Origin
Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord., commonly known as Fries's giant groundsel, is a species of flowering plants which is endemic to the mountains of Ethiopia, specifically in the Bale region.
Common Names
Aside from being called Fries's giant groundsel, Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. is also known as Johnston's giant lobelia, and in the local Ethiopian language, it is called "Gughe".
Uses
Traditionally, the leaves of Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. are used by the people in the Bale region as a herbal medicine for various ailments, such as infections and stomach problems. The plant also serves as a forage for livestock that graze in the mountains.
General Appearance
Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. is a tall, perennial herb that grows up to 10 meters in height. It has a single unbranched stem with a few branches toward the top, and numerous small leaves which are velvety to the touch. The flowers of Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. are yellow and arranged in a large head or cluster at the top of the plant's stem. The plant is adapted to high altitude environments and can weather extreme conditions such as high winds and freezing temperatures.
Growth Conditions of Dendrosenecio johnstonii var. friesiorum
Dendrosenecio johnstonii var. friesiorum is a tropical plant species that thrives in specific environmental conditions. The following are some of the growth conditions that are optimal for the plant's growth and development:
Light
The plant requires ample sunlight to develop and grow properly. It is most productive when exposed to direct sunlight for at least 8-10 hours per day. The plant performs well in a bright and sunny environment and should be placed in a location that receives plenty of natural light. In some cases, it may be necessary to provide supplemental lighting to ensure the plant is receiving enough light.
Temperature
Temperature is another important growth condition for Dendrosenecio johnstonii var. friesiorum. The plant grows best in warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20-25 degrees Celsius. The plant does not tolerate extreme temperatures and frost well and should be grown in a sheltered location away from harsh winds and frost. It is best for the plant to be grown in a controlled environment like a greenhouse, especially in areas where the temperature fluctuates significantly.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in fertile, well-draining soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Additionally, the plant does well in soils that have adequate moisture but good drainage. It is important to provide the plant with consistent moisture levels, but overwatering must be avoided as it can cause root rot. The addition of organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and provide additional nutrients for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation methods
The Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. plant is native to Africa and is best grown in high altitude areas that mimic its natural habitat. This plant should be cultivated in well-draining soil and located in areas with plenty of sunlight and good airflow. The plant requires protection from strong winds because its growth can be stunted by excessive exposure to winds.
Watering needs
The Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. plant requires moderate watering. This plant should be watered when the soil dries up but should not be left to dry out entirely. Overwatering can cause harm to the plant; the soil must be well-draining, and water should drain quickly from the pot or garden bed. This plant should be watered from the base, and its leaves or stem should not get wet as this will cause rotting.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done cautiously with the Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. plant. Because this plant is native to the high altitude regions, it is used to low nutrient environments. It is, therefore, critical to use minimal fertilizer and only when necessary. The plant can be fertilized with a granular or liquid fertilizer, but the doses should be small and spaced out over a while.
Pruning
Pruning the Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. plant should be done occasionally. This plant is a tall, evergreen plant that can grow up to heights of 15-20 feet. Pruning can be done to control the size and shape of the plant. Dead leaves should be pruned off during the growing season, but major pruning should be done just after the flowering season. This way, the plant has enough time to recover in readiness for the following season.
Propagation of Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord.
Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. is propagated by two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation:
The ideal time for seed propagation of Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. is during the rainy season. The seeds should be collected when they are fully matured and have turned brown. The seeds should be spread out on trays and left to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Once the seeds are dry, they should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed with well-drained soil. The depth of the sowing should not exceed 1 cm. The seedbed should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, but care must be taken not to overwater.
Vegetative Propagation:
Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. can be propagated vegetatively using cuttings. The ideal time for vegetative propagation is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate the plant using cuttings, a healthy stem should be selected and cut into 5 to 10 cm lengths. The cuttings should be allowed to dry in a shaded area for a few days before being planted in well-prepared soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet. The cuttings will take root within a few weeks.
Both seed propagation and vegetative propagation methods can be used to increase the number of plants, and they are relatively easy to carry out. With proper care and attention, plants propagated using either method can thrive and grow into healthy mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord.
Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord., commonly known as the giant groundsel, is a species of flowering plant native to Kenya and Tanzania. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and grows up to 6 meters in height. Despite being a hardy plant, giant groundsels can still suffer from various diseases and pest infestations that can stunt their growth and decrease their overall health and vitality. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial wilt: This is a bacterial disease that can cause wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove all infected plants and debris from the site to prevent further spread. Avoid planting in wet and poorly drained soils, as this can increase the risk of the disease. Also, ensure to disinfect all gardening tools to prevent transmission of the bacteria.
Root rots: Giant groundsels are susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by various fungi and oomycetes. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and root discoloration. To control this disease, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Incorporating organic matter into the soil can help improve drainage and overall soil health. Also, avoid planting in sites where the disease has occurred previously.
Pests
Thrips: These small, slender insects can cause distortion and discoloration of the leaves. They suck sap from the plant, which can result in wilting and stunted growth. To control thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly removing weeds and debris can also help reduce their numbers by eliminating their hiding spots.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause curling and distortion of the leaves. They suck sap from the plant, which can reduce growth and vigor. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also help reduce their numbers.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can feed on the leaves and stems of giant groundsels, which can cause defoliation and reduced growth. To control caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad-based insecticides. Handpicking caterpillars can also be effective for smaller infestations.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Dendrosenecio johnstonii (Oliv.) B.Nord. var. friesiorum (Mildbr.) B.Nord. is essential for maintaining plant health and vitality. Regular monitoring of the plant and timely application of appropriate management methods are crucial to prevent and control pest and disease infestations.
