Origin and Common Names
Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans, also known as yellow Phylica, is a plant species that belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. The plant is commonly found in the southern regions of Africa, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, and Lesotho. Its common names include Geel Hartpad, Geelblom, and Yellow-flowered stem-fruit.
General Appearance
Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens is a small evergreen shrub that grows to a height of about 1 m. The stem of the plant is slender and woody, with a rough texture and a yellow-green color. The leaves are small, dark green and shiny, with a leathery texture. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are borne on short stalks. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are arranged in small clusters at the ends of the branches. Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens also develops small, round fruits that are reddish in color and are often used as a source of food for birds.
Uses
Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens has both cultural and medicinal uses. In some cultures, the plant is used in traditional healing practices to treat various ailments such as flu, stomach disorders, and cuts. The plant is also said to have spiritual properties and is used in rituals relating to birth and death. Additionally, the plant is often used in landscaping due to its ornamental value. The plant's bright yellow flowers and attractive foliage are used to create hedges, borders, and ground covers for gardens and parks.
In conclusion, Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens is an attractive and versatile plant with medicinal properties and a variety of cultural uses. Its bright yellow flowers and foliage make it a popular choice for landscaping purposes, particularly in southern regions of Africa.
Growth conditions for Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans
Light: Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens requires full sun and will not thrive in shady areas. It grows best in areas where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to a Mediterranean climate and grows well in areas where the temperature ranges from 15 to 25°C. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 30°C, but it cannot tolerate frost. Therefore, it is important to protect the plant from frost during winter months.
Soil: Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens prefers well-draining, sandy soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It does not do well in heavy clay soils and is adapted to soils that are nutrient-poor. Therefore, fertilizers should be applied sparingly.
The soil should also be moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be done once a week, or more frequently during hot dry conditions. It is important not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot.
Propagation: Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Cuttings should be taken during spring or summer and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted. Seeds should be sown in early spring or autumn and should be covered with a thin layer of soil.
Cultivation Method
Phylica axillaris is propagated through stem cuttings, and it is essential to use young, non-flowering stems to increase the chance of rooting. The plant thrives in well-draining soils with high fertility, which can be achieved by mixing compost with the soil before adding the plant. It's important to note that the soil should be acidic, with a pH of 5.5-6.0. The plant also prefers full sun to partial shade, making it suitable to grow in a garden or greenhouse.
Watering Needs
Phylica axillaris prefers moderate watering, with the soil kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant is tolerant of drought but will not perform well if it's left dry for extended periods. When watering, it's important to apply water to the root zone and not the leaves to avoid fungal growth. It's recommended to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening, which allows the plant to absorb water before it evaporates in the sun.
Fertilization
Phylica axillaris is a heavy feeder that requires regular fertilization. It's recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season, and it's important to follow the instructions on the packaging. Over-fertilization can lead to root damage and the death of the plant.
Pruning
Phylica axillaris requires regular pruning to maintain a compact and neat shape. It's important to note that the plant produces flowers on new growth, so pruning should be done after flowering. The pruning should focus on removing dead or damaged stems and cutting back any shoots that have grown too long. It's recommended to use a sharp pair of pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant, and the cuttings can be used for propagation.
Propagation of Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans
Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans, commonly referred to as the Yellow Phylica, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. The shrub is native to South Africa and has been found in Cape Province, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal regions. Propagation of Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans can be done through several methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans can be done through seeds. The seeds must be harvested from matured plants which should be able to produce viable seeds after flowering. Harvested seeds should be cleaned and sown into well-prepared soil, watered and left to germinate. The best time to sow seeds is during autumn, and germination usually occurs after 3-4 weeks. After the seedlings have grown to a height of 10 cm, they can be transplanted into individual containers or planting sites.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another common method of propagating Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans is through stem cuttings. The cutting should be taken from matured plants during the growing season. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring and summer season. The cutting should be about 10 cm in length and should be taken from healthy, non-flowering branches. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in hormone rooting powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil and kept in a humid environment, preferably under a clear plastic sheet. The roots usually develop after 2-4 weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted into individual containers or planting sites.
Propagation by Layering
Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans can also be propagated through layering. This method involves bending a low branch to the ground and making a small cut on the branch. The cut portion should be covered with soil while still attached to the parent plant. Roots will develop from the cut portion, and once roots have developed and the plantlet is established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into individual containers or planting sites.
Propagation of Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans can be done through various methods, but care should be taken to ensure that the parent plant is healthy to produce healthy offspring. Good soil, adequate amounts of water, and fertilizers are important in the propagation process.
Disease and Pest Management for Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans
Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant, but it can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Therefore, proper management is essential to prevent and control the spread of these diseases and pests.
Common diseases
The common diseases that can affect Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans are:
- Root rot: caused by soil-borne fungi, which can attack the roots and cause them to rot. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering. Treat the plant with a fungicide if necessary.
- Leaf spots: caused by fungal infection, resulting in the appearance of spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering. Treat the plant with a fungicide if necessary.
- Powdery mildew: caused by fungal infection, resulting in the appearance of a powdery white substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, increase air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Common pests
The common pests that can affect Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans are:
- Spider mites: tiny pests that can suck the sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and distortion. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-hydrated, increase humidity around the plant, and treat with an insecticide or miticide if necessary.
- Scale insects: small and immobile pests that can attach themselves to leaves or stems and suck sap from the plant. To manage scale insects, remove them manually, increase humidity around the plant, and treat with an insecticide if necessary.
- Mealybugs: soft-bodied pests covered in a waxy substance that can munch on the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually, increase air circulation around the plant, and treat with an insecticide if necessary.
Regular monitoring of the plant can detect any disease or pest infestation early on, making it easier to manage and prevent the spread to other plants. It is recommended to consult with a local nursery or a professional horticulturist for specific recommendations on the best management practices for Phylica axillaris Lam. var. lutescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Pillans.
