Overview
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is an herbaceous perennial that is native to southern Africa, specifically found in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland and Namibia.
Common names
The plant goes by numerous common names which include cancer bush, bitterbossie, geelbos, harpuisbos, and kankerbos.
Appearance
The plant grows to a height of 0.6–1.5 m and has small, prickly leaves. The flowers are yellow to green and are formed in small clusters. The fruit of the plant resembles a small, flat pod, with a narrow tip, and is covered in prickles.
Uses
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. has been traditionally used medicinally by indigenous people to treat various ailments such as cancer, diabetes, coughs, colds and tuberculosis. The plant is rich in active compounds such as stilbenes and flavonoids, which have been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In recent times, scientific research has shown that extracts from the plant possess anti-cancer properties, making it a promising candidate in the development of anti-cancer drugs.
Light Requirements
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure every day to stimulate the photosynthesis process. When grown indoors, it's essential to place the plant near a south-facing window to help it get enough sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to areas with a warm and hot climate. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, the temperature should not drop below 15 degrees Celsius as this can cause damage to the plant. The optimum temperature for Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey is 27 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH level between 6.6 and 7.5 is ideal for optimal plant growth. It's essential to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged as this can result in root rot. Regularly add a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing around it.
Cultivation Methods
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey., also known as "Silverleaf" or "Silver cluster-leaf," is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant. It is native to South Africa and grows well in warm, arid regions. To cultivate this plant, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil that is not too rich in organic matter.
Sow the seeds directly in the garden bed after the last frost of the season. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep the bed moist but not waterlogged. Germination takes about 10-14 days. Seedlings need to be spaced at least 30 cm apart to allow for growth. Alternatively, propagate the plant by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering during the dormant season (fall and winter). Do not water the plant if the soil is still moist. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. does not require heavy fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once at the beginning of the growing season. Alternatively, use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or bone meal to add nutrients to the soil. Do not over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and a reduced number of flowers.
Pruning
Prune Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. in early spring to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Use sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches. Cut back about one-third of the plant's total height, making sure to cut just above a healthy bud. Avoid pruning the plant during the growing season, as this can reduce flower production and flower quality.
Propagation of Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey.
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey., commonly known as the silky lessertia, is a perennial shrub that is native to South Africa. Propagating this plant can be done by using either seeds or cuttings.
Propagation from Seeds
Seeds from Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. can be sown during the spring months, around September or October. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and lightly covered with soil. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds will usually germinate within 6-8 weeks.
Propagation from Cuttings
Cuttings from Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. should be taken during the summer months, from December to February. The cuttings should be around 8-10 cm long and taken from the semi-hardwood parts of the plant. It is best to take the cuttings early in the morning when the plant is still turgid.
Once the cuttings have been taken, the leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cuttings should then be dipped in a rooting hormone powder and placed in a well-draining propagation mix. The cuttings should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant should be kept in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight, such as a greenhouse or under a shade cloth. The cuttings will usually start to root within 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Lessertia Margaritacea E.Mey. Plants
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. is commonly known as the silver cluster-leaf or perdebos. This evergreen shrub is native to South Africa and grows to a height of 2 meters. While the plant thrives under natural conditions, pests and diseases may still affect it.
Common Pests
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. is susceptible to various pests, including:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from young leaves and stems, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. Regular pruning and using insecticidal soap can help control aphids.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause the leaves to yellow and become brittle. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth and spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap solution is an effective control measure against spider mites.
- Scale insects: These pests form a hard, protective shell that can be challenging to remove. Prune and discard infested areas, and use a systemic insecticide to control the spread of scale insects.
Common Diseases
Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. can also be affected by several diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Prune and destroy infected areas and manage moisture levels to prevent the spread of leaf spot.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. Plant the lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. shrub in well-draining soil and reduce watering to prevent root rot.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease creates a powdery white substance on the leaves. Increase air circulation around the plant and prune infected areas to help manage powdery mildew.
Overall, regular pruning, maintaining soil moisture levels, and using organic methods like insecticidal soaps and oils can help keep Lessertia margaritacea E.Mey. healthy.
