Overview:
Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. is a small, perennial shrub belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is known for its medicinal and ornamental properties.
Appearance:
The plant has a woody stem that grows up to 60 cm tall and is covered with fine hairs. The leaves are small, oval, and arranged in a dense cluster, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The flowers are small and yellow, and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small achene.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as "Bushy Lachnaea" or "Box-Leaved Lachnaea" due to its dense foliar arrangement. In Hindi, it is known as "Kharamanjari" or "Bhangra".
Uses:
Lachnaea buxifolia has been used extensively in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as asthma, pneumonia, and rheumatism. It is also used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Apart from its medicinal properties, the plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities and is often used in landscaping and gardening.
In India, the plant is considered sacred and is used in religious ceremonies. The leaves and tender stems are used as offerings to the Sun God during the Hindu festival of Chhath.
The plant is also known to have insecticidal properties. The dried leaves and stems are used as a natural insecticide to repel pests and insects from stored grains and pulses.
Light Requirements
Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. prefers partial shade to full sun, making it suitable for growth in areas with varying light intensities. When exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, the plant's leaves may turn yellow and fall off. Therefore, it is advisable to provide some shade during hot afternoons to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C, making it well-suited for growth in tropical and subtropical climatic zones. Temperatures below 10°C and above 35°C are unsuitable for the plant's growth. Extreme temperatures may lead to stunted growth or leaf drop. In regions that experience winter frost, it is best to grow the plant in containers and move it indoors or to a warmer area during the cold season.
Soil Requirements
Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. grows best in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, providing the plant with essential nutrients. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as they may cause root rot and other fungal infections. Adding sand or perlite to the soil mix may improve drainage. The plant's tolerance to salt and alkali soils is limited, making it unsuitable for growth in saline and alkaline conditions.
Cultivation of Lachnaea buxifolia Lam.
Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. is a very tolerant plant species that can grow in a wide range of habitats, such as rocky soils, sandy or loamy soils, and gravel. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH and is more tolerant of dry soils as opposed to waterlogged soils. It grows well in full sun and can tolerate moderate shade.
The plant has a slow growth rate and is best propagated by seeds or cuttings. When planting, it is essential to loosen the soil and remove any weeds. To ensure proper drainage for the plant, it is advisable to plant it on a raised bed to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs for Lachnaea buxifolia Lam.
Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. requires moderate watering. It should not be irrigated frequently, especially during the rainy season. Overwatering can cause root rot, which may result in the death of the plant. The watering frequency should be reduced in the dormant season since the plant is dormant during that period.
The soil should have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant's watering schedule should be adjusted according to the weather so that the plant receives just enough water to grow healthily.
Fertilization of Lachnaea buxifolia Lam.
The plant requires low to moderate fertilization to thrive. It is advisable to apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to provide the plant with necessary nutrients for optimal growth. The soil's nutrient content should be checked regularly, and the required amount of fertilizers should be applied.
The fertilizers' application should be done approximately two weeks after transplanting or after sowing seeds. Inadequate fertilization can lead to stunted growth and poor health of the plant.
Pruning of Lachnaea buxifolia Lam.
Pruning is not essential for Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. However, it is advisable to remove any dead or diseased branches or leaves regularly to encourage the growth of new and healthy branches. Cutting back woody stems in the fall can also help the plant to generate new growth in the spring.
For aesthetic purposes, pruning can also help to maintain the plant's desired shape and size. It is best to prune the plant when it is dormant, such as in the winter, to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation methods for Lachnaea buxifolia Lam.
Propagation of Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. is mainly through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. can be collected from the plant during the fruiting season. The seeds need to be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place before sowing. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours to soften the hard outer coat. The sowing of seeds should be done in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not too wet. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks if kept in a warm and humid place. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings taken from Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. can root easily. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of new growth and should be at least 10cm long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce moisture loss. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cuttings should be inserted upright into a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. The cuttings will take about 4-6 weeks to root and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden once they have developed a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Lachnaea buxifolia Lam.
Lachnaea buxifolia Lam., also known as box-leaf lachnaea, is a plant that belongs to the family of Verbenaceae. It is a small evergreen shrub that is native to South America. Like other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce its growth and productivity. Therefore, proper disease and pest management are crucial to maintaining its health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Lachnaea buxifolia is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. It usually appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Another disease is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta lachnaeae. It is characterized by small brown spots on the leaves that can coalesce and form larger spots.
Pest Management
Lachnaea buxifolia is susceptible to various pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Mealybugs are white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that suck the plant's sap and cause yellowing of the leaves.
To manage these pests, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly and take prompt action if any signs of infestation are observed. One way to control aphids is by spraying the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap. Mealybugs can be removed by hand or with the use of a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and neem oil.
Disease Management
To prevent diseases, it is essential to maintain proper cultural practices, such as watering the plant regularly, providing adequate sunlight, and ensuring good air circulation around the plant. In case of an outbreak, it is crucial to remove all infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can be used to control powdery mildew and leaf spot. However, it is essential to use them as directed and follow all safety precautions.
In conclusion, Lachnaea buxifolia Lam. is a beautiful evergreen shrub that requires proper disease and pest management to maintain its health and productivity. By following the recommended practices, one can keep the plant healthy and free from pests and diseases.
