Overview of Faroa boehmii Engl.
Faroa boehmii Engl., commonly referred to as the Namibian Devil's Claw, is a plant species that is native to Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. The plant belongs to the Pedaliaceae family and is a perennial herb. The plant is usually found in arid conditions, and its roots are utilized for various medicinal purposes.
Common Names of Faroa boehmii Engl.
The Namibian Devil's Claw plant has several common names across different regions, which include;
- Bengaalse Duivelklauw (Afrikaans)
- Wolwedanshup (Afrikaans)
- Namib Sunflower (British English)
- Devil's Claw (English)
- Nara Plant (English)
- Windhoek Wegbreekuis (Afrikaans)
- Faroa (Portuguese)
- Xwama (Herero)
- !nara (! means a dental click in the Nama language)
Appearance of Faroa boehmii Engl.
The Faroa boehmii Engl. plant has a decumbent to semi-prostrate growth habit, meaning its stems grow horizontally on the ground. The plant stems are usually green and somewhat woody, branching from the base and forming a rosette. The leaves of the plant are compound, and each leaf has two leaflets that are glabrous, meaning they are hairless.
The root of the Faroa boehmii Engl. plant is a tuberous structure that resembles a carrot in shape and color. The fruit of the plant is about 12 to 15 centimeters long, ovoid in shape, and has a woody texture.
Uses of Faroa boehmii Engl.
The roots of the Faroa boehmii Engl. plant have been used for centuries by traditional healers to remedy various health conditions. The plant's roots have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties and are used to alleviate joint pains, arthritis, and lower back pains.
The root of the Faroa boehmii Engl. plant is also used to remedy digestive system problems such as upset stomach, heartburn, constipation, and appetite loss. The extracts from the plant have been shown to stimulate the production of digestive juices and enzymes, which enhance digestion.
Additionally, the seeds of the Faroa boehmii Engl. plant can be crushed and used as an oil source for cooking. The oil extracted from the seeds of the plant contains essential fatty acids, which are vital in improving heart health.
Light Requirements
The plant Faroa boehmii Engl. grows best in partial shade to full shade environments. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the foliage and slow down the growth process. It is best to place the plant in an area where it can receive filtered light or dappled shade. This type of lighting condition provides the plant enough light for photosynthesis while also protecting it from excessive sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Faroa boehmii Engl. is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 16°C to 27°C (60°F to 80°F). The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and should be protected from cold drafts. It is best to keep the plant in areas with consistent temperatures, away from air conditioning or heating vents.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Faroa boehmii Engl. should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. The plant thrives in soils that are slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adding organic matter to the soil improves its water-holding capacity and provides the necessary nutrients for the plant. It is best to periodically fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
Faroa boehmii Engl., commonly known as the Namibian grape plant, requires well-draining sandy soil to grow. Ensure that the planting area is sunny, and the soil is moist during the first few weeks. Control pests and weeds by regular weeding and pruning.
Watering needs
Water your Namibian grape plant once a week during the dry season, and reduce the frequency as the plant grows and improves its drought resistance. You may consider setting up a drip irrigation system that will ensure uniform distribution of water to the plant's root zone.
Fertilization
Fertilize your Namibian grape plant during the spring and summer seasons using a balanced water-soluble fertilizer that contains equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing your plant since it may result in yellowing leaves.
Pruning
Prune your Namibian grape plant during the winter season when it's dormant, and remove all dead, diseased or damaged stalks. The pruning process will help promote new growth and also enhance the plant's leaf and fruit quality. Also, consider training your plant to grow on a trellis or pergola to improve fruit yield.
Propagation of Faroa boehmii Engl.
There are several ways to propagate Faroa boehmii Engl. including:
Seed propagation
Propagation from seed is possible, but it can be a slow process. Sow the seeds in a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. Keep the soil moist and warm, but not wet. Germination can take up to several months. Young plants should be transplanted to larger containers as they grow.
Division
Faroa boehmii Engl. can also be propagated by division. This should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Carefully remove the entire plant from the soil and gently separate the root system into smaller sections using a sharp, sterile knife. Each section should have several stems and a good root system. Plant each division in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
Cutting propagation
Faroa boehmii Engl. can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring or summer from healthy, mature stems. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle using a sharp, sterile knife. Remove the lower leaves and any flowers or buds. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder and plant it in a container of well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Rooting should occur in a few months.
Disease Management
Faroa boehmii Engl. is known to be susceptible to various diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that affect the plant:
- Root Rot: This fungal infection causes the roots to decay, leading to poor growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage root rot, remove the affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. Keep the plant in a well-ventilated area, prune affected parts of the plant, and apply fungicides to control the disease.
- Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infection can cause leaf spots, wilting, and plant death. Remove any infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Faroa boehmii Engl. is also prone to pest infestations. Here are some of the common pests that affect the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids can stunt growth and cause yellowing of leaves. Use natural predators like ladybugs, prune affected parts of the plant, or use insecticidal soaps to control aphids.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that can infest the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and plant death. Use beneficial insects or neem oil to control the infestation.
- Thrips: Thrips can cause scars and deformities on the leaves, leading to poor quality yields. Use yellow sticky traps, beneficial insects, or insecticidal sprays to control thrips.
Regular inspection of the plant, maintaining healthy growing conditions, and practicing good sanitation practices can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from affecting Faroa boehmii Engl.
