Echium Buekii I.m.johnst.

Description of Echium buekii I.M.Johnst.

Also known as the Bukidnon Viper's Bugloss, Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. is a species of flowering plant in the borage family. It is a biennial or perennial plant that is native to the Philippines, particularly in Bukidnon, where it was first discovered by the American botanist, Ivan Murray Johnston, in 1919.

General Appearance

The Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. has an erect stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, with stiff, rough, and hairy branches. Its leaves are lance-shaped, rough, and hairy, with pointed tips, and can be up to 20 cm long. The flowers are pink to blue in color, and are funnel-shaped, measuring about 15 to 20 mm wide, with 5 petals that are fused at the base. The fruit is a nutlet that is covered with short, stiff bristles.

Common Names

Aside from Bukidnon Viper's Bugloss, Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. is also known as "Tampukawa" and "Sangasiaw" by the local people in Bukidnon.

Uses

Traditionally, the plant is used by the Manobo tribe in Bukidnon for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever, stomach ache, and wounds. The leaves are also used to make a tea that is believed to have a calming effect. In addition, the Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. is also planted as an ornamental plant in gardens because of its beautiful flowers.

Light Requirements:

Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. requires full sunlight exposure to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant will not thrive in low light conditions. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a location where it can receive sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day.

Temperature Requirements:

Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows well in a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 16-27°C (60-80°F). However, it can tolerate extreme temperatures, ranging from as low as -10°C (14°F) to as high as 40°C (104°F).

Soil Requirements:

Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate poor soils, but it will not grow well in heavy clay soils or waterlogged soils. The plant requires a moderate amount of water, and it should not be allowed to dry out completely. Adding organic matter to the soil can benefit the growth of the plant, especially in poor soils.

Cultivation

Echium bukii I.M. Johnst., commonly known as Bukhara viper's-bugloss, is a tall, herbaceous plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is a native of Central Asia and is commonly found in countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is a drought-tolerant plant and thrives in dry and arid conditions.

The plant can be propagated using seeds and should be grown in well-drained soil. The seeds should be sown in the spring after the temperature has warmed up, and the threat of frost has passed. The plant requires full sun exposure, and enough space for it to grow to its full size.

Watering Needs

Echium bukii requires moderate watering during its growth period, which is mostly in the spring and summer. The plant has adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate drought, but excess water can lead to the development of root rot. It is essential to maintain the soil's moisture level, and the plant should be watered when the topsoil is dry to touch.

Fertilization

The Bukhara viper's-bugloss plant is not a heavy feeder. It mainly requires soil that is rich in organic matter. Fertilization should be done during the early growth phase, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive vegetative growth, which can stunt its bloom production.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for the Bukhara viper's-bugloss plant but can be done to control its size and shape. Any pruning should be done during the winter while the plant is dormant. It is advisable to remove dead or diseased branches, cut back old flowers, and shape the plant as desired.

Propagation Methods for Echium buekii I.M.Johnst.

Echium buekii can be propagated by various methods depending on the available resources and needs of the propagator. Here are some of the methods commonly used to propagate this plant species:

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Echium buekii. The seeds of this plant species have moderate to high germination rates and are relatively easy to cultivate. To propagate Echium buekii from seeds, follow these simple steps:

1. Collect mature seeds from the flower head.
2. Prepare the soil mixture consisting of equal parts of garden soil and sand.
3. Fill seedling trays with the soil mixture and moisten the soil surface with water.
4. Sow the seeds evenly on the surface of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of fine sand.
5. Place the trays in a warm and bright spot, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
6. Seedlings will emerge within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to larger pots or planting beds after 4-6 weeks of growth.

Cuttings Propagation

Echium buekii can also be propagated by cuttings. This method is useful when there are limited seeds or when it is easier to propagate from cuttings. Here are the steps to propagate Echium buekii from cuttings:

1. Take cuttings from the healthy and mature stem tips, about 10-15 cm long.
2. Remove the lower leaves and gently scrape off the outer layer of bark from the lower end of the cutting.
3. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
4. Insert the cuttings into a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite.
5. Water the cuttings well and cover them with a clear plastic bag to maintain high humidity.
6. Place the cuttings in a warm and bright area, avoiding direct sunlight.
7. The cuttings should root within 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted to larger pots or planting beds after 6-8 weeks of growth.

Division Propagation

Division propagation is another method to propagate Echium buekii. This method is useful when the plant has grown large enough or when it is necessary to rejuvenate the older plants. Here are the steps to propagate Echium buekii by division:

1. Dig up the mature plant and separate the root clumps into small sections.
2. Trim away any damaged or diseased roots and leaves.
3. Plant the sections in a soil mixture consisting of equal parts of garden soil and sand.
4. Water the newly planted sections well and keep the soil moist.
5. Place the sections in a warm and sheltered spot, away from direct sunlight.
6. The sections will grow and establish in the soil after 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted to larger pots or planting beds after 6-8 weeks of growth.

By following the above propagation methods, Echium buekii can be easily propagated and grown to add a splash of color and beauty to any landscape or garden.

Disease and Pest Management for Echium buekii I.M.Johnst. Plants

Echium buekii I.M.Johnst., commonly known as tower of jewels, is a beautiful flowering plant that is generally easy to grow. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can hamper its growth and flowering. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Echium buekii and ways to manage them.

Diseases

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To avoid powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation around the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant to control the disease.

Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal leaf spot diseases cause circular or irregular brown, black, or gray spots on the leaves. To control fungal leaf spots, remove infected leaves as soon as they appear and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply a fungicide to protect the plant from further infection.

Pests

Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that pierce the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers and suck the sap from the plant. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also release ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, which are natural predators of aphids.

Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To control spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also increase humidity around the plant, as spider mites thrive in dry conditions.

Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can eat large portions of the plant's foliage, causing defoliation. To control caterpillars, remove them by hand or spray the plant with a pesticide specifically designed to target caterpillars.

By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure that your Echium buekii plants grow strong and healthy, producing beautiful flowers year after year.