Overview
Helichrysum schimperi (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Moeser var. stramineum (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is an herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. It is native to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea, where it grows in rocky areas with sandy soils. This plant is popularly known as strawflower. It is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
Helichrysum schimperi (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Moeser var. stramineum (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is a small, perennial herb that can grow up to 30 cm tall. It has a woody base and many branches that form a bushy plant. Its leaves are grayish green, narrow, and lance-shaped with a leathery texture. The flowers are straw-colored and are arranged in dense clusters at the end of the stems. The plant blooms from August to September.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as strawflower. In Ethiopia, it is known as "Adey Ababa", which means "flower of Addis Ababa".
Uses
Helichrysum schimperi (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Moeser var. stramineum (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. has various medicinal properties. Its leaves and flowers are used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and wounds. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is commonly brewed as a tea or used in infusion to treat ailments. The essential oil extracted from this plant has found use in perfumery, aromatherapy, and cosmetic industries.
Light requirements
Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum prefers full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but it is best to provide ample sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature requirements
These plants thrive in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 18°C to 40°C. They can tolerate low temperatures but not frost, so it is best to protect them during cold weather. They are generally drought-tolerant and can survive in dry and arid conditions.
Soil requirements
Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate soil with poor nutrient content, but it grows best in soil with high organic matter. The ideal soil would be sandy-loam with good drainage and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation methods
Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum can be grown as an annual or perennial plant, depending on the climate. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Plant the seedlings or cuttings in a location with full sun exposure, as this plant loves basking in the sun. The plant can grow up to 40 cm in height, and it would require enough space around it to spread and develop properly.
Watering needs
Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum requires moderate irrigation, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as excessive water can cause root rot, which can kill the plant. Always check the soil moisture before watering by inserting a finger into the soil. If it is dry, proceed to add water and adjust as necessary.
Fertilization
During the growing season, Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum requires regular feeding with fertilizer. Apply diluted water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks to provide the plant with essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and affect the plant's health.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum in good shape and promotes bushy growth. Pinch the stems of the plant back by cutting the tips of the stem. This encourages branching and creates a fuller plant. Deadhead the faded flowers to maintain the beauty of the plant. Prune it back by 1/3 in late summer, as this promotes the growth of new stems and flowers.
Propagation of Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum
Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum is commonly propagated through seeds. However, it can also be propagated through cuttings. Below are the propagation methods:
Seed propagation
The seeds of Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum can be sown directly outdoors or indoors in trays or pots. Here are the steps for sowing seeds:
- Sow the seeds in the early spring or fall.
- Prepare the soil by mixing sand, perlite, and peat moss to create a well-draining mix.
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them lightly with the mix. The seeds need light to germinate.
- Water the seeds lightly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
- Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location once they are large enough to handle.
Cutting propagation
Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum can also be propagated through cuttings. Here are the steps for taking cuttings:
- Take stem cuttings in the early summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the mother plant, making the cut just below a node.
- Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining mix, such as a mix of peat moss and sand.
- Water the cutting and keep the soil moist until roots develop.
- Transplant the cutting to its permanent location once it has rooted.
Disease and Pest Management for Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum
Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum is a plant that thrives in warm climates. Although it is generally a hardy plant, it can still be affected by certain pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease manifests itself in the form of white powdery spores on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, leading to stunted growth and wilted leaves. To control powdery mildew, remove any infected leaves or flowers, and apply a fungicide immediately. Also, make sure the plant is not overcrowded, and that there is adequate air circulation around the plant.
2. Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging in the soil, which leads to a decreased oxygen supply to the roots. If left untreated, it can lead to the death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, and make sure the soil is well-drained. If root rot is evident, applying a fungicide is essential.
Pests:
1. Spider Mites: These pests are small and difficult to see without a magnifying glass. They thrive in hot and dry environments, and they create fine webs around the leaves. Spider mites can be controlled by washing the plant leaves, controlling climate, or applying insecticides.
2. Aphids and Whiteflies: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. They can also transmit viruses from one plant to another. To control these pests, apply an appropriate insecticide, or use homemade insecticide solutions like a mixture of water and vinegar, garlic, chilli pepper or neem oil.
In conclusion, Helichrysum schimperi var. stramineum is a plant that is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Regularly checking the plant for any signs of infestation and providing it adequate care and attention can help identify and control any outbreaks of infection. By providing the necessary preventative measures and reacting promptly to any signs of disease or pest infection, the plant can flourish and become a healthy and attractive part of the garden.
