Description of Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella
Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella Bremek. is a rare, evergreen shrub belonging to the family Thymelaeaceae. It is a variant of the species Edgewothia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. It is commonly known as 'Compact-hairy-leaved Edgeworthia'. The shrub is native to Ethiopia, particularly in the regions of Harar and Bale.
Appearance of Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella
The shrub can grow up to a height of 4-6 meters. It is characterized by its short, woolly, silvery-grey hairs that cover the leaves and the younger parts of the shoot. The leaves are simple, arranged alternately on the stem, and are oblong in shape with rounded tips. The shrub produces clusters of yellow, tubular flowers that bloom in winter and early spring. The flowers are fragrant and make the plant a popular ornamental choice.
Uses of Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella
The plant is mainly grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens, parks, and public spaces. It is a popular choice for its fragrant flowers and unique foliage. Its bark and roots have been traditionally used in Ethiopia for medicinal purposes as a treatment for various ailments such as stomach pains, malaria, and skin diseases.
In conclusion, Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella is a rare and unique evergreen shrub with silvery-grey foliage and clusters of fragrant, yellow flowers. It is native to Ethiopia and has ornamental and medicinal uses.
Light requirements
Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella grows best in partial shade to full sun. In extremely hot climates, it prefers being planted in a spot that gets some afternoon shade to protect the leaves from scorching.
Temperature requirements
The plant is hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures of up to -10°C, making it a suitable candidate for outdoor cultivation in temperate regions. However, it thrives in temperatures between 20 and 30°C with moderate humidity levels.
Soil requirements
Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella prefers well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The plant is adapted to grow in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0–7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogging or saline soils and may suffer from root rot due to poor drainage.
Water and fertilization requirements
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season but should not be overwatered. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season. Fertilizers with a balanced distribution of nutrients or natural organic fertilizers can be added during the growing season to enhance growth. However, it is essential to avoid excessive fertilization that can lead to root burn.
Propagation
Edgewothia psammophila var. compactehirtella can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or grafting. However, cuttings and grafting are the most common propagation methods used commercially due to their high success rate. Seeds should be collected from fully ripe fruits and sown immediately to avoid seed dormancy.
Cultivation
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils. However, it prefers well-draining, fertile soils with a slightly acidic pH. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and is tolerant of moderate winds.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the summer months. Once rooted, they can be transplanted to their final location. Alternatively, the plant can be grown from seed, which can be sown in the autumn.
Watering Needs
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. requires moderate watering during the growing season, which is from spring to autumn. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soil, so it is important to avoid overwatering. During the dormant season, watering can be reduced substantially.
It is important to note that the plant is drought-tolerant once established and can survive short periods of drought without any harm.
Fertilization
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. does not require too much fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in the early spring before the new growth appears to provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Organic fertilizers can also be used to enrich the soil and improve its quality, promoting better growth and flowering.
Pruning
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. requires minimal pruning and is generally self-shaping. However, it is recommended to prune the plant after flowering to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems.
Pruning can also be done to control the plant's size and shape. Late winter to early spring is the best time to prune the plant, as the flowers develop on the previous year's growth.
Propagation of Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek.
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. can be propagated through several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a popular method used to propagate Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. The seeds need to be collected from mature fruits and cleaned before sowing. They should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate. The germination time for Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. seeds is usually around 3-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. can also be propagated through stem cuttings which are taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season and should be around 15-20 cm in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm and humid environment until they start to root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. This method involves making a small cut into a stem of a mature plant and then covering the cut with soil or moss. Roots will grow from the cut and once they have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted into a separate pot.
Disease Management
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. is known to be susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect its leaves, stems, and flowers. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and strategies to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the leaves dry by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation around the plant. Pruning the affected leaves and disposing of them properly can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It appears as a white, powdery substance on the affected parts of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to water the plant at the base and avoid overhead watering. Keeping the plant in a well-ventilated area and applying fungicides can also help control powdery mildew.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It appears as brown or black spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the leaves and stems dry by avoiding overhead watering. Pruning the affected parts of the plant and applying fungicides can also help control anthracnose.
Pest Management
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. compactehirtella Bremek. is also susceptible to various pests that can feed on its leaves and stems. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage and stress to the plant. To manage aphids, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Washing the plant with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soap can also help control aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant by sucking its sap. They often appear as tiny red or brown specks on the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the leaves and stems moist by misting them regularly. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control spider mites.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant by sucking its sap. They often appear as tiny bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is important to prune the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control scale insects.
