Description of Erlangea smithii S.Moore
Erlangea smithii S.Moore is a plant species that belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is a flowering plant that is commonly found in eastern and southern Africa, specifically in Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. It is also referred to as the Smith's erlangea or the Old Woman Sage, named after the British botanist, Edward Smith who discovered it.
General Appearance
The Erlangea smithii S.Moore plant usually grows up to a height of 1.5 meters, and it has long rhizomes that crawl beneath the soil. The stem of this plant is usually woody and branching at the base, with branches that are covered with light-colored hairs. The leaves of the Smith's erlangea are large, hairless, and rough-textured, with serrated edges that are whitish-green in color.
The flower heads of the Erlangea smithii S.Moore plant are yellow and occur at the tip of the branches. They are numerous and arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom between December and February. The fruit of this plant is an achene with a pappus of yellowish bristles.
Uses
The Erlangea smithii S.Moore plant has several medicinal uses. The roots, leaves, and stems of the plant are used in the treatment of stomach pains, menstrual pains, and respiratory infections. The root extracts are also used as a purgative, while the leaves are used to alleviate pain and inflammation. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional practices as a diuretic and to treat skin infections.
The plant is also used in the production of essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy and perfumery. The oil extracted from this plant is said to have a woody, spicy, and earthy scent, which makes it attractive to perfume makers. It is also used in the production of soaps and other cosmetic products.
The roots and stems of the Smith's erlangea are used as a source of fuelwood, while the plant is also used in environmental restoration programs. It is planted to help stabilize soil and to prevent soil erosion in areas that are prone to land degradation.
Light Requirements
Erlangea smithii S.Moore is a sun-loving plant. It requires full sun to thrive and grow. In areas with low light conditions, the plant may grow but will be spindly and weak. Therefore, it is best to position the plant in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight in a day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable and can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It prefers warm temperatures of 18°C to 28°C (65°F to 82°F). However, it can also survive in cooler temperatures if kept dry and protected from frost.
Soil Requirements
Erlangea smithii S.Moore is not picky when it comes to soil. It can grow in a range of soils, including sandy, loam, or rocky soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6 to 7.5 is ideal for its growth. Adding some organic matter such as compost can help improve the soil structure and provide a source of nutrients.
Cultivation
Erlangea smithii S.Moore, commonly known as the bushveld erlangea, is a small, shrubby plant endemic to South Africa. It is generally easy to cultivate, and it thrives in most soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH.
When planting, ensure that the roots are not exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period as they may dry out. It is recommended to plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid scorching the roots.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential to keep Erlangea smithii S.Moore healthy and vigorous. The plant prefers moderate watering, with a deep soaking at least once a week. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this may rot the roots.
During the winter months, reduce watering and only water once a month to prevent overwatering and root rot.
Fertilization
Erlangea smithii S.Moore is not a heavy feeder, and the use of organic fertilizers is recommended. Fertilize the plant once every three months with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 5-5-5 NPK mix. Alternatively, use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
It is crucial to avoid over-fertilizing as this may result in excessive vegetative growth with fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Erlangea smithii S.Moore plant. However, it can be beneficial to trim back any dead or damaged stems to encourage new growth and help maintain the plant's shape.
If the plant becomes leggy, it can be pruned back to one-third of its height to encourage denser foliage and more compact growth.
Propagation of Erlangea Smithii S.Moore
Erlangea smithii S.Moore is a colorful perennial shrub with showy golden-yellow flowers that makes an excellent addition to gardens. If you want to propagate Erlangea Smithii for your garden, it is important to choose the right method and time of propagation to ensure success.
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Erlangea Smithii is through the use of seeds. The best time to collect seeds is in late summer or early autumn when the plant has matured and the seed heads have dried out. Once you have collected the seeds, they should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place.
To propagate Erlangea Smithii from seeds, you will need to sow them in a well-prepared soil medium in spring. Place the seeds about 1cm deep in the soil and make sure they are well spaced. Keep the soil moist and warm, and germination should occur within two to three weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Erlangea Smithii can also be propagated through softwood stem cuttings taken from the plant during the early summer growth period. Make sure the cutting is healthy and about 5-10 centimeters long. The cuttings should be taken from non-flowering shoots, and the bottom of the cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone before being planted in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and roots should develop within a few weeks.
Propagation of Erlangea Smithii S.Moore is relatively quick and easy, and the plant is an excellent addition to any garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Erlangea Smithii S.Moore
Erlangea Smithii S.Moore is a rare species of bushy shrub that is native to Zimbabwe and Northern Mozambique, and is found growing in savannah, woodland, and riverine vegetation types at elevations between 400 and 1,200 meters. Even though it is a tough plant and can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions, it can still be affected by diseases and pests.
Common diseases that affect Erlangea Smithii S.Moore
One of the most common diseases that affect Erlangea Smithii S.Moore is leaf rust. Leaf rust is a fungal disease that presents itself as yellow spots on the leaves, which gradually enlarge and turn reddish-brown. If not controlled, the disease can cause premature leaf drop and weaken the plant. Another common disease is powdery mildew, which appears as a powdery white growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Like leaf rust, powdery mildew can weaken the plant and cause premature leaf drop. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to spray the plant with fungicide at the first sign of infection. Additionally, it is recommended to keep the plant well ventilated and prevent overwatering, as these fungi thrive in humid environments.
Common pests that affect Erlangea Smithii S.Moore
Erlangea Smithii S.Moore can also be affected by various pests such as spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites are small arachnids that suck the sap from the plant, leading to a stippled, yellowish appearance of the leaves. Aphids are small insects that also suck the sap from the plant and can cause deformation of leaves, stunted growth, and the production of honeydew, which attracts ants. Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and can cause yellowing, silvering, or bronzing of the foliage. To manage these pests, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticide. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to control aphids.
Overall, to keep Erlangea Smithii S.Moore healthy, it is recommended to practice good hygiene by removing and destroying any infected plant debris. Additionally, it is important to provide the plant with proper cultural conditions such as well-drained soil, proper spacing, and adequate water and nutrition to promote healthy growth and resistance to disease and pests.
