Overview
Matricaria capensis L. is a flowering plant from the daisy family (Asteraceae), commonly known as Cape Chamomile or Wild Chamomile. It is native to South Africa, particularly in the Cape Province. The plant has various medicinal properties and is popularly used in traditional medicine.
Description
The Matricaria capensis L. is an annual herb that grows up to 30 to 60 cm tall. The plant has a branched stem covered with fine, white hairs and bears numerous small, daisy-like flowers. The leaves are green, finely dissected, and have a delicate, feathery appearance.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Cape Chamomile or Wild Chamomile. In South Africa, it is referred to as Wilde-Klawer, meaning "Wild Clover."
Uses
Matricaria capensis L. has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, such as treating respiratory illnesses, fever, and digestive problems. Herbal tea made from the flowers of the plant is known to help relieve stress, anxiety and promote relaxation. The plant's essential oil is used in aromatherapy and to make perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics due to its therapeutic properties.
Light Requirements
Matricaria capensis L. plants require full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. They do well in areas with plenty of direct sunlight, but they can also tolerate some shade. In areas with hot summers, partial shade may be beneficial to prevent plant stress or sunburns.
Temperature Requirements
Matricaria capensis L. plants are native to South Africa and thrive in warm temperatures. They do well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.7°C) when established. During the growing season, optimal temperatures range between 60-85°F (15.5-29.4°C).
Soil Requirements
Matricaria capensis L. plants prefer well-draining sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 6.0-7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. It should also be moist but not waterlogged. Heavy clay soils or poorly drained soils should be avoided as they can cause root rot or other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Matricaria capensis L. is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. If planting from seeds, sow them directly into the soil in early spring or autumn. Sow thinly and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water gently and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. If propagating from stem cuttings, select healthy stems, remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity until the cuttings have rooted.
Watering Needs
Matricaria capensis L. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and temperature. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to wilt. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or evening to prevent water evaporation due to high temperatures during the day. During drought, increase watering frequency to keep the plant healthy.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote steady growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can cause leaf burn and inhibit flowering. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on application and dosage.
Pruning
Matricaria capensis L. is a bushy plant that does not require frequent pruning. However, pruning can be done to control its shape and promote bushier growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the stems by about one-third of their length using clean and sharp pruning shears. Remove any dead or damaged stems. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Matricaria capensis L.
Matricaria capensis L., also known as Cape chamomile, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Matricaria capensis L. is through seed propagation. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed or in a container filled with well-draining potting mix. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season.
Before sowing the seeds, it's essential to prepare the soil or potting mix. The soil should be mixed with compost to increase its fertility. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged.
Once the seeds are sown, they should be watered well. It's essential to keep the soil or potting mix moist until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days.
Division Propagation
Matricaria capensis L. can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and replanting them.
The best time to divide Matricaria capensis L. is during the spring season when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be lifted from the soil with a garden fork and shaken gently to remove excess soil.
Once the plant is lifted, the roots can be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have some leaves and roots. These sections can be replanted in a well-prepared garden bed or container filled with potting mix.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Matricaria capensis L. is also possible, but it's not commonly used. This method involves taking a cutting from an established plant and rooting it to create a new plant.
The best time to take cuttings is during the spring season. The cutting should be taken from a healthy and mature plant. It should be approximately 10 centimeters long and should have some leaves.
The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to increase its chances of rooting. The cutting can be planted in a container filled with well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and moist environment until it roots.
Propagation of Matricaria capensis L. can be done through seed propagation, division propagation, and cutting propagation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the gardener's preference and the available resources.
Disease Management
The plant Matricaria capensis L. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that might affect this plant include clubroot, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt.
Clubroot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to swell and become deformed, leading to stunted growth and poor yield. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain proper soil pH and avoid planting in infected soil. Crop rotation and the use of resistant cultivars can also be effective in managing the disease.
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Matricaria capensis L. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems, reducing the plants' photosynthetic efficiency. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Bacterial wilt is a disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia carotovora, which affects the plant's stems, causing them to wilt and rot. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected plants and avoid overhead watering. Crop rotation and the use of resistant cultivars can also help in managing the disease.
Pest Management
Matricaria capensis L. is also vulnerable to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can damage the plant's leaves and reduce its yield.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves. They can also transmit viral diseases. To manage aphids, it is recommended to employ natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or spray a strong stream of water on the plants to dislodge them.
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, it is essential to maintain proper humidity levels around the plants and avoid over-fertilization. The use of insecticides and natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also be effective in managing spider mites.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and stunt the plant's growth. To manage whiteflies, it is recommended to remove infected plants, use sticky traps, and spray insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Matricaria capensis L. requires a combination of preventative measures, such as maintaining proper soil and environmental conditions, and targeted interventions, such as the use of natural predators and insecticides. By taking these steps, it is possible to minimize the damage caused by diseases and pests and maximize the plant's growth and yield.
