Origin
Gazania oxyloba DC. is a plant species native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly found in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the lesser gazania, silver gazania, and velvet gazania. In South Africa, it is called kleinblommetjiegousblom.
Uses
Gazania oxyloba DC. is commonly used for ornamental purposes due to its bright and showy flowers. Its velvety, silver-grey foliage also adds an interesting texture to gardens and landscapes. In addition, the plant is known to attract butterflies, making it a popular choice for butterfly gardens.
General Appearance
Gazania oxyloba DC. is a small, perennial herb that usually grows up to 20 cm tall. It has a woody base and a dense, spreading habit. The leaves are crowded, oblanceolate to spatulate, velvety, and gray-silver in color. The plant produces bright yellow to orange daisy-like flowers that are about 4 cm in diameter and bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are held on long stems and close at night. The fruit is an achene with a tuft of hairs at its tip that allows it to be dispersed by wind.
Light Requirements
Gazania oxyloba DC. thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and bloom. Therefore, it is best to plant the species in a location that receives adequate sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Gazania oxyloba DC. is drought tolerant and can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth and flowering is between 15 and 25°C. The plant can, however, tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 40°C.
Soil Requirements
Gazania oxyloba DC. prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 – 7). The soil should also be rich in organic matter. Poor soil quality may affect growth and flowering negatively. Additionally, the plant is intolerant to waterlogged soils, and it is best to avoid planting in such soil types.
Cultivation methods for Gazania oxyloba DC.
Gazania oxyloba DC. is native to South Africa, but it is also cultivated in other countries as a garden plant. It is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow and maintain. This plant prefers well-draining soil and requires full sunlight exposure. If planted in a location that is too shady, the plant may not bloom. Planting should be done in the spring or fall, and propagation can be done through seed or cuttings.
Watering needs for Gazania oxyloba DC.
Gazania oxyloba DC. is drought tolerant and requires less water than many other plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained. Watering should be done sparingly and only when necessary. Newly planted gazania should be watered frequently for the first few weeks until their roots are established. In hot summers, the plants should be watered at least once a week.
Fertilization for Gazania oxyloba DC.
Gazania oxyloba DC. requires a balanced fertilizer, which means it needs equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A slow-release fertilizer should be used once a month during the growing season. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive growth and fewer blooms. Fertilizer should be applied to the plant, not to the flowers directly, and it should be watered in well after applying.
Pruning of Gazania oxyloba DC.
Gazania oxyloba DC. does not require extensive pruning, but it benefits from deadheading. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant once they have died. This process encourages the growth of new flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy. If the plant becomes too overgrown, it can be pruned and shaped in the early spring after the last frost. Pruning will also help to promote new growth and denser foliage.
Propagation of Gazania oxyloba DC.
Gazania oxyloba DC. can be propagated using four different methods: seeds, cuttings, division, and layering. Each propagation method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and they vary in terms of time, effort, and complexity.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Gazania oxyloba DC. is by seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants in autumn or purchased from a reputable supplier. To propagate from seeds, you should sow them in spring or early summer in a well-draining potting mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and provide the seeds with plenty of light.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another way to propagate Gazania oxyloba DC. is by taking stem cuttings. This method is faster than seed propagation, but it requires more effort and knowledge. To propagate from cuttings, you should take a 4-5 inch section of stem, remove the lower leaves, dip the end in rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining potting mix. Water the cuttings regularly and provide them with bright, indirect light. The cuttings will develop roots in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Gazania oxyloba DC. can also be propagated by division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections using a sharp knife or a spade. Replant the sections in well-draining soil, water them, and provide them with plenty of light. Division is best done in early spring or late summer.
Propagation by Layering
Finally, Gazania oxyloba DC. can be propagated by layering. This method involves pegging a stem to the ground and waiting for it to develop roots before cutting it from the parent plant. To propagate by layering, you should select a healthy stem, make a small nick in the bark, bend the stem down to the ground, and cover the nick with soil. Water the soil regularly and wait for the stem to develop roots. Once the stem has developed roots, cut it from the parent plant and replant it in a well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Gazania oxyloba DC.
Gazania oxyloba DC., commonly known as the Namaqualand daisy, is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. Nevertheless, there are a few diseases and pests that can cause harm to the plant, which can be managed through proper maintenance and appropriate control measures.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Gazania oxyloba is leaf spot. This is characterized by small, circular, brown spots on the leaves, which expand and cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. This disease can be controlled by maintaining dry foliage and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides may also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot is another common disease that affects Gazania oxyloba. This is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots, causing them to rot and decay. Proper drainage and avoiding waterlogged soil can help prevent this disease. Infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Common Pests
Mites and aphids are common pests that can infest Gazania oxyloba. Mites typically cause yellowing and bronzing of the foliage, while aphids cause distortion and curling of the leaves. Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphids, while mites can be controlled through the use of miticides.
Caterpillars, particularly the common cutworm, are also known to feed on the foliage of Gazania oxyloba. These pests often feed at night, cutting through the stems of the plant and causing it to wilt and die. Control measures include handpicking the larvae and the application of insecticides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gazania oxyloba DC. is a relatively hardy plant that is resistant to diseases and pests. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the common problems that can occur and to take appropriate control measures to maintain a healthy plant. Proper maintenance practices such as adequate watering, proper drainage, and good air circulation can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from infesting the plant.
