Origin
Periphanes zeyheri (Baker) F. M. Leight is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. It is native to southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Common Names
Periphanes zeyheri is commonly known as the African crane's-bill. It is also known by several local names such as Khongowathi in Zulu, and Lebokong in Sesotho.
Uses
The plants of Periphanes zeyheri have several medicinal properties, including being used as a traditional remedy to treat diarrhoea, stomach ailments, and respiratory tract infections. The plant also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Periphanes zeyheri is also used in traditional African medicine to treat menstrual pains and as a diuretic. The plant is also a source of nectar for honeybees and potentially useful as a honey plant.
General Appearance
Periphanes zeyheri is a shrub or small tree that grows up to a height of 4.5 meters. It has a single main stem that divides into several branches. The leaves are alternate, deeply lobed with three to five segments up to 2.5 cm long and 3 cm wide. The flowers are hermaphroditic, and the corolla is made up of five petals that are purple to pink in colour. The fruit is a long cylindrical capsule that is approximately 10 cm long and contains numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Periphanes zeyheri prefers to grow in full sunlight. Too much shade can lead to stunted growth or even death. However, it is important to note that this plant can also tolerate some amount of shade, especially during extremely hot periods of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Periphanes zeyheri thrives in warm to hot temperatures, within the range of 20-35°C. It is a relatively hardy plant and can tolerate minor temperature fluctuations. However, extended periods of freezing temperatures can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, within the range of 5.5-7.5. Periphanes zeyheri is tolerant of various soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Periphanes zeyheri is a type of succulent plant that is relatively easy to grow. It can be grown outdoors or indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect sunlight.
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is recommended to mix sand, perlite, or pumice into the soil to improve drainage.
Propagation can be done by leaf or stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Watering Needs
Periphanes zeyheri requires moderate watering. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out before the next watering.
Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so be careful not to let the plant sit in standing water.
In winter, it is important to reduce watering as the plant goes into dormancy.
Fertilization
Periphanes zeyheri needs occasional fertilization to grow properly. Use a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season, usually during spring and summer. The fertilizer should be diluted to half strength.
Avoid fertilizing during winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Periphanes zeyheri does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or top-heavy, you can prune it back to encourage new growth.
Sanitize your pruning shears before and after use to prevent disease transmission.
If pruning for propagation, ensure that the cutting is at least 4 inches long and has several leaves or nodes.
Propagation of Periphanes zeyheri
Periphanes zeyheri (Baker) F.M.Leight., commonly known as the Silver Brunia, is a woody shrub belonging to the family Bruniaceae. The plant is native to South Africa and requires well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Propagation of Periphanes zeyheri is primarily accomplished through seed germination or cuttings.
Propagation by Seed Germination
Periphanes zeyheri can be propagated by seed germination. Seeds can be collected after the flowering period, which typically takes place from June to August in its native habitat. The collected seeds should be sown immediately in well-draining soil mixed with sand and kept moist until germination has occurred. The seeds should be kept in an area with indirect light at a temperature between 18-24°C. Germination can be expected within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Periphanes zeyheri can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the early spring from new growth. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm in length and have at least two sets of leaves. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in an area with indirect light at a temperature between 18-24°C with regular misting until roots have formed, which typically takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Periphanes zeyheri
Periphanes zeyheri, commonly known as the bladder-nut tree, is a drought-tolerant plant known for its attractive flowers and foliages. However, like any other plant, it is also susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its health and growth. Below are some common diseases and pests that may affect the bladder-nut tree and ways to manage them effectively.
Diseases
Leaf-spot diseases: Leaf-spot diseases can cause yellow or brown spots to appear on leaves, eventually causing them to fall off. These diseases are caused by various fungi and bacteria, and their spread can be minimized by removing affected leaves and providing proper air circulation around the tree.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to the decay of the root system and death of the tree. This disease is common in poorly drained soils, and its spread can be prevented by planting the tree in well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the tree's leaves and twigs, causing them to wilt and die. Proper sanitation and the removal of infected plant material can help prevent the spread of this disease, and fungicide sprays can be used to treat severe cases.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to distort and yellow. They can be treated with insecticidal soaps or neem oil spray.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's juices, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, and by increasing humidity and providing proper ventilation around the tree.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are leaf-eating insects that can defoliate the tree if not controlled. Handpicking and removing caterpillars is an effective way to manage infestations, or they can be treated with a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
By following these management practices, the bladder-nut tree can remain healthy and free from diseases and pests.
