Plant Description:
Myrtus axillaris Sw. is a small flowering shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It is a native plant of South America, specifically found in Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Brazil. The plant typically grows up to 2 meters tall and has a dense, well-branched habit. Its leaves are small, simple, and lanceolate, measuring about 1 to 3 centimeters in length, and arranged in opposite pairs.
Common Names:
The plant Myrtus axillaris Sw. is commonly known as the small myrtle or South American wax myrtle. In its native land, it is also called "Crespón," "Arrayan," and "Murta de cera."
Uses:
Myrtus axillaris Sw. has various traditional medicinal uses. The leaves, bark, and fruits of the plant contain essential oils that have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. The essential oils extracted from this small myrtle plant have a pleasant fragrance and are used in the perfume industry. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory tract infections by making infusions from its leaves and bark. The bark of the plant, rich in tannins, is used to cure skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The fruits of the plant are edible and are also consumed in some South American countries.
General Appearance:
The Myrtus axillaris Sw. is a small shrub with characteristic slightly red-brown branches when young. Its leaves are dark green, relatively small, and have a glossy appearance. The plant bears small white flowers that bloom in spring and summer, followed by berries that turn purplish-black when ripe. The fruits of Myrtus axillaris Sw. are small, round, and measure about 1 centimeter in diameter.
Growth Conditions of Myrtus axillaris Sw.
Myrtus axillaris Sw. is a shrub species commonly found in subtropical and tropical regions. Here are the growth conditions that this plant prefers:
Light
Myrtus axillaris Sw. prefers to grow in full sunlight or partial shade. The plant can tolerate shade, but flowering and fruiting may be reduced in shaded areas. Therefore, it is best to provide the plant with plenty of sunlight.
Temperature
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. It is commonly found in areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. In cooler regions, the plant can still grow but may require protection during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Myrtus axillaris Sw. prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. The species can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. It is important to avoid soils that are waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The plant can also tolerate soils that are slightly alkaline, but prefer slightly acidic soils.
It is best to provide optimal growing conditions to ensure that the plant thrives and produces the best quality fruits. By providing ample sunlight, warmth, and the correct soil conditions, you can enjoy a thriving Myrtus axillaris Sw. plant in your garden or landscape.
Cultivation methods
Myrtus axillaris Sw., commonly known as the Saharan Myrtle, is a small shrub that can grow up to 50-100cm tall. This plant requires a warm and dry climate and is tolerant of both sandy and loamy soils. Planting should ideally take place in late autumn or early spring, and it is recommended to use well-draining soil with a pH value of 6.5-7.5. The Myrtus axillaris Sw. is a sun-loving plant and should be planted in an area that receives full sunlight.
Watering needs
Myrtus axillaris Sw. is a drought-tolerant plant, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Watering should be done when the soil has become completely dry, roughly every 7-10 days, depending on the climate. However, it is crucial not to leave it completely dry for long periods, especially during the hot summer months.
Fertilization
The Saharan Myrtle does not require extensive fertilization, but a small amount of organic or slow-release fertilizer can help improve growth. Fertilization should be done in the spring and summer months. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with N-P-K ratios of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen as it can lead to rapid growth, which can result in weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning Myrtus axillaris Sw. can help keep the plant maintained and promote a bushy growth habit. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth appears. Cut off any damaged, diseased, or dead branches and trim back any overgrown branches to maintain shape. It is recommended to prune lightly as hard pruning can lead to weak stems or death of the entire plant in severe cases.
Propagation of Myrtus axillaris Sw.
Myrtus axillaris Sw., also known as the Small-leaf Myrtle, is a plant species that is typically propagated through four different methods. These methods include seed propagation, cutting propagation, layering, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for propagating Myrtus axillaris Sw. To successfully propagate the plant using seeds, you must first scarify the seeds by gently rubbing the seeds using sandpaper or a file. Once this is done, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
After this, you can sow the seeds in nursery flats filled with soil and cover them lightly with sand, not much, as the seeds are small. Water the seeded flats regularly and ensure that the soil is kept moist. Seed germination typically takes between 2-4 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another common method used for Myrtus axillaris Sw. propagation. To propagate using cuttings, you must first select healthy, disease-free cuttings from the parent plant.
Cuttings should be around 10-12 cm long, and should be obtained from the softwood or semi-hardwood part of the plant. Remove all the leaves from the bottom part of the cutting, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder.
After dipping the cutting, insert it in a rooting medium such as peat moss or vermiculite, keeping the medium moist at all times. Rooting typically takes between 4-6 weeks.
Layering
Layering is another method used for propagating Myrtus axillaris Sw., although this method is typically used on mature plants. To propagate the plant using layering, select a branch that is low enough to the ground, and remove the leaves on the bottom part of the branch.
Scrape the bark lightly on the underside of the branch for about 5 cm and apply rooting hormone powder. After this, bury the scraped part of the branch under the soil, leaving only the top part of the branch exposed.
Ensure that the soil is kept moist at all times. Roots will begin to emerge from the buried section of the branch within a few months. Once the roots are well-developed, cut the branch from the main plant and transfer it to its new location.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of Myrtus axillaris Sw. propagation and is typically used to produce large quantities of identical plants. True to its name, grafting involves transplanting a small section of the parent plant to a compatible rootstock of another plant.
This technique is typically used by professional growers who are looking to produce large quantities of identical plants to sell. Grafted plants typically retain the same characteristics as the parent plant, making it easier to provide reliable and consistent results for growers.
Disease Management
Myrtus axillaris Sw. is generally a hardy plant but can be affected by a few fungal diseases. The common fungal diseases affecting the plant include:
- Leaf spot disease: This disease causes spots on the leaves and can be caused by different fungi. The spots usually appear circular and have dark margins with gray centers. They can merge and cause extensive damage to the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is another fungal disease that affects Myrtus axillaris Sw., and it shows up as a white powdery growth on the surface of the leaves.
- Canker disease: This disease causes necrosis of the bark, which leads to cankers on the plant's branches. The disease can spread, causing extensive damage to the plant, and affecting its growth and yield.
To manage these fungal diseases, it is important to keep the plant clean and well-aerated. Furthermore, the use of disease-resistant cultivars of Myrtus axillaris Sw. can be beneficial in the prevention of these diseases. Additionally, application of fungicides can also be an effective control method, especially when applied in the early stages of the infection.
Pest Management
Myrtus axillaris Sw. can be a target for a few insect pests, including:
- Mites: Mites are tiny creatures that suck the sap from the plant leaves, leading to yellowing, drying, and falling of the leaves.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can also be a problem as they can chew through the plant leaves, leading to extensive damage. Furthermore, the chewed leaves can become vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections.
- Whiteflies: These are tiny, white insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause extensive damage. They usually attack the plant in large numbers, leading to yellowing and drying of leaves.
To manage these pests, it is important to have a regular monitoring schedule to detect the presence of the pests early. Furthermore, the use of insecticides can control them effectively when applied correctly. It is important to follow instructions provided by manufacturers to ensure the safe and effective application of the insecticides. Additionally, it is important to clean the garden and remove any plant debris to create an environment unfavorable for pests.
