Overview
Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. is a small shrub of the Asteraceae family that is native to South America. The plant is commonly known as "escoba amarga" or "serrucho" in Spanish, which translates to "bitter broom" or "saw" due to its appearance.
Appearance
The plant has a distinctive appearance, with narrow leaves that are needle-like in shape and grow up to 2 cm in length. The leaves are arranged in an alternating pattern along the stem, and the stems themselves are slender and branched, growing up to 1 meter in height. The plant produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers with a diameter of less than 1 cm, which bloom in late spring and summer.
Uses
While not commonly used in modern medicine or food, Oxylaena acicularis has traditionally been used by indigenous communities in South America for a variety of purposes. The plant was used as a natural medicine to treat ailments such as skin infections, ulcers, and rheumatism. It was also used as a natural insecticide to ward off pests and protect crops. In addition, the plant was used to make brooms and small brushes due to its tough, durable branches.
However, it is important to note that the plant is toxic and should only be used under the guidance of a trained professional.
Light Requirements
Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant prefers bright light and cannot tolerate low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures from 10 to 30°Celsius. The ideal temperature for the growth of Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. is around 20 to 25°Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that have a good nutrient content. The ideal pH of the soil for Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. is between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate both sandy and loamy soils. However, it cannot survive in waterlogged soil conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. are small shrubs with an erect growth habit, reaching up to 1m in height. They are hardy plants that grow well in most soil types, but they prefer well-draining soils. The ideal planting location for this species would be in a sunny or partially shaded area, protected from strong winds and frost.
These plants can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seed. For cuttings, select healthy and disease-free shoots and transplant them to a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist until roots develop, and then transplant them to their permanent site. When using seeds, plant them in a mixture of vermiculite and potting mix and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate before transplanting to their permanent area.
Watering Needs
Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. require moderate watering, with an emphasis on allowing the soil to dry out partially between watering. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth. Watering should be done at the base of the shrub, using a watering can or a hose with a soft spray head.
During hot summer days, additional watering may be required to prevent the soil from drying out completely. However, during winter, watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. during their growing season. The best time to fertilize is during spring and summer. Apply a balanced fertilizer mix, high in phosphorus content, to promote healthy growth, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Do not fertilize during winter or during a drought season as fertilizers may burn the plant roots when there is a lack of moisture in the soil. When using compost, make sure it has decomposed and mixed well with the soil.
Pruning
Oxylaena acicularis (Benth.) Anderb. require minimal pruning, usually done to maintain a desirable shape and size. Prune once a year after their blooming period, usually in late summer or early spring before new growth emerges.
Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown branches. Always use sharp and clean pruning tools to minimize the risk of infection.
Propagation of Oxylaena Acicularis
Oxylaena acicularis, commonly known as the "Needle bush," is a shrub endemic to Australia. Propagation of Oxylaena acicularis is generally done in two ways: seed propagation and vegetative propagation, especially through cutting.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Oxylaena acicularis through seed is a common method but requires several steps. To propagate through seeds, you need to collect ripe seeds from the plant and then store them in a dry and cool place. After that, you need to treat the seeds with smoke water or use other smoke treatments that help break seed dormancy. This step is necessary as the seeds have a hard woody outer casing that can be difficult to germinate. Once the seeds are treated, sow them into a potting mix containing equal parts sand, peat moss, and vermiculite. Place them in a warm position and keep the soil evenly moist. Oxylaena acicularis usually takes 4-6 weeks to germinate. After the seedlings have emerged from the soil, transplant them into individual pots and keep them in a sunny location.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Oxylaena acicularis is generally more successful than seed propagation. Cuttings are taken in spring or autumn and should be about 5-10 cm long, including a small section of the woody stem. Make a clean cut below the node, where new leaves will emerge. Remove all the lower leaves, leaving only two or three pairs at the top of the cutting. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder and plant the cutting in a potting mix containing equal parts peat moss and coarse sand. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and place it in a warm, bright position but away from direct sunlight. The cutting should take root within 6-8 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, transplant it into a larger pot and continue to grow it in a bright, sunny location.
Overall, both seed propagation and vegetative propagation are reliable and straightforward ways to propagate Oxylaena acicularis, making it an easy-to-grow plant for gardeners and horticulturists alike.
Disease Management
Oxylaena acicularis is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. One common disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, treat the plant with a fungicide and remove any infected parts of the plant.
Another common disease that affects Oxylaena acicularis is leaf spot. This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. Leaf spot can be managed by removing any infected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Like any other plant, Oxylaena acicularis is also vulnerable to pest attacks. Some common pests that affect this plant are aphids and spider mites. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting of the plant.
To manage an aphid infestation, one can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings or hoverflies. Alternatively, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help to manage the infestation.
To manage a spider mite infestation, spray the plant with water to wash off the mites. However, if the infestation is severe, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
