Origin and Common Names
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to eastern Africa, including Ethiopia and Kenya. It is also commonly known as the Aberdare Hills everlasting or the Aberdare Hills sunflower.
Appearance
The Aberdare Hills everlasting is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm in height. This plant has a woody base, and its stem is covered in fine hairs. The leaves of Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum are elliptic, gray-green in color, and can grow up to 6 cm long. This plant's flowers are yellow and daisy-like, growing in clusters at the end of the stem, and typically blossom from June to August.
Uses
The Aberdare Hills sunflower has various medicinal properties and is widely used in African traditional medicine. The herb is believed to be antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral. Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum is also used for its antioxidant properties, treating coughs, colds, and headaches, and alleviating menstrual cramps. The plant's essential oil is used as a perfume in cosmetics due to its pleasant fragrance. In recent years, this herb's extract has gained popularity in the cosmetics industry as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory component in creams and lotions.
Light Requirements
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg requires full sun exposure for proper growth. It is best to place the plant in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the mountains of East Africa and can tolerate temperatures between 60°F to 85°F. However, it is best to keep the temperature between 70°F to 80°F for optimal growth. Avoid placing the plant in areas with extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils and requires good aeration. Sandy or loamy soils with good organic matter content are ideal for its growth. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Adding a layer of mulch around the plant helps in retaining soil moisture and regulating soil temperature.
Cultivation Methods
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg is a perennial plant that is native to the highlands of Ethiopia. If you plan to cultivate this plant, it is best to plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires a minimum temperature of 10°C.
The best time to plant Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg is in spring, right after the last frost. You can propagate the plant from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg requires moderate watering. Water the plant once every week, and make sure the soil is not soggy. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without water, but it needs consistent moisture to thrive.
Fertilization
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg requires moderate fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once every month during the growing season, and make sure the soil is rich in organic matter. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant because it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg plant, and it can also promote the growth of new flowers. Prune the plant in spring or early summer after it has finished flowering. Cut back the stems by about one-third of their length, and remove any dead or diseased growth. Also, pinch back the stems to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that is native to Kenya. It is mainly propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg are small and should be sown in seedbeds. The seedbeds should have well-drained soil, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm deep. The seedlings should be transplanted once they have developed two to three true leaves.
Propagation by cuttings
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg can also be propagated by cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 7 to 10 cm long and should have a minimum of two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium that is well-draining, such as perlite or sand. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until they have developed roots. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management of Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, and it is a hardy plant. However, it can still suffer from a few diseases that can affect its overall productivity and performance.
One of the common diseases that can affect Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum is Root Rot. This disease is caused by fungi that attack the plant's roots and cause them to rot. The symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage it, it is best to avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plant material to avoid spreading the disease.
Another common disease is Powdery Mildew. It is a fungal disease that commonly affects many plants, including Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum. It is characterized by the appearance of a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. This disease can be managed by ensuring proper air circulation, avoiding overcrowding, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management of Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum (R.E.Fr.) Hedberg
Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum is not very susceptible to pests and is resistant to many of them. However, it can still be attacked by some pests, and it's essential to identify them and manage them before they cause significant damage.
One of the pests that can attack Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum is Spider Mites. These pests are tiny and often found in clusters under the leaves. They suck out the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wither. To manage them, regularly inspect your plants, and if you see signs of infestation, wash the leaves with high-pressure water, prune affected plant parts, and apply insecticidal soaps.
The other pest that can attack this plant is Thrips. These pests feed on the flowers and young leaves. They leave behind scars and discolored patches, causing the plant to lose its aesthetic value. They can be managed by removing affected plant parts and applying pesticides.
Regular monitoring of Helichrysum citrispinum Delile var. aberdaricum for pests and diseases is key to maintaining a healthy plant. Proper cultural practices such as regular pruning, soil improvement, and plant nutrition can also aid in reducing the occurrence of pests and diseases.
