Plant Description
Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi, commonly known as the Schimper's Dicoma, is a perennial plant belonging to the family of plants known as Asteraceae. It grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has a long and slender stem that is covered with small white flowers. The leaves are gray-green, have toothed margins, and are hairy on the underside.
Origin
The Schimper's Dicoma is native to eastern and southern Africa, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Africa. It thrives in a variety of habitats from grasslands to rocky slopes, and it prefers full sun exposure.
Common Names
The Schimper's Dicoma goes by different names in the regions where it grows. In Ethiopia, it is called "Aguara," while the South Africans call it "Boesmanstee." Other common names include the "Frosty Dicoma" and the "Bearded Dicoma."
Uses
The Schimper's Dicoma has a rich history of being used for various medicinal purposes. In traditional African medicine, the roots were boiled and used to treat a variety of illnesses such as fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The leaves were also used to make a tea that was believed to relieve indigestion.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Schimper's Dicoma has also been used as a food source. The young leaves can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, while the dried roots can be roasted and ground to make a coffee-like drink.
The plant's attractive flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and it is also used in landscaping to create natural-looking barriers.
Light Requirements
Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi is a plant that thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight. It requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it is best suited for regions with a high amount of direct sunlight. The plant can still survive in partially shaded areas; however, it may not grow as well and will produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in a range of temperatures between 20-30°C. It is best suited for regions with a tropical or sub-tropical climate. Temperatures below 20°C may inhibit the growth and development of the plant, while temperatures above 30°C may cause the plant to dry up. Frost should also be avoided at all costs, as it can cause significant damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi thrives in well-drained, light-textured soils rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 – 7.0). The soil should be deep enough to provide good anchorage and allow for proper root development. The plant can tolerate soils with high salinity levels but will not grow well in waterlogged soils. Therefore, the soil should be well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi
Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi is a beautiful plant that is easy to cultivate in the garden. For best results, it is advisable to plant it in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, provided the soil is moist and well-draining.
Watering Needs of Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi
Watering is an essential aspect of cultivating Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi. The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it may lead to root rot. It is advisable to water the plant once a week and more during the hot season.
Fertilization of Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi
Fertilization is important in promoting the growth and flowering of Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi. The plant requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The fertilizer should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning of Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi
Pruning is essential in promoting the growth and shape of Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi. The plant requires pruning at least once a year, preferably after flowering. It is best to remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the plant to your desired size and shape. However, it is important not to prune too much as it may hinder the plant's growth and flowering.
Propagation of Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi
Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi, commonly known as the mountain daisy, can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation and propagation by cuttings.
Seed propagation
The most common method to propagate the Dicoma schimperi is through seed propagation. The plant typically produces seeds during the summer months, which can be collected once they are ripe and dried.
The seeds can then be planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location. They should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until they germinate. The seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle, typically after six to eight weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another viable method to propagate Dicoma schimperi. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season from new growth, typically in the summer months.
The cuttings should be around 5-10 cm in length and should be taken from the upper portion of the stem. The leaves should be removed from the bottom third of the cutting, and the cutting should be planted in well-draining soil.
The cutting should be watered and kept in a shaded location until it begins to root. Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted into a sunnier location.
Disease and Pest Management for Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi
Like all plants, Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. It is essential to identify the disease or pest affecting the plant accurately and apply the appropriate management technique.
Common Diseases
One common disease affecting Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stem, and flowers. To manage this disease, one can apply fungicides on the affected areas or remove the infected plant parts to prevent further spreading of the disease.
Another disease affecting Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi is the Fusarium wilt. Fusarium wilt causes the plant to wither, especially during the early growth stages. The application of soil fumigants and resistant cultivars can manage Fusarium wilt effectively.
Common Pests
Some pests commonly found on Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi are spider mites and thrips. Spider mites suck sap from the plant causing yellow or white dots on the leaves. Thrips feed on the plant causing its leaves to curl or become distorted. To manage these pests, one can apply insecticides or introduce natural predators that feed on them, like ladybugs.
Caterpillars and aphids can also attack Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, causing them to wither, while aphids suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth. One can manage these pests by applying insecticides or introducing natural predators.
Overall, disease and pest management for Dicoma schimperi (DC.) O.Hoffm. subsp. schimperi involves a combination of cultural, chemical, and biological techniques. Proper cultural practices, such as maintaining a clean planting site and good plant nutrition, can help prevent pest and disease infestation. Early diagnosis and quick intervention are crucial to prevent further spreading of the disease or pest infestation.
