Plant Description:
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima is a perennial woody shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the Mountain Daisy and is native to the Cape Province of South Africa. The plant can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters and has a spread of 1 meter.
Appearance:
The branches of the Mountain Daisy are slender, upright, and woody, and they bear dense clusters of yellow flowers. The leaves are linear, about 30-50 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, and they are arranged alternately on the stems. The flowers are about 30-40 mm in diameter and have a yellow center surrounded by white petals. They bloom from May to October.
Uses:
The Mountain Daisy has many uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments, including stomach pains, headaches, and fevers. It is also used to treat coughs and colds. The plant is also used in the cosmetics industry, where the extract is added to various skin care products due to its anti-oxidant properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the Mountain Daisy is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Its bright yellow flowers and lush foliage make it a popular choice for gardeners, especially in South Africa.
Light Requirements
The plant Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima requires full sun exposure to thrive. It needs an average of six to eight hours of direct sunlight in a day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima ranges from 18°C to 25°C. The plant cannot withstand freezing temperatures, and its growth is stunted in temperatures above 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soil. However, it also tolerates highly acidic soils, that lie within a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers soils rich in organic matter and is known to grow well in sandy or loamy soils.
Cultivation Methods
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It also prefers full sun to partial shade. When planting this plant in the ground, ensure that you dig the hole to a depth that is about twice the height of the root ball. Add organic matter to the soil, and backfill the hole, gently tamping down the soil as you go. Water the plant well after planting, and continue to keep the soil moist for the first two weeks.
Watering Needs
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima requires moderate watering. When watering, ensure that you do not overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. You should also avoid letting the soil dry out entirely, as this can cause the plant to wilt and die. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the winter months. A layer of mulch can help to retain moisture in the soil and reduce watering needs.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima is not necessarily required but can help improve plant development and resilience. Use organic fertilizer in early spring, and repeat application every six weeks through early fall. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and avoid over-fertilization, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima does not require frequent pruning. However, it benefits from occasional trimming to maintain a desirable shape and remove damaged or weak branches. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune the shrub's outermost branches, leaving a natural, rounded shape. Cut the stems back to just above a healthy bud or to maintain the desired height or shape. If necessary, staking the shrub supports can be a good alternative to pruning.
Propagation of Manuelia altissima L.f. subsp. altissima
Manuelia altissima L.f. subsp. altissima is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant can be grown from seed or vegetative cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
Manuelia altissima L.f. subsp. altissima produces small seeds that are sown during the spring or autumn in well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter. The seeds are sown thinly, covered with a layer of soil, and watered well. Germination of seeds usually requires about 4 weeks, and it requires soil temperatures of 15-20°C.
Propagation from cuttings
Propagation of Manuelia altissima L.f. subsp. altissima using vegetative propagation can be carried out at any time of the year, depending on the climatic conditions. The shoots of the plant are selected, cut from the parent plant and treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium that can include vermiculite, perlite, or a mixture of both. The cuttings require consistent moisture, and ideally, they need to be placed in a warm and shaded area. Rooting usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the cuttings can be planted out in the garden after they are well established.
Disease Management for Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rust and leaf spot. These diseases mostly occur during humid conditions and can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
To manage powdery mildew, prune and remove infected leaves or stems as soon as they are observed. This will help to reduce the spread of the fungus. Apply a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew to protect the healthy parts of the plant. Make sure to use the fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
To manage rust, prune and remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Apply a fungicide labeled for rust after removing the affected parts of the plant. Make sure to use the fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
To manage leaf spot, prune and remove infected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Apply a fungicide labeled for leaf spot to protect the healthy parts of the plant. Make sure to use the fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management for Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. altissima
The plant can be attacked by several pests, including aphids, scales, and mealybugs. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from leaves or stems, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
To manage aphids, use a strong stream of water to knock them off from the plant. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil labeled for aphids if the infestation persists. Make sure to use the pesticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
To manage scales, scrape them off from the plant with a soft brush or cotton ball dipped in alcohol. Apply a horticultural oil labeled for scales to eliminate any remaining pests. Make sure to use the pesticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
To manage mealybugs, use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant. Repeat the process every few days until the infestation is under control. You can also apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil labeled for mealybugs. Make sure to use the pesticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pests and diseases is essential to keep it healthy. You can also promote the plant's health by providing adequate sunlight, water, and nutrition.
