Overview
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. is a small, trailing plant native to South Africa. It is commonly known as the Creeping Globe-berry or Kapokbos in Afrikaans. This plant belongs to the family of Phytolaccaceae, and it is characterized by its succulent leaves and spherical, fleshy fruit.
Appearance
The Creeping Globe-berry is a small, low-growing plant that reaches up to 20 cm in height. It has small, succulent leaves that are oval-shaped and arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are a muted olive-green color and have a slightly waxy texture. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-white in color. The most distinctive feature of this plant is its small, spherical fruit. The fruit is bright red when ripe and is covered with a thin, papery skin. Inside, the fruit contains a juicy, white pulp and numerous small seeds.
Uses
The Creeping Globe-berry has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach complaints, rheumatism, and skin conditions. The fruit of the plant is also edible and is used to flavor drinks and desserts in some parts of South Africa.
The plant is not commonly cultivated, but it can be used as a ground cover in dry, rocky areas. It is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance and can add a splash of color to a rock garden or dry landscape.
Cultivation
The Creeping Globe-berry prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in very arid conditions. The plant can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings, and it should be watered sparingly to avoid over-watering and root-rot. The plant can be pruned to encourage bushier growth, and it should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Light Requirements
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. is a plant that requires bright but filtered light to grow. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which can cause drying and scorching of the leaves. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive bright light but not direct sunlight. Inadequate light can cause stunted growth and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. grows well in warm temperatures ranging between 18°C to 26°C. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and quickly succumbs to frost. Therefore, it is a suitable indoor plant since it cannot withstand cold temperatures often prevalent during winter.
Soil Requirements
The plant needs good drainage and does well in well-aerated soils with a pH ranging between 6 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A mixture of sandy loam, peat moss, and perlite is ideal for the plant's growth and development. Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer promotes healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation methods for Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw.
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. mainly grows in hot and dry environments such as rocky hillsides, slopes, and valleys. It's best to plant it during the early spring season when the temperatures start to rise. The plant prefers well-draining sandy soils that get enough sunlight.
It's crucial to prepare the soil adequately by tilling or digging about a half-foot deep and removing any rocks, weeds, or debris. You can also add organic materials such as compost to enhance the soil structure.
After planting, place a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and control weed growth.
Watering needs for Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw.
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. is a drought-resistant plant that can tolerate dry soil conditions. It's crucial to ensure that the plant receives enough water during the establishment period, which can take up to the first two years. After that, the plant can thrive well with minimal watering, especially during the dormant season.
You can water the plant deeply about once every two weeks during the growing season while reducing watering to once a month during the dry season. Ensure the soil dries completely between watering sessions to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw.
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can add a balanced slow-release fertilizer once during the early spring season to enhance plant growth. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to excessive foliage growth, which can attract pests or disease or reduce its flowering.
Pruning of Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw.
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. requires minimal pruning, and you can do so once every year after the flowering period. You can remove any diseased, damaged, or dead stems. To encourage bushy growth, you can pinch the tips of young stems during the growing season. Avoid pruning during the dormant season since the plant is susceptible to damage.
Propagation of Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw.
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. can be collected from the mature plants and sown directly in the field or in pots. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in well-drained soil. The seedlings usually emerge within 10-15 days after sowing. The seedlings are then transplanted into individual containers or in the field after 4-6 weeks of growth.
Cuttings Propagation
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Select healthy stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length, remove the leaves from the lower half of the cuttings, and dip the cut ends into hormone rooting powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained, moist soil mixture of sand and compost. Keep the cuttings in a shaded area and keep the soil moist until the cuttings root, usually within 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. can also be propagated by division. This is done by dividing the root ball of an existing plant into several smaller sections and replanting them. The best time to do this is in spring, just before new growth starts. Ensure that each section has a healthy root system and some shoots attached. Plant the sections in a well-drained soil mixture of sand and compost and water regularly until they are well-established.
Grafting Propagation
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. can also be propagated by grafting onto a suitable rootstock. This method is usually done to produce plants with desired traits or to propagate rare or difficult-to-grow species. The most common rootstock used for Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. is the closely related species of Globulea punctata.
Disease and Pest Management for Globulea Subincana Haw. var. Decumbens Haw.
Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. are generally easy to care for plants, but they can fall prey to pests and diseases like any other plants. Here are some common issues for this plant and some suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Pests
Spider Mites - These tiny pests are hard to see but can cause considerable damage, leaving behind yellowing and stippled leaves. To manage spider mites, regular sprays of water can help keep their numbers down. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their populations.
Scale insects - The scale insects typically found on Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. are small, oval, and brownish in color. You can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to use gloves as the alcohol can damage the leaves.
Aphids - These small insects suck the sap from the plant and cause wilting, yellowing, and curling of leaves. You can use a mixture of water and dish soap to control their numbers.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew - This is a fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on leaves. It can be controlled by removing affected leaves and spraying with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 gallon of water).
Rust - This fungal disease causes orange or yellow spots on leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a copper fungicide spray to control it.
Root Rot - Overwatering can cause this soil-borne fungal disease. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Overall, regular maintenance, including proper watering, adequate sunlight, and proper nutrition should keep Globulea subincana Haw. var. decumbens Haw. healthy and reduce the likelihood of pest and disease problems.
