Origin
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. is a plant species of the Asteraceae family, native to southern Africa, specifically found in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Common Names
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. is commonly known as Rhodesian Geigeria in English and in local African languages it is known as umhlonyane (Zulu) and umhlonitshwa (Xhosa).
Uses
The plant is used for medicinal purposes by traditional healers in southern Africa, particularly for treating respiratory infections such as coughs, chest pains, flu, and asthma. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and to treat digestive disorders such as stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and intestinal parasites.
In addition, the plant has a strong fragrance, which makes it suitable for use in perfumes and incense.
General Appearance
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has abundant yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months and its leaves are narrow, reaching up to 4 cm in length. The stems and leaves are covered in a fine layer of hairs and the plant has a distinct aromatic smell. The stems of the plant are used for harvesting medicinal properties.
Growth Conditions of Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm.
Light: Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. is a plant that requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and reproduction. It can tolerate partial shade but may not grow as vigorously or produce as many flowers.
Temperature: This plant species is adapted to warm and hot temperatures. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but prolonged exposure to very high temperatures may cause stress and reduce growth and flowering.
Soil: Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6-7.5. It is not very picky about the soil type and can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and have high water-holding capacity. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soils and may suffer from root rot if the soil is excessively moist for prolonged periods.
Cultivation methods
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. is a hardy perennial that is relatively easy to cultivate. It thrives in well-drained sandy soil and prefers full sunlight. The plant can be propagated by sowing seeds or by taking stem cuttings, both of which should be done in the spring.
Watering needs
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. requires moderate watering to thrive. During the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly, making sure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. However, in the winter months, the plant can survive on very little water.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilization to grow, but adding some fertilizer to the soil can boost its growth. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season to ensure the plant receives adequate nutrients.
Pruning
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. does not require much pruning, but it can benefit from occasional trimming. Dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent disease and encourage healthy growth. Additionally, trimming the plant can help to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm.
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. Here are some details about each method:
Propagation by Seeds
The following steps can be followed for propagating Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. by seeds:
- Collect mature seeds from the parent plant during the dry season when the capsules are fully mature.
- Clean the seeds to remove any debris and store them in a cool, dry area.
- Before sowing, scarify the seeds with sandpaper or a sharp blade to break the hard seed coat. This will help water to penetrate the seed and stimulate germination.
- Soak the seeds in water overnight to further soften the seed coat and improve germination. Change the water frequently to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.
- Sow the seeds in pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and lightly water them.
- Place the pots in a warm, well-lit area and keep the soil damp but not waterlogged.
- Germination can be expected within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
The following steps can be followed for propagating Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. by cuttings:
- Take cuttings from healthy parent plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and taken from the terminal ends of the branches.
- Prepare the cuttings by removing any leaves from the bottom half of the stem and making a clean cut just below a node.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Make sure to plant them deep enough so that at least two nodes are under the soil.
- Water the cuttings thoroughly and cover them with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. This will help to maintain humidity and prevent the cuttings from drying out.
- Place the pots in a well-lit, warm area and check them regularly to make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Rooting can be expected within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, remove the plastic bag and gradually acclimate the young plants to normal environmental conditions.
Disease Management
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. is commonly affected by a few diseases, and prompt management is essential to prevent substantial damage to the plant.
Fungal rots: Fungal rots can be detrimental to this plant, attacking its roots and stem. To prevent this, it is essential to ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil that doesn't hold too much water. Moreover, avoid overwatering the plant as this provides an ideal environment for fungal growth. In case of a severe fungal infection, remove the infected part of the plant and discard it in a closed container.
Bacterial blight: Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. is also prone to bacterial blight, which may cause wilting, yellowing or browning of leaves. To control this, you need to remove any affected part of the plant as soon as possible. Use copper-based fungicides to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Pest Management
Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. may also be infested by various pests that can cause various damages. Appropriate pest management is, therefore, crucial for plant health.
Spider mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing, scorching, and considerable damage to the plant. To manage the infestation, you can use insecticidal soap sprays or horticultural oils to smother the mites. Encourage the presence of natural predators like lacewings, ladybugs, and earwigs.
Scale insects: Scale insects attack the leaves and twigs of Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. They cause discoloration and stunted growth due to the accumulation of sugary secretions. To control their invasion, use horticultural oils or soft-bristled brushes to remove them from the plant's surface. Discard any infected material to prevent the spread of scale insects.
By keeping an eye on Geigeria schinzii O.Hoffm. subsp. rhodesiana (S.Moore) Merxm. and following these management practices, you can ensure that the plant remains healthy, robust, and thriving.
