Overview of Micractis drosocephala Chiov.
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea in East Africa, where it grows in rocky areas and on disturbed ground.
Common Names
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is commonly known as "feverfew" or "wild chrysanthemum" in English, and "tso-tso" or "hassotso" in the languages of the region.
Uses of Micractis drosocephala Chiov.
In traditional African medicine, various parts of Micractis drosocephala Chiov. have been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as fever, headache, stomachache, and respiratory infections. The plant is also used externally to treat skin conditions such as sores, wounds, and insect bites.
Recent scientific research has revealed that Micractis drosocephala Chiov. contains bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. This suggests that the plant may have future applications in modern medicine.
General Appearance
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is a perennial herb with a woody base and a height of 50-70 cm. Its leaves are alternate, deeply lobed, and hairy. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems. The fruit is a small achene with a pappus of white hairs.
Overall, Micractis drosocephala Chiov. has a distinctive appearance and is easily recognizable in its natural habitat.
Light
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. typically grows in areas with full sunlight exposure, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. In shady areas, the plant may grow taller and thinner as it tries to reach for available sunlight.
Temperature
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. thrives in moderate temperatures, ranging between 15°C and 32°C. However, it can tolerate extremes, ranging from 5°C to 45°C. Extremely high or low temperatures can stunt growth, and even cause the plant to die.
Soil
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. grows best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soils with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in poor soils, such as rocky or sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining. It is essential to water Micractis drosocephala Chiov. regularly, especially during the growing season.
The plant does not tolerate waterlogging and may develop root rot if grown in soggy soils. It is advisable to add organic matter, like compost or manure, to the soil to improve soil fertility and structure. Additionally, Micractis drosocephala Chiov. benefits from occasional fertilization with slow-release organic fertilizers.
Cultivation of Micractis drosocephala Chiov.
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is a native South African plant that thrives in full sun and dry soil. As such, it is suited to warm, dry climatic conditions with temperatures between 15-27°C. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10b to 12b and is commonly found in rocky and sandy soils and disturbed areas.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings taken in spring or late summer. Successful propagation requires cutting a 10-15 cm stem and removing all of the leaves except for the top ones. The cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture.
Watering Needs of Micractis drosocephala Chiov.
As a drought-resistant plant, Micractis drosocephala Chiov. does not require frequent watering. While it is essential to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil during the plant's establishment phase, overwatering must be avoided at all times. This is because overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage or kill the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plant once a week during dry spells while making sure that the soil has time to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization of Micractis drosocephala Chiov.
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer in spring, at the start of the growing season, can help improve the plant's growth and provide all the necessary nutrients. Alternatively, adding organic matter during planting can boost the soil's fertility and ensure that the plant has access to the necessary nutrients.
Pruning of Micractis drosocephala Chiov.
Pruning Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is not necessary to maintain its healthy growth. However, pruning the plant in early spring can help control its size and enhance its shape. During pruning, it is essential to sanitize the pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Broken or dead stems should also be pruned to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Micractis drosocephala Chiov.
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is a perennial plant that can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seeds which can be collected and sown in seed trays. The best time for sowing the seeds is during spring or early summer. The seeds require warmth and moisture to germinate. Therefore, it is best to keep them in a warm and humid environment until they sprout. Once they have sprouted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or containers and then later on to the desired location outdoors.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Micractis drosocephala Chiov. This method involves taking cuttings from mature plants. The best time of the year to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be about five to six inches long and should not have any flowers or buds. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place them in a warm and humid location until they have developed roots. Once they have developed roots, transplant them into larger containers and later on to the desired location outdoors.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a method of propagating Micractis drosocephala Chiov. that involves dividing mature plants. The best time to divide the plant is during early spring or late autumn. Dig out the root ball, and separate it into smaller sections using a sharp, clean knife or garden shears.
Each division should have a good number of roots and shoots. Plant each division in well-draining soil and water it regularly until it becomes established. Once it becomes established, it can be transplanted to the desired location outdoors.
Disease Management
Micractis drosocephala Chiov. is not known to be highly susceptible to diseases, but there are a few that can affect the plant. One common disease is powdery mildew, which is a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, prune the infected areas and apply fungicide to prevent further spread. Another disease that can affect the plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can infest Micractis drosocephala Chiov. plants, including spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. Spider mites and thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and can cause discoloration and damage to the plant. Mealybugs are small pests that appear as white cotton-like clusters on the leaves and stems. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. Additionally, regular pruning of infected parts of the plant can reduce the risk of infestations.
It is important to regularly inspect Micractis drosocephala Chiov. plants for signs of diseases and pests. Early detection and management can prevent further damage and ensure that the plant remains healthy and thriving.
