Origin
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard, commonly known as the blue mountain daisybush, is a member of the Asteraceae family that is native to the sub-alpine regions of the Drakensberg Mountains in southern Africa, including Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as blue mountain daisybush, silver daisy, or Drakensberg daisy.
Uses
The blue mountain daisybush is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as coughs, colds, and fevers. It is also used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant is also used in the landscaping industry as an ornamental plant due to its compact and attractive appearance. It is commonly planted in rock gardens or used as a groundcover.
General Appearance
The blue mountain daisybush is a shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and hairy with a silver-grey appearance. The flowers are vibrant blue with white centers and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
The blue mountain daisybush prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-resistant and does not require much maintenance once established.
Growth conditions for Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard
Light: Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. The plant should be placed in an area with direct exposure to sunlight (at least 6 hours a day) for optimal growth.
Temperature: The plant prefers moderate temperatures between 20°C and 25°C with good ventilation. It can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C, but extended periods of cold can slow down growth and harm the plant. High temperatures can lead to stress and poor growth. Extreme fluctuations or temperatures above 30°C can be particularly detrimental to the plant.
Soil: A nutrient-rich, well-draining soil is essential for the growth of Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard. The soil should have a pH between 6 and 7.5 and be slightly acidic. It should be high in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to retain moisture. The plant also requires good drainage, so the soil should not be compacted or have pooling water.
Water: The plant requires consistent moisture, but the soil should not be overly saturated as it can lead to root rot. Watering frequency would depend on the temperature and humidity of the environment. During hotter and drier months, the plant may need daily watering, while in cooler and more humid months, it can be watered every two to three days.
Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer, high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, should be applied during the plant's active growth period (spring and summer). Fertilization can be reduced during the fall and winter months, as the plant may become dormant.
Cultivation Methods
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. However, it prefers well-draining soil that is not waterlogged. Planting should be done during the spring or fall, ensuring that the soil is moist, but not overly wet.
Watering Needs
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard needs moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated. Overwatering can cause root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and die. The frequency of watering depends on the soil type and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Fertilization
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizer application should be done every three months to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant is dormant and not actively growing.
Pruning
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard does not require regular pruning. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases. If necessary, pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid interfering with the plant's growth and the flowering period. Pinching off any spent flowers can promote new growth and prolong the flowering period during the growing season.
Propagation of Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from the matured flowers of the plant. The seeds are then sowed in a well-draining potting mix that has been pre-moistened with water. The seeds should be slightly covered with the potting mix and placed in a bright and warm location. The soil should be kept moist, but not water-logged. Germination takes place within 3 to 4 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they have grown their second set of leaves.
Division propagation
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard can also be propagated through plant division. This method involves dividing the rhizomes of a mature plant into small sections, each containing a few shoots and roots. The divided sections are then planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a bright and warm location. The soil should be kept moist until new growth appears, after which it should be watered as per the plant's requirements.
Cutting propagation
A third method of propagation for Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the plant's matured stems, which should be free from any diseases or pests. The cutting should be at least 10cm in length and should contain two to three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a potting mix after it has been dipped in rooting hormone. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or dome to increase humidity. After four to six weeks, new growth should appear and the cutting can be transplanted to an individual pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard
Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Employing effective pest and disease management practices can help you keep your plants healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
Fungal infections are the most common diseases that affect Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard. The plant is susceptible to leaf spot, botrytis blight, and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause foliage to yellow, wilt, and die back.
Proper plant care and hygiene are essential to preventing fungal infections. Avoid overhead watering as this can encourage the spread of disease. Ensure your plants are grown in well-draining soil that isn't waterlogged. Regularly prune diseased plant parts and dispose of them in the trash. Sanitize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Common Pests
Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests that can infest Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard. These pests can weaken the plant by draining its sap, causing the leaves to wilt and yellow.
Preventing pest infestations requires regular monitoring of your plants. Inspect your plants frequently and treat any infestations promptly. You can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control aphids and spider mites. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying pesticides.
In conclusion, Manulea altissima L.f. subsp. glabricaulis (Hiern) Hilliard is prone to fungal infections, aphids, and spider mites. Employing effective pest and disease management practices can help control these problems and keep your plants healthy and productive.
