and stress-free to prevent pest infestations. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pests and promptly treating an infestation can help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
