Origin and Common Names
Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei, also known simply as Lasiodiscus pervillei, is a flowering plant belonging to the family of Asteraceae. It is native to Madagascar where it is commonly known as "Sarotorofotsy".
Appearance
This plant produces small white flowers that are grouped in clusters. The flowers are surrounded by a ring of bracts that are colored yellow-brown or pink. Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 meter. The leaves are simple and alternate and have a length of around 5 to 15 cm. The stems and leaves are covered with dense, finely stellate hairs, which makes the plant appear woolly.
Uses
Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei is used in Madagascar in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as rheumatism and fever. The plant is boiled to make a decoction that is drunk as a tea. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used for ornamental purposes and is cultivated in gardens and parks in Madagascar and other parts of the world.
Overall, Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei is a unique and useful plant that is well-suited for a range of applications.
Growth conditions for Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei
Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei is an evergreen shrub that is native to Madagascar and Mozambique. The plant grows up to 2-5 meters tall and bears yellow flowers in clusters. To maintain optimal growth and promote the development of its unique characteristics, certain environmental conditions must be met, including light, temperature, and soil requirements.
Light requirements
Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei grows best in full sun or partial shade. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure it receives enough energy to develop vigorous growth. Therefore, it's ideal to place the plant in a sunny or partly shaded spot to ensure it receives proper light.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures characteristic of its native habitat. During the growing season, the optimal temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 7°C but not below freezing temperatures. Therefore, the plant must be kept in a warm environment free from extreme temperature fluctuations, which can stunt its growth, cause stress, and reduce its overall health.
Soil requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining soils that retain moisture to support its growth. The ideal soil pH for optimal growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients that support the plant's growth. It's, therefore, advisable to amend the soil with compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. In areas with heavy soils, it's recommended to incorporate peat moss or grit to improve drainage and aeration.
Cultivation Methods:
The Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei plant can be grown either in a pot or directly in the garden soil. If you are planting it in a pot, ensure that there is a proper drainage system. It is best to plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires partial to full shade, and it is ideal to grow it under the tree canopy. The plant also needs a humid environment.
Watering Needs:
Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei is a thirsty plant, which requires frequent watering. The plant must be watered once every two to three days, depending on the humidity level of the area. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. Overwatering can damage the plant by causing root rot. Ensure that water does not get logged in the pot or around the roots.
Fertilization:
Fertilizing Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei is essential to ensure healthy growth and blooming. The plant should be fertilized once a month during spring and summer, and once every two months during fall. Use organic fertilizers such as compost or slow-release granules, in addition to a balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize the plant during winter when it goes dormant.
Pruning:
Regular pruning is vital to keep Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei in good shape. Pruning should be done after the blooming period, ideally in winter. Remove the dead or diseased branches and any crossing branches. The plant should be pruned to maintain the desired shape and size. Trimming of suckers can also be done to boost the plant's growth and blooming potential.
Propagation of Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei
Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei are small and should be collected when the fruit capsule dries out and splits open on its own. The collected seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water overnight to soften the hard seed coat before sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season. The seeds should be sown onto a prepared bed of well-draining soil, covered with a light layer of soil, and watered regularly. The seedlings should emerge within three to four weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a quick and easy way to propagate Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature stems during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm long and have at least 2-3 nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the cut end should be dipped into rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, covered with a plastic bag, and kept in a shaded area. The cuttings should be watered regularly and should start rooting within four to six weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei
Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei is a hardy, drought tolerant, and disease resistant plant species. However, like all plants, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and production. The following are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf Spots - Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei may be affected by different leaf spot diseases caused by fungal pathogens. These diseases usually manifest as circular to irregularly shaped brown or black spots on the leaves, and if not managed early, can destroy a significant area of the plant. To manage leaf spots, it is recommended to remove any infected plant material and debris, avoid watering the leaves, and using adequate fungicides, if necessary.
Root Rot - Root rot is another common disease that might affect Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei. This disease is caused by various fungi that attack the plant's root system, leading to wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to improve drainage by providing well-drained soil, avoid over-watering, and using appropriate fungicides.
Pests
Spider Mites - Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can infest Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei, causing yellowing and browning of leaves, webbing, and eventual defoliation of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to provide adequate moisture, use insecticidal soaps and oils, and encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Caterpillars - Caterpillars can also infest Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei. These pests damage the leaves and stems of the plant, resulting in reduced growth, development, and production. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to physically remove them, use Bacillus thuringiensis insecticides, and encourage the presence of natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps.
Aphids - Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei, causing stunted growth, deformation, and reduced fruit production. To manage aphids, it is advisable to remove them physically, encourage natural predators like ladybugs and hoverflies, and use insecticidal soaps and oils.
Overall, it is important to adopt integrated pest and disease management strategies that include cultural, biological, and chemical practices to ensure the healthy growth and productivity of Lasiodiscus pervillei Baill. subsp. pervillei.
