Description of Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl.
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. It is commonly known as the "Saunders' milkwort" due to its historical usage as a herbal medicine by early botanist William Saunders, who used it to treat milk fever in cows. It is indigenous to southern Africa, particularly in regions such as the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.
General Appearance
This plant is a small, erect, and annual herb that typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm. It is characterized by its thin and cylindrical stem, which is pale green in colour. Its leaves are simple, linear, and terete, measuring about 2-5 cm long and 0.8 mm thick. It bears small flowers, approximately 3-4 mm long, that are arranged in dense, spike-like inflorescences. The flowers have a distinctive pinkish purple colour with pale greenish-yellow wings.
Uses
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. has various traditional medicinal uses. The Zulu tribe, for example, uses the plant to manage chronic headaches, epilepsy, and stomach ailments. It is also known to have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the plant has been used as a natural dye for clothes and as a source of food for grazing animals.
In modern times, this plant is often included in garden or landscaping designs due to its attractive appearance. It can be grown in containers or in garden beds and requires full sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive.
Light Requirements
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. thrives in full sunlight, making it an ideal candidate for outdoor planting in areas with plenty of access to direct sunlight. This plant can tolerate partial shade, but growth may be stunted, and the characteristic blooms may not develop.
Temperature Requirements
An ideal temperature range for Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. is between 50-80°F (10-27°C). Temperatures outside of this range may cause physiological stress leading to slow growth, reduced flower production, and wilting. In colder climates, the plant can be grown as an annual, while in warmer areas, it can be grown as a perennial.
Soil Requirements
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. prefers well-drained, moist soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5-7.0. Adding organic matter like compost or peat moss can improve soil quality and nutrient availability necessary for healthy plant growth. This plant may not tolerate saline or waterlogged soil but can grow well in sandy loam and clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. is a shrub that thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires well-draining soil with high fertility. The plant prefers full sunlight exposure but can also adapt to partial shade.
The best time to propagate the plant is during the rainy season. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays filled with loamy soil. The ideal temperature for germination should be between 20°C and 25°C. Once the seedlings are well-established, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Watering Needs
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. requires moderate watering. Overwatering the plant leads to root rot and fungal diseases. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. During the rainy season, it may require reduced watering. In contrast, during the dry season, it may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
To promote better growth and flowering, apply a balanced fertilizer every three months. The application should be done during the growing season. The plant also requires micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, and calcium, which can be supplied by adding compost or organic matter to the soil.
Pruning
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. requires minimal pruning. Only remove the damaged or dead branches. It's advisable to perform pruning during the dry season when the plant is dormant. Pruning stimulates new growth and improves flowering. The pruning tools should be disinfected to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl.
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. or Gazanian milkwort is a popular decorative plant that is native to Tanzania and Kenya. This plant can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Polygala teretifolia. The seeds of this plant are relatively small and should be sown in well-draining soil with good moisture retention. The ideal temperature for seed germination ranges from 20 to 25 °C.
It is recommended to sow the seeds in a seedbed or small pots that can accommodate the seedlings until they reach a size suitable for transplantation.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Polygala teretifolia can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take a cutting is during the growing season in spring and summer.
The cuttings should be taken from the healthy and mature stems of the mother plant. The stem cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should have at least two leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cuttings and then dip the cut ends of the stem in a rooting hormone for better root growth.
After that, plant the cuttings in a rooting mixture made up of equal parts of sand and peat moss. Keep the cuttings moist by covering them with a plastic bag. This will help to maintain humidity levels and speed up the rooting process.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is another method of propagating Polygala teretifolia. To propagate a plant using this method, gently dig out the plant from the ground or its container, and then divide the root clumps into small pieces.
Each divided plant should have several stems and roots. Plant the divided plant in a pot or in the ground at the same depth as the original plant. Water the plant well after planting, and keep the soil moist until the plant has established itself.
Disease Management
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. is generally a healthy plant, but it is still vulnerable to several diseases. Some common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that produces a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this, affected leaves should also be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This is a condition that occurs when the roots of the plant are overwatered and become saturated. To manage this, the plant should be removed from the wet soil and placed in dry soil. It is essential to ensure that the plant is adequately watered but not overwatered.
Pest Management
Polygala teretifolia Baker f. var. gazensis (Baker f.) Norl. is also vulnerable to several pests, some of which are:
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that will strip the plant of its sap, causing it to become discolored and wilted. To manage this, the plant should be sprayed with an insecticide or a mixture of water and dish soap.
- Scale insects: These are small, immobile pests that will attack the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this, the plant should be sprayed with a mixture of neem oil and water.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that will also feed on the sap of the plant. To manage this, the plant should be sprayed with a mixture of water and dish soap.
