Overview
Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum, also known as the Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari, is a species of giant groundsels endemic to the high elevations of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Common Names
The Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum is colloquially known as the Kilimanjaro giant groundsel, Kilimanjaro senecio, or simply, giant groundsel.
Appearance
The Kilimanjaro giant groundsel is a stunning plant that can grow up to 12 meters tall, making it one of the tallest flowering plants in the world. Its stem is woody at the base and covered in soft, velvet-like fur. The leaves are thick and succulent, and they grow in a rosette at the end of the stem. The plant produces yellow flowers at the tips of its branches.
The giant groundsel's appearance changes depending on the altitude it grows in. At higher elevations, the plant grows in a compact form with smaller leaves and flowers, while at lower elevations, it is more elongated with larger leaves and flowers.
Uses
The Kilimanjaro giant groundsel has several medicinal uses, particularly in African traditional medicine. The plant parts are used to relieve fever, stomach upsets, and joint pains. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the giant groundsel also plays an important ecological role. It provides a food source for several species of animals that live on the mountain, including the elephant shrew and the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax.
Overall, the Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum is an impressive plant with unique features and important ecological and medicinal values.
Light Requirements
Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum requires bright light conditions to achieve optimal growth. At high altitudes where this plant species thrives, there is typically intense sun exposure and minimal shade. Therefore, it is recommended to expose the plant to full sun or partial shade for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum has adapted well to the cold temperatures experienced at high altitudes. This plant species can tolerate temperature ranges from -5°C to 20°C. In fact, temperature fluctuations are essential for the growth and survival of this plant as they help promote the development of its favorable adaptations, such as its deep taproot system and woody trunk base that help it withstand cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum are quite specific. Essentially, the plant thrives in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. It is particularly sensitive to overwatering and waterlogged soils. The ideal soil pH for growth ranges from 5 to 6.5. Due to the high-altitude habitat, the species is also known to tolerate low nutrient soils and high salinity.
Cultivation Methods
The Dendrosenecio adnivalis (Stapf) E.B.Knox subsp. friesiorum (Mildbr.) E.B.Knox, commonly known as the giant groundsel, is indigenous to East African mountains. It grows well in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and in areas with rainfall between 600 and 1000mm. The plant thrives well in cool conditions and is sensitive to temperatures exceeding 25°C.
Propagation methods can be either by seed or cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings would be early spring, and the cuttings can be rooted in a mixture of compost and sand. Seed sowing can be done all year round, but the ideal time is early summer. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should only be pressed onto the soil surface and not covered. The plants can be transplanted into larger pots as they grow.
Watering Needs
The Dendrosenecio adnivalis requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant does not do well in areas with high humidity, and overwatering can lead to root rot. It is advisable to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid wetting the leaves.
Fertilization
The Dendrosenecio adnivalis is not a heavy feeder, and excessive fertilization can damage the plant. However, it does benefit from occasional feeding, and it is best to use a slow-release fertilizer. Applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season helps to maintain the plant's vigor.
Pruning
The giant groundsel does not require regular pruning, but it is advisable to remove any dead or damaged leaves. Pruning can be done in early spring before the new growth emerges. When pruning, it is essential to use clean and sharp pruning tools to minimize damage to the plant. The plant can grow up to 3m tall and can be shaped by removing the top of the stem to encourage branching.
Propagation of Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum
The Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The propagation process may depend on the resources and expertise of the gardener or nursery.
Seed Propagation
The first step in seed propagation is to collect seeds from a mature and healthy plant. The seeds should be properly stored in dry and cool conditions until planting time. When ready to plant, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots containing a well-draining and rich soil mix. The soil should be moistened before planting, but not soaked, to avoid rotting of the seeds. The seeds should be planted shallowly and spaced appropriately, depending on the anticipated growth and maintenance requirements of the plant. After planting, the containers should be kept in a warm and bright location until germination occurs. Once the seeds sprout, the containers can be gradually relocated to a cooler and shadier area to allow for the development of strong and healthy seedlings.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking stem or leaf cuttings from mature and healthy plants. The cuttings should be taken during the active growing season and should be at least 3 to 6 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in a root hormone powder which stimulates the development of roots. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining and moist soil mixture, preferably in a rooting pot. The pot should be covered in a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment that promotes root growth. The pot can then be placed in a warm and bright area until roots develop, after which the pot can be uncovered and relocated to a cooler and shadier location for further growth and development of a new plant.
Disease Management
Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum is a hardy plant that is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Proper management practices can help minimize the risks of infection and the spread of diseases among plant populations.
Common Diseases:
Fungal diseases such as leaf spots, rust, and powdery mildew are common in Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum. Bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and soft rot can also affect the plant.
Management Strategies:
Cultural practices such as crop rotation, sanitation, and avoiding over watering can help prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases in plants. Diseased plants should be removed and disposed of properly to avoid spreading the infection. Additionally, the use of disease-resistant cultivars can help minimize the risks of infection.
Pest Management
Dendrosenecio adnivalis subsp. friesiorum is vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant if left uncontrolled. Proper management practices can help minimize pest damage and maintain healthy plant populations.
Common Pests:
The plant is prone to infestations by aphids, spider mites, and the African black beetle.
Management Strategies:
Mechanical control methods such as handpicking can help control infestations of pests such as aphids and spider mites. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can be effective in controlling pests. The application of biological control agents, such as predatory mites, can also be used to control pest populations. Finally, the use of pest-resistant cultivars can help minimize the risks of pest infestations.
