Overview:
Galium capense subsp. garipense, also known as the Gariep bedstraw, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is a subspecies of Galium capense Thunb. and is native to South Africa. The plant is widely used for its medicinal properties and is known for its ornamental value in the gardens.
Description:
The Gariep bedstraw is a perennial herb that grows up to a height of 60 cm. It has a woody rootstock with slender stems that are lined with small, slender leaves. The leaves are arranged in whorls of four and measure up to 2 cm in length. The plant produces clusters of attractive, white or pinkish flowers that are small and delicate. These flowers bloom in late spring and summer, providing a lush, attractive display.
Origin:
The Galium capense subsp. garipense is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Eastern Cape and the Northern Cape regions. It can be grown in a wide range of soil types and is known to withstand harsh climatic conditions, including drought.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly referred to as Gariep bedstraw, Cape bedstraw, and Wild madder. In Afrikaans, it is known as the 'Kruidjie-roer-my-nie', which translates to ‘herb that can’t be touched’. It is also known as 'Cairo-hemp' or 'Buva in Xhosa language.
Uses:
The Galium capense subsp. garipense has numerous medicinal uses, and indigenous communities have used it for centuries to treat various ailments. The plant extract is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. It is also used as a sedative, and the dried leaves can be used to treat headaches, stomach cramps, and respiratory problems. In gardens, the plant is used as a groundcover or an ornamental plant. It is also used in the production of perfumes and cosmetics due to its sweet scent.
Overall, the Galium capense subsp. garipense is an attractive and useful plant with a rich cultural history and various medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff typically grows in full sun to partial shade. They can be grown in lower light conditions, but may become leggy and not produce as many flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and is generally grown in USDA zones 9 to 11. It is not suitable for locations that experience extreme cold or frost.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff is well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic, and moderately fertile. It will not tolerate standing water or heavy, compacted soils.
It is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Cultivation Methods
Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff is a hardy plant that grows well in various soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. It also thrives in areas with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C and requires full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. When planting, it is advisable to space the seedlings at 30 cm intervals to allow room for growth.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing period, and it is essential to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering may cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth. It is recommended to water once per week or more during extended periods of hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff does not require significant fertilization to thrive. However, adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, to the soil before planting can increase soil fertility and improve plant growth. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff is necessary to maintain an attractive appearance and encourage bushy growth. It is advisable to prune the plant just after flowering, removing any dead, diseased, or damaged shoots. This may also help to prolong the flowering period and increase the number of blooms produced.
Propagation Method of Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff
Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff, commonly known as Cape bedstraw, is a perennial, herbaceous plant that hails from the Rubiaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, which are as follows:
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff can be done through seedlings, which usually germinate within 7 to 14 days. It is important to keep the soil moist and in indirect light until the seedlings have sprouted. Once the seedlings have a true set of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers. The containers should be kept in a semi-shaded area until the seedlings have matured.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings are another viable method for propagating Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff. Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the plant, making sure it has at least 2 to 3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip it into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and water it well. Place the pot in direct sunlight and continue to water it regularly. The cutting should take root within 4 to 6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation can also be used to propagate Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff. The best time to divide this plant is in the early spring before new growth appears. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots into small clumps with at least one shoot each. Replant the clumps into a well-draining soil mix and water them well.
With any of these propagation methods, it is important to keep the soil moist until the plant has become established. Additionally, Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff prefers well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Disease Management
Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff is susceptible to several fungal infections that can affect its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases of this plant are:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease appears as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves. It can cause defoliation of the plant if left untreated. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves and stems. It can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. Manage powdery mildew by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and using fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes sunken lesions on the leaves and stems. It can cause premature leaf drop and reduced yield. Manage anthracnose by removing infected plant parts and applying a fungicide.
Pest Management
Galium capense Thunb. subsp. garipense (Sond.) Puff is also susceptible to pest attacks that can cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge them, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil.
- Thrips: These pests feed on plant sap, causing distorted leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, use yellow sticky traps, prune and dispose of infested plant parts, or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests cause yellowing and stippling of plant leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil.
