Origin
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild, commonly known as "Khaki weed" is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to southern Africa, including Angola, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as khaki weed, bitterbos, umlilo, and magogo in the southern African region. The scientific name comes from the German botanist Hans Schinz, who first described the species in 1895.
Uses
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild has several medicinal uses. The plant is traditionally used as a remedy for various ailments, such as headaches, stomach aches, fever, and coughs. The roots and leaves of the plant are boiled to create a bitter tonic that is used to treat malaria, diabetes, and other conditions.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used as a natural insecticide. The leaves are crushed and mixed with water to create a spray that is used to repel insects, particularly mosquitoes and flies. The plant is also used as a natural dye for fabrics and as fodder for domestic animals.
General appearance
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild is a small, perennial shrub that grows up to 50 cm tall. The plant has a long, woody taproot that allows it to survive even in dry and harsh conditions. The leaves of the plant are small, narrow, and have a distinctive, pungent smell when crushed. The plant produces yellow flowers that appear from August to September. The flower heads are small and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruits of the plant are small, dry, and have a tuft of hairs that aid in their dispersal by the wind.
Light Requirements
The Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It is important to keep the plant in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Without enough sunlight, the plant can become weak and vulnerable to diseases, pests, and other environmental stressors.
Temperature requirements
The Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild plant prefers warm temperatures between 20 and 30°C (68 and 86°F). It can still grow in temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F), but it may experience stunted growth. The plant is not frost tolerant and should be protected during colder months if grown in areas with cold winters.
Soil Requirements
The Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0. To achieve optimal growth, incorporate compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting. Avoid heavy soils that do not drain well, as they can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods for Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild is a perennial plant that is native to Southern Africa. The plant requires full sunlight and well-drained soil to grow properly. This plant can grow up to 1.2 meters tall under ideal conditions. The best time for planting this plant is in the spring.
It is recommended to plant Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild in a location that has a warm and dry climate. The soil should be a sandy loam or loamy sand type. It is important to avoid planting this plant in heavy or clay soils because they hold water for too long and might cause root rot.
Watering needs
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild requires moderate watering. The plant needs enough water to survive, but not too much to cause root rot. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. In climates with high rainfall, reduce the amount of water given to the plant to avoid waterlogging. Water the plant at the base regularly and avoid getting the foliage wet.
Fertilization
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild requires minimal fertilization. The plant prefers a nitrogen-poor environment and does not require much fertilizer. It is recommended to add some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil once every two years. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers may cause the plant to grow too rapidly, resulting in weak growth that is prone to diseases.
Pruning
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild requires minimal pruning. The plant is self-cleaning and does not require deadheading or extensive pruning. However, it is recommended to remove any dead, diseased or damaged foliage regularly. Prune the plant to control its size or shape in the early spring before it begins to grow actively.
Propagation of Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild should be collected from the plant during the dry season. The collected seeds should be left to dry in the sun for a few days before being stored in a dry place. To propagate the plant from seeds:
- Soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours to soften the seed coat.
- Remove the seeds from water and spread them out on a concrete surface to dry.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining propagation medium in trays or pots.
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and gently press down.
- Water the seeds and place them in an area with indirect sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate, which may take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a quicker method of propagating Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild. To propagate the plant from cuttings:
- Select a healthy stem from the parent plant that is about 10-15cm long.
- Cut the stem at an angle, just below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only 2-3 at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Plant the stem in a well-draining propagation medium.
- Water the stem and place it in a shaded area.
- Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to develop, which may take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
- Once the roots have developed, the stem can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild is a relatively hardy plant, but it can still be affected by various diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Root rot: This is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Leaf spot: This is caused by a fungus that thrives in damp and humid conditions. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering, ensure adequate air circulation around the plant, and remove any infected leaves immediately.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, leaving a white powder-like substance on the surface. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure adequate air circulation around the plant, avoid overcrowding, and remove any infected leaves immediately.
If your plant does get infected, you can use a fungicide to control the disease. However, it's important to read the label instructions carefully and use the fungicide as directed.
Pest Management for Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. orientalis Wild is relatively resistant to pests, but there are still a few pests that can affect the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Mites: These are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wither. To prevent mites, ensure adequate air circulation and humidity control around the plant.
- Aphids: These are small insects that also suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and deform. To prevent aphids, you can use an insecticide to control them.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that are often found in the crevices of the plant. To prevent mealybugs, you can use an insecticide or wipe them off the plant using a cloth soaked in alcohol.
If your plant does get infested, you can use an appropriate pesticide to control the pests. However, it's important to read the label instructions carefully and use the pesticide as directed.
