Origin
Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild, also known as Kirk's dicoma, is a plant species that belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Kirk's dicoma has several common names, including African dicoma, dunshea, and ook-als-nooit-nie. In Zimbabwe, it is known as mhomba.
Uses
Traditionally, Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii has been used to treat various ailments, such as coughs, colds, and fevers. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat rheumatism and arthritis. The herb's roots and leaves are boiled together, and the liquid is used as a traditional medicine.
The plant is also used in herbal remedies to heal cuts, grazes, and wounds. Its leaves are placed on the affected area, and the sap from the stem is used to treat eye infections.
Besides its medicinal uses, Kirk's dicoma is an ornamental plant used in gardens and landscaping. It is an easy-to-grow plant that adds a splash of color to landscapes and is a favorite among gardeners.
General Appearance
Kirk's dicoma is an herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. Its stem is upright and branched, with woody bases in older plants. Its leaves are elliptical or lance-shaped and have toothed edges. They are dark green and have a velvety texture due to the presence of small hairs on their surface.
The plant's flowers are small, pink to purple, and arranged in dense heads that are 6-12 mm in diameter. The heads are borne at the tip of the branches and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The plant blooms from May to October.
Kirk's dicoma is well adapted to dry conditions and can be found in savannahs, grasslands, and woodlands. Its ability to withstand drought makes it a hardy plant that can thrive in various soil types.
Growth Conditions of Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild
Dicoma sessiliflora is an indigenous herb found in Southern and Eastern Africa. It is a perennial plant with a variable growth pattern, and its growth and development are mainly influenced by the prevailing environmental conditions.
Light requirements
Dicoma sessiliflora subsp. kirkii thrives best in areas with plenty of natural light. Being a sun-loving plant, it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth.
Temperature requirements
Dicoma sessiliflora subsp. kirkii needs a warm and temperate climate to thrive. The plant prefers temperatures between 18°C to 28°C. It cannot tolerate frost, and temperatures below 8°C can severely damage or kill the plant. Additionally, the plant requires a suitable humidity range of 60% to 70%.
Soil requirements
Dicoma sessiliflora subsp. kirkii can grow in various soil types. However, it thrives in well-drained soils with an optimal ph of 5.5 to 7.5. It requires fertile soils, with adequate nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Organic matter is also beneficial to the plant's growth and development.
Overall, Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii is a hardy plant that can adapt to different environmental conditions. However, to achieve the optimal growth and yield, it is essential to provide the plant with the right light, temperature, and soil requirements.
Cultivation methods
Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild is a hardy plant that can be grown in a wide range of soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant requires full sunlight to grow to its full potential. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
The best time to plant Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild is during the rainy season. When planting, the spacing should be at least one meter between plants to allow for adequate growth.
Watering needs
Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild needs regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging, which can be harmful to the plant. It is recommended to water the plant in the morning or evening to avoid water loss due to evaporation during the day.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential to ensure that Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild grows to its full potential. A balanced fertilizer should be applied during the rainy season to help the plant produce healthy foliage and flowers. Before applying fertilizers, it is crucial to test the soil to determine its nutrient content. This will help determine the right type and quantity of fertilizer to apply.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant in shape and promote healthy growth. Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild should be pruned during the dry season to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Dead and diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. When pruning, it is crucial to use clean and sharp tools to minimize damage to the plant.
Propagation of Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild
The Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through different methods. Propagation is essential for the growth and multiplication of plants to ensure that there is an adequate supply throughout the year. Below are the methods that can be used for propagation:
Seed propagation
Propagation of Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild by seeds is easy and straightforward. Collect the seeds from mature flowers, clean them, and soak them in water overnight. Plant the seeds on a medium mixture of sand, compost, and loam in equal proportions. Place the container in a warm and well-lit place and keep the soil moist. Germination usually occurs within one to two weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild can be propagated using vegetative propagation methods. The plant can be divided into smaller sections and planted separately. Alternatively, stem cuttings can be taken during the active growing season, and the bottom leaves removed before planting into a rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted on a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist but not waterlogged.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a more advanced form of propagation that involves the use of micropropagation techniques to produce many identical plants. Plant tissue is placed in culture media in a sterile environment to encourage cell growth and multiplication. Once the culture has enough cells, they are transferred to a new medium where they can grow roots and shoots. This method of propagation is more expensive but is useful for producing large quantities of plants of the same genetic makeup.
Propagation is vital in ensuring that the plant thrives and multiplies. The choice of method used depends on the availability of resources, time, and desired outcome.
Disease Management
The plant Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild can be prone to several diseases. The common ones include:
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that thrives in wet soil. It causes the roots to decay, leading to poor plant health. To manage root rot, it is vital to avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil has proper drainage.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, prune the affected parts, and use fungicides only when necessary.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a bacterial or fungal disease that causes brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove the infected leaves and ensure proper aeration around the plant.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, plants can also encounter pest problems. The common pests that might affect the Dicoma sessiliflora Harv. subsp. kirkii (Harv.) Wild include:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and feed on the plant's sap, causing it to appear yellow or bronze. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves. They cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, prune the affected parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the plant's leaves, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
