Origin and Common Names
Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. is commonly known as the "Bokmakierie shrub" in its native South Africa. It belongs to the family Polygalaceae and is a variation of the Muraltia divaricata species.
The plant is found in parts of the Cape Province, ranging from Cedarsberg Mountains to Calvinia district, and also in the Northern Cape district.
Uses
The Bokmakierie shrub has a variety of uses that have been discovered over time. The plant's aerial parts can be used to make a decoction that is used to treat heart problems, coughs, and colds. It is also used as a wash to relieve skin irritations and as an ingredient in body washes for animals.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is known for its ornamental value, with its vibrant yellow flowers and evergreen foliage standing out in many gardens across the world. It can also be used as a natural hedge or screen, with its dense foliage providing effective coverage.
General Appearance
The Bokmakierie shrub grows as a straggling or spreading shrub, with a height of up to 3 meters and a width of up to 2 meters. Its leaves are small, with a length of 0.5 to 1 cm and a width of 1 to 2 mm. The leaves are also opposite and linear in shape, with smooth margins and a leathery texture.
The bright yellow flowers of the Bokmakierie shrub are small, measuring approximately 3 mm in diameter. They occur in clusters, giving the plant a striking appearance when in bloom. The flowering period is from August to December, and the plant produces small capsules that contain one to two seeds.
The Bokmakierie shrub requires full sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering to thrive. It is a hardy plant and can tolerate periods of drought and low soil fertility. The plant does not have any major pest or disease problems, making it a low-maintenance option for gardens.
Light Requirements
Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. typically requires full sun exposure to complete their life cycle, making them a great addition to full-sun landscapes. However, they can also tolerate some shade, but the flowering may be reduced under partial shade conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in warm regions with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C. However, they can also grow in cooler regions, but they may require heat protection during the cold winter season. The majority of Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. is grown in USDA zones 9-11.
Soil Requirements
Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. grows best in well-drained soil that is nutrient-rich. The soil should have a pH between 6.0-8.0. They prefer sandy loam soil, but they can also grow in other types of soil with proper drainage. Organic amendments such as compost and peat moss can be added to the soil to enhance its moisture and nutrient retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
The Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv., also known as the Slender Wandflower, is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that can adapt to different climatic conditions. It prefers growing in well-drained soils with low fertility levels and can tolerate sand, loam, and clay soils. It needs full sun and can tolerate partial shade. It is best propagated through seedlings or through cuttings.
Watering Needs
The Slender Wandflower is one of the most drought-tolerant plants, and too much watering can damage the roots and cause rotting. It is best to water it occasionally, and allow it to dry between watering. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply once every two weeks, especially when it's young, and during the hot summer months, it might need more frequent watering, depending on the soil and planting conditions.
Fertilization
The Slender Wandflower does not require much fertilizer and excessive fertilizer can harm the plant. It will thrive in poor soils and can handle marginal fertility. If fertilization is necessary, it is best to use a balanced fertilizer with the same proportion of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. It is best to apply the fertilizer in the early spring or late fall as it is a light feeder and can quickly get burned by excessive chemicals.
Pruning
The Slender Wandflower does not require much pruning, and it can bloom without trimming. However, pruning it can increase its lifespan and productivity. Pruning should be done in winter, and it involves cutting away dead and damaged wood, and shaping the plant. It is best to remove old stems that have finished blooming to encourage the growth of new ones. It is also advisable to prune the plant once every few years to ensure its health and longevity.
Propagation of Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv.
Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. is a shrubby plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. The plant is native to South Africa and is mostly propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. have a hard outer coat that needs to be scarified to improve germination. Scarification can be done by manually nicking the seed coat with a knife or sandpaper. Alternatively, the seeds can be soaked in hot water for a few hours before planting. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring or summer.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they germinate. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be watered regularly and provided with sufficient light. They can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground once they have grown a few leaves.
Propagation through cuttings
The best time to take cuttings of Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. is during the spring or summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and they should be at least 10 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. They should be kept in a warm and bright location but out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cuttings should start to develop roots. The plastic bag can be removed once the cuttings show signs of new growth.
Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv.
Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. is a hardy shrub that can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are caused by fungal or bacterial infections. These infections can be identified by the presence of small, dark or brown irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. To manage this, you should prune away any affected leaves and branches. Dispose of these materials properly to prevent further spread of the disease. You can also use a fungicide spray to control the spread of the infection on the remaining parts of the plant.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil conditions and can lead to wilting or yellowing of leaves and stunted growth of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure the plant is located in well-draining soil, and avoid over-watering the plant. In the case that the plant already has root rot, you can treat by repotting in fresh soil that drains well.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant’s leaves and stems. The leaves may start to curl, become yellow or die. To control aphids, you can spray the plant with water to physically remove them. You can also apply neem oil, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oil to control their population. Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs that feed on aphids which may help control numbers.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny mites that feed on the undersides of the plant’s leaves. They can cause leaves to appear stippled, yellow or brown. Use a magnifying glass to identify spider mites on your plant. To control spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and wash the plant leaves regularly with water to physically remove them. For serious cases, insecticides such as neem oil or horticultural oil can be applied to the plant.
By practicing good garden hygiene and monitoring the plant regularly, you can control or prevent diseases and pests from affecting your Muraltia divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. obtusifolia Harv. These techniques will keep your plants healthy, thriving and looking great for years to come.
