Relhania viscosa L'Hér.
Relhania viscosa L'Hér., also known as Sticky Gazania, is a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae. It is native to southern Africa, specifically in the countries of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Relhania viscosa is commonly known by various names such as Sticky Gazania, Klitsalie, Bergkruie, Umsintsana, Umsints makele, and Umsintsongwane.
Uses
The plant has various traditional medicinal uses, such as treating colds, coughs, and fever. Its roots and leaves are boiled and used to treat stomach and bowel complaints, and its smoke is inhaled for the treatment of headaches. The mixture of its leaves with other herbs is said to improve blood circulation.
The plant also has ornamental value, with its bright yellow flowers growing in clusters from September to March. It is used as a garden plant in its native regions and in other parts of the world where it has been introduced.
General Appearance
Relhania viscosa is a small, perennial herb that grows up to 60cm in height. It has sticky, glandular hairs covering its leaves and stems. The leaves are deeply lobed and arranged in a basal rosette, with an elongated shape and a toothed margin. Its yellow flowers grow in clusters, with each flower measuring up to 3cm in diameter. The entire plant has a strong, medicinal fragrance.
In summary, Relhania viscosa L'Hér. is a plant native to southern Africa, with various traditional medicinal uses and ornamental value. It is commonly known as Sticky Gazania and has sticky, glandular hairs covering its leaves and stems. Its bright yellow flowers grow in clusters, and the entire plant emits a strong, medicinal fragrance.
Light conditions
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. requires full sunlight to grow well. It is important to provide it a spot with plenty of direct sun exposure throughout the day.
Temperature conditions
The plant prefers a warm and temperate climate. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures between 10°C to 35°C. However, it cannot withstand frost and extreme cold.
Soil requirements
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy or clay soils. It requires well-draining soil, and the soil PH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 to 7.5. Additionally, it can tolerate soil with low nutrient content, but it grows better in fertile soil with organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. is a hardy perennial plant that can grow well in most soils as long as they are well-draining. It thrives in full sun but can also grow in partial shade. The plant is propagated by seed or by stem cuttings taken in early spring. Seedlings can be planted in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up.
Watering Needs
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. requires regular watering during the growing season, but care should be taken not to overwater. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. During periods of hot weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. is not a heavy feeder, but a regular application of balanced fertilizer will help to promote growth and flowering. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring before new growth appears and again in mid-summer.
Pruning
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. benefits from regular pruning to promote bushier growth and more flowers. The plant should be pruned back by about one-third in late summer after the first flush of flowers has faded. This will encourage a second flush of flowers in the fall. Deadheading spent blooms will also help to promote flowering.
Propagation of Relhania viscosa L'Hér.
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Relhania viscosa L'Hér. can be sown directly in the field. The seeds should be collected from mature plants. After collection, the seeds should be dried and cleaned thoroughly. The seeds must be sown on well-draining soil, watered regularly, and kept in a warm and sunny location. Germination occurs in 7-21 days.
Cutting Propagation
Relhania viscosa L'Hér. can also be propagated by taking cuttings of approximately 8-10 cm long from a mature plant during its growing season. The cuttings should have a minimum of two nodes and must be free of any disease. After removing the lower leaves, the cutting is dipped into a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining mix of soil and compost. The cutting must be watered regularly and kept in a partially shaded location until the roots are well-formed.
Disease and Pest Management for Relhania viscosa L'Hér.
Relhania viscosa L'Hér., commonly known as sticky relhania, is a shrubby perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is usually grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful yellow flowers, but it also has medicinal properties. The plant is native to southern Africa and is known to be resistant to many pests and diseases. However, in some instances, the plant can be affected by certain pests and diseases that need to be managed appropriately.
Common Diseases of Relhania viscosa L'Hér.
Sticky relhania can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by overwatered soil, which leads to fungal growth that affects the roots. Infected plants may develop brown, mushy roots, and wilted leaves. To manage root rot, remove the infected plants and improve the drainage system of the soil. Avoid overwatering the plants, and ensure that the soil is well-drained.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungal infections, which lead to the appearance of yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. Later, the leaves may dry up and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and provide proper ventilation to the plant. Avoid wetting the leaves and provide enough spacing between plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by fungal infections that produce a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. Infected plants may develop distorted leaves, stunted growth, and premature dropping of flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and stems and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests of Relhania viscosa L'Hér.
Sticky relhania is resistant to many pests, but some pests that can affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap from the leaves and stems and excrete a sticky substance. Infected plants may have yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. Natural predators like ladybugs can also help control the population of aphids.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on the undersides of leaves. Infected plants may develop yellowed leaves, fine webbing, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. Ensure that the plants are well-watered to prevent drought-stressed plants, which are more susceptible to spider mite infestations.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on leaves, flowers, and buds, causing them to turn brown and wither. The leaves may have silver-colored streaks or spots. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Regular monitoring of the plants can ensure that pests and diseases are detected early and managed appropriately. Using organic methods to manage pests and diseases can ensure that the plant is not exposed to harmful chemicals that can affect their growth and development.
