Overview
Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis is a small, flowering plant that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. It is a relatively new species, having been only recently discovered in Brazil in 1984. This plant is not well-known outside of its native habitat, but it is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
Origin and Common Names
The Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis is native to the Atlantic Rainforest region of southeastern Brazil, where it is found growing in the understory of the forest. It is also commonly known as Brazilian Melastome, Melastoma citrina, and Yellow Raspberry.
Appearance
The Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that generally grows up to 1 meter in height. It features smooth and slender branches that bear small oval leaves, with prominent, thin veins. During blooming season, it boasts an abundance of bright, showy, yellow flowers with delicate petals and a slightly sweet fragrance. The plant produces small, purple, edible fruits that are edible but not widely consumed.
Uses
The Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis has a range of medicinal uses and is particularly known for its antibacterial properties. Its leaves and bark are used to treat wounds, infections, gastric issues, and skin conditions. In addition, the plant is used in folk medicine to treat infectious diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, and fever. The fruits of Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis are used to make a refreshing drink that is high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Light Requirements
Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis thrives in bright and filtered light conditions. Direct sunlight can be too strong for the plant and can cause the leaves to scorch. Therefore, it is advisable to place the plant near east-facing windowsills or under bright but indirect light sources provided by fluorescent bulbs.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis is between 18°C and 27°C. The plant should be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, which can adversely affect its growth and development. It is also imperative to ensure that the temperature does not drop below 10°C
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark in the ratio 3:1:1 is considered an ideal soil mix for Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis. The soil should be kept moist at all times, and the plant should not be allowed to sit in water as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it's recommended to grow them in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or terrarium. Choose a location with bright, indirect light, ideally from a north-facing window. The plant can also grow well under fluorescent bulbs.
Watering Needs
These plants require consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and never let the plant sit in standing water. Depending on the humidity level of the environment, water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every three to four weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant.
Pruning
Prune the plant to control its size and promote bushier growth. Remove any dead or dying leaves, stems, and flowers. Pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage branching. Avoid pruning during the winter months, as the plant's growth slows down during this time.
Propagation of Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis
Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis can be propagated through various methods such as by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis can be collected from the matured fruits. The collected seeds should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil mixture and kept moist. The ideal temperature for germination is around 20°C to 25°C. It usually takes around two to four weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
The stem cuttings of Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis can be taken during the growing season. It is important to take the cuttings from the healthy and mature plants. The cuttings should be around 8 to 10 cm in length and should be taken from the tip of the stem. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, leaving only the top two leaves.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The ideal temperature for rooting is around 25°C to 30°C. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shady place until they develop roots.
Once the cuttings develop roots, they should be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden soil. The plants should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area for a few weeks until they establish themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis
Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis is a beautiful flowering plant that is generally resistant to most diseases and pests. However, it is not totally immune and there are certain issues that can affect this plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is rust. Rust appears as yellow, orange, or brown bumps or spots on the leaves. To control rust, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent rust from spreading.
Another common disease is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew forms a white coating on the leaves, flowers, and stems. The best way to treat powdery mildew is to remove the infected parts and keep the surrounding area dry. Avoid over-watering the plant and prune it regularly to improve air circulation.
Common Pests
The most common pest affecting Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that are usually found on the underside of leaves. They suck the sap from the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To control spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also spray the plant with water to wash off the mites.
Other pests that may affect this plant include thrips and aphids. Thrips are a tiny insect that feeds on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and the flowers to fall off. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant and secrete a sticky substance on the leaves, attracting ants. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, you can introduce predatory insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control the pests.
In summary, Galaxia citrina G.J.Lewis is a disease and pest-resistant plant. However, it is susceptible to rust, powdery mildew, spider mites, thrips, and aphids. Regular pruning, proper watering, and maintaining good air circulation can help prevent these issues. If you notice any signs of disease or pests, act quickly to prevent them from spreading.
