Origin
Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton, also known as small-leaved African basil, is a plant species that originated in Africa. It can be found growing along the edges of forests, in savannas, and in rocky outcrops in eastern and southern Africa.
Common Names
Small-leaved African basil has a number of common names including little-leaved basil and dwarf African basil. In Swahili, it is known as ‘pilipili ndogo ndogo ya kitropiki’ which translates to ‘small tropical chili peppers’.
Uses
Small-leaved African basil is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments including headaches, fever, and stomach problems. The leaves of the plant are also used in cooking, either fresh or dried, to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Additionally, the essential oil extracted from the leaves is used in the perfume industry.
General Appearance
Small-leaved African basil is a small shrub that grows up to 60 centimeters tall. Its leaves are small and oval-shaped, measuring between 1 and 3 centimeters long, with serrated margins. The plant produces small white flowers that appear in clusters at the base of the leaves. Its stems are green and have a woody texture, with a square cross-section.
Light Requirements
Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum requires full sun to thrive. It is a species that needs a lot of light to grow and will not do well in partial shade. In areas with high temperatures, partial shade may be necessary to protect the plant from extreme heat.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm to hot temperatures ranging between 73-86°F (23-30°C). It can survive and grow in a variety of climates, but it is best suited to tropical regions and subtropical areas with mild winters. In regions with colder temperatures, it can be grown as an annual plant.
Soil Requirements
Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum requires well-drained soil with a pH ranging between 6.5-7.5. It is not very tolerant of soil that is waterlogged or clay-like. Loamy soil with good drainage is best suited to this plant. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil before planting to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton
Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is commonly known as the fringed basil or the ornamental basil.
The plant thrives well in warm to hot climatic conditions. The ideal temperature range for the growth of this plant varies from 20°C to 30°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C and as low as 10°C.
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can also grow well in slightly acidic soil but cannot tolerate highly alkaline soil.
Watering Needs of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton
The plant needs consistent moisture, but it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and eventually the death of the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to allow the soil to dry out partially before watering, ensuring that the roots receive adequate oxygen.
Ideally, it is best to water the plant deeply once a week, and frequency will depend on the climatic conditions and soil type. During the hot summer months of the year, the plant may need to be watered more frequently.
Fertilization of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton
The plant requires regular feeding to thrive and produce abundant foliage. It is necessary to fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season using organic fertilizers such as compost, vermicompost, or any other balanced fertilizer.
Fertilizers containing nitrogen help in promoting foliage growth, while phosphorus promotes root and flower development. Potassium is necessary for the overall health of the plant and increases resistance to pests and diseases.
Pruning of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton
Pruning the plant helps in maintaining the desired shape and size and promotes bushy growth. It is necessary to prune the plant regularly by pinching off the tips of the branches. This stimulates the growth of lateral shoots, leading to a bushier plant with abundant foliage.
It is essential to remove any yellow or damaged leaves and flowers regularly. The plant can also be pruned to encourage branching and increase flower production. Additionally, deadheading the spent flowers helps to prevent seed formation and promotes the growth of new flowers.
Propagation of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton
Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton, commonly known as small-leaved basil, is a small shrub that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. The plant is native to Papua New Guinea and is popularly cultivated as a culinary herb and for its oil in some parts of Asia.
Propagation of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum can be done through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum is by using its seeds. This method involves collecting the mature seeds from a healthy plant and sowing them in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist by regular watering. Under optimal conditions, the seeds germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once they have grown enough, the seedlings are transplanted to individual pots and provided with adequate sunlight and water.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum can also be achieved by using stem cuttings. This method involves taking a healthy stem cutting with at least two nodes from the mother plant and dipping the lower cut in a rooting hormone powder. The cutting is then planted in a potting mix and kept in a humid atmosphere. Under optimal conditions, the cutting root system develops within a month. Once the cutting has roots and a few new leaves, it is transplanted to an individual pot.
Division Propagation
Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum propagates by division through which older plant is divided into several sections. This is done by carefully dividing the plant's root system to ensure each section has enough roots and stems to grow as an individual plant. Each section is then re-potted into a new container with fresh potting mix and dried gently. The newly propagated plants are watered frequently to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged until the roots are well established.
Disease and Pest Management for Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton
Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton is a hardy plant that is quite resistant to pests and disease, but there are still some common issues that may arise. The following are some of the possible diseases and pests that can affect this plant:
Diseases
1. Fungal diseases: Some common fungal diseases that affect Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton include Powdery mildew, Anthracnose, and Fusarium wilt. Powdery mildew causes a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves, while Anthracnose causes brown spots on the leaves and stems. Fusarium wilt causes the leaves and stems to yellow and wilt.
Management: To manage fungal diseases, remove any infected plant material as soon as you notice it. Ensure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid splashing water onto the foliage during irrigation. Additionally, avoid overhead irrigation and apply fungicides when necessary.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can be found on the leaves of the plant. They can cause stunted plant growth and yellowing of the leaves.
Management: To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Alternatively, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the population.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that are barely visible to the naked eye. They feed on the underside of the leaves and can cause yellow spots to appear on the foliage, later resulting in drying up of leaves.
Management: To manage spider mites, remove any infected plant material as soon as you notice it. Spray the plant with water to dislodge them...
Overall, with proper care and appropriate management practices, most common diseases and insect pests that affect Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. microphyllum (Sebald) A.J.Paton can be prevented, kept under control and managed successfully to avoid any major harm to the plant.
