Overview:
Eulophia busseana (Kraenzl.) Butzin, commonly known as Busse's Eulophia, is a plant species that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. This plant is native to the African continent and can be found in countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. The plant's specific epithet 'busseana' is a tribute to the German explorer Bruno Buchsse's contributions to the botanical exploration of the then German East Africa.
Appearance:
Eulophia busseana is a terrestrial orchid with erect stems that reach up to 60 cm in height. The leaves are up to 25 cm in length, elliptical, leathery, and glossy green. The plant forms a pseudobulb at the base, which serves to store water and nutrients. The flowers are borne on a long inflorescence and are creamy white or yellowish, with a contrasting deep magenta lip. The flower stalk is covered in fine hairs, and the sepals and petals are narrowly elongated.
Uses:
The plant has a wide range of medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The leaves and pseudobulbs of Eulophia busseana are rich in polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids, which have been found to have immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities. The plant is said to be useful in treating conditions such as fever, coughs, and as a general tonic.
The tubers of the plant also have culinary uses, especially in East African countries, where they are used to make a type of porridge or gruel known as ugali. The plant's pseudobulbs are also used to make a fermented beverage with a mildly alcoholic content. In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, Eulophia busseana is prized as an ornamental plant by orchid enthusiasts worldwide.
Overall, Eulophia busseana is a remarkable plant species that has found uses in medicinal, culinary, and ornamental applications, and it is an essential part of East African culture.Light Requirements
Eulophia busseana plants grow best in bright and indirect sunlight. The plant can tolerate full sun but needs protection from direct and intense sunlight. It thrives under 50% shade.
Temperature Requirements
Eulophia busseana plants prefer warm temperatures with a daytime temperature ranging between 25-30°C. They can tolerate slightly lower temperatures at night. The plant is suitable to grow in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, where temperatures don't drop below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
Eulophia busseana plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil doesn't remain waterlogged as it can lead to root rot. A mix of soil, sand, and perlite in equal proportions makes an ideal growing medium for the plant.
Watering Requirements
The watering requirements for Eulophia busseana plants are moderate. The plant needs to be watered once a week during growing season which must be reduced to once in two weeks during winter dormancy. Ensure that the soil has dried out a little before the next watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and hence it's important not to water excessively.
Cultivation of Eulophia busseana
Eulophia busseana is a terrestrial orchid that can be cultivated in pots or directly in the ground. It thrives well in areas with moderate temperatures and moderate humidity. The plant requires filtered or partial sunlight for optimal growth. Therefore, it is best placed under a shade cloth or planted under a tree canopy.
The soil for Eulophia busseana should be well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic. The addition of organic matter such as sphagnum moss or coconut coir can help improve soil aeration and water retention, thus reducing the frequency of watering.
Watering needs
Eulophia busseana requires regular watering, but the frequency should be reduced in winter when the plant is dormant. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil has dried out. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to dry out and die. To water the plant, gently pour water at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves and pseudobulbs.
Fertilization
Eulophia busseana should be fertilized at least once a month. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and dilute it to half strength. Avoid fertilizing the plant when it is dry or during winter when the plant is dormant. Overfertilizing can damage the roots and kill the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Eulophia busseana is not necessary, but removing any dead leaves, flowers, and pseudobulbs can help promote healthy growth. The plant should be inspected regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation. Any affected plant parts should be removed immediately and discarded to prevent the spread of infection.
Propagation of Eulophia busseana (Kraenzl.) Butzin
Eulophia busseana (Kraenzl.) Butzin is a terrestrial orchid species that occurs naturally in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The plant can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Eulophia busseana through seeds is straightforward, but success rates may vary depending on care and environmental conditions. Sow the seeds in a mix of peat moss and perlite or sand under sterile conditions. Cover the seeds lightly with the mixture and keep the soil moist. Place the container in a warm room, between 20-25°C, and keep it away from direct sunlight. Germination usually occurs within six weeks to six months.
Vegetative propagation
Eulophia busseana can also be propagated vegetatively through division. Divide the plant carefully, making sure that each division has some roots attached. Replant the divisions in fresh potting soil and water them. Keep the plants in partial shade for some time until they take root. Another method of vegetative propagation is through pseudobulbs. Collect fully matured pseudobulbs and remove the old stems, leaves, and sheaths. Plant the pseudobulbs in a well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss and keep them in partial shade. Water the potting mix thoroughly but allow it to dry in between watering. The new plant will start to grow roots and leaves from the base of the pseudobulb.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia Busseana
Eulophia busseana is a hardy plant that is not usually affected by pests or diseases. However, there are a few things to watch out for.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can affect Eulophia busseana are aphids and spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids can be identified by the small green or black insects that cluster on the underside of leaves. They suck the sap from the leaves and cause the leaves to curl and yellow. To control aphids, spray the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap and water, making sure to coat the underside of the leaves.
Spider mites can be identified by the fine webbing they leave on the plant. They also suck the sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to become yellow and dry. To control spider mites, use a solution of neem oil and water, making sure to coat the underside of the leaves.
Common Diseases
Eulophia busseana is not often affected by diseases, but there are a few to watch out for. The most common diseases that affect this plant are fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot.
Root rot can be caused by over-watering, poor drainage, or a fungal infection. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is not sitting in water and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. If the plant is already infected with root rot, remove it from the soil, cut off any affected roots, and repot it in fresh soil.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small brown or black spots on the leaves. The spots can merge and cause the leaves to become yellow and die. To prevent leaf spot, make sure the plant is not overcrowded and has good air circulation. If the plant is already infected with leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
By monitoring your Eulophia busseana regularly, you can catch any pest or disease problems early and prevent them from spreading to the rest of the plant.
