Description of Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. Plant
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. is a shrub that belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae. It is native to South Africa, specifically found in Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as blue mountain heath, silver Selago, or flax bush Selago.
General Appearance
The Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. plant is an evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub that grows up to 1 m tall. Its stems are thin, woody, and erect, with a greyish-brown color. The leaves are small, narrow, and linear, up to 5 mm long and 1 mm wide, with a light green color. The flowers are small and blue or mauve, with a diameter of about 4-6 mm. They are arranged in spike-like inflorescences at the tips of the stems, and bloom from late winter to spring.
Uses
The Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant for garden landscaping. It is drought-resistant and requires minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice for waterwise gardens.
The plant has also been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. The Zulu people traditionally used it as a treatment for coughs and colds. It was also used as a general tonic, and as a treatment for muscle pain and inflammation. The plant extract has been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Light Requirements
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. typically grows best under full sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight but may experience stress or damage under intense and prolonged exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is mainly found in montane and grassland habitats, suggesting a preference for cooler temperatures. It can survive in temperatures between 10°C to 25°C but may struggle in extreme heat or cold. Humidity levels should be moderate, with a preference for areas with high atmospheric moisture.
Soil Requirements
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. prefers well-drained soils with low fertility levels. The soil pH ranges from acidic to neutral (4.0 to 7.0) in its natural habitats. The plant can also grow in rocky outcrops, sandy soils, and loamy soils, but excessively heavy or waterlogged soils should be avoided.
Cultivation
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. is a hardy plant that is tolerant to different weather conditions. However, it thrives best in a well-drained soil that is fertile and moisture-retentive. You can propagate Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. using seeds from the plant, but it takes a longer time to grow. It would be best to propagate by stem cuttings taken during the beginning of spring.
Watering Needs
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. requires moderate watering. Make sure to water the plants regularly, depending on the season. During the dry season, provide enough water to keep the soil moist. However, in the rainy season, reduce the amount of water provided, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Since Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. prefers well-drained soil, make sure to use a fertilizer blend that is slow-releasing and moisture conserving. Fertilize the plants in early spring, as this is the period when new growth occurs. You can use a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and dilute the fertilizer to avoid burning the plant's roots.
Pruning
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. requires occasional pruning to maintain both its shape and health. You can prune the plants twice a year, preferably during the growing season, to promote new growth and control their size. Remove any diseased, damaged, dead, or overgrown branches. Additionally, you can pinch the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth. Ensure to clean the pruning tools before use and use proper tools to avoid damaging the plant's bark.
Propagation of Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey.
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey., commonly known as the "Drakensberg Ridge Bush", is a rare and endangered plant species native to South Africa. Propagation is an effective means of increasing the population of this significant plant species.
Seeds
The easiest method of propagating Selago cinerascens is using its seed. The plant can produce ample viable seeds in a single growing season. The seeds can be collected when they are mature and sown in a specially formulated soil mixture. The seedlings will root and develop into healthy plants within a year.
Cuttings
In general, it is difficult to propagate Selago cinerascens via cuttings. However, using semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings can be successful in some cases. Cuttings should be taken from the plant's stem in spring. The plant should then develop a callus before being placed in a rooting hormone and placed in a mixture of coarse sand and compost.
Division of Clumps
Propagation by division is less commonly used to propagate Selago cinerascens. It involves splitting an already mature plant into two or three parts, making sure that each part contains a rhizome and several roots. The separated parts are then planted back in the ground. Division is best done in early spring or late autumn.
Overall, the propagation of Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. can be achieved by either using its seeds or cuttings. Propagation through division is also possible, but it is a less preferred method. It is essential to ensure that the plant is propagated under suitable conditions to ensure its survival and growth.
Disease Management for Selago cinerascens
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. is a tough plant and typically not vulnerable to many diseases. However, there are a few that can affect it, such as powdery mildew and root rot.
Powdery mildew can be observed as a white, powdery coating on the plant's leaves. It is usually more common in humid environments. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant parts and consider using a fungicide. Another way to prevent powdery mildew is to regularly prune the plant to improve air circulation.
Root rot can be a serious issue if the plant is overwatered or the soil drainage is poor. To prevent this, make sure to avoid frequent watering and ensure proper soil drainage. If the plant is already infected, it may be necessary to remove the affected areas.
Pest Management for Selago cinerascens
Selago cinerascens E.Mey. var. exasperata E.Mey. is not typically affected by pests, but root-knot nematodes and spider mites could potentially be a problem.
Root-knot nematodes are tiny, worm-like organisms that live in the soil and feed on the plant's roots, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, consider using a nematicide or rotating the plant with a non-host crop.
Spider mites are another potential pest. They are tiny bugs that suck the sap from the plant, resulting in yellowing and mottled leaves. To manage spider mites, consider using a miticide or removing infected plant parts. Additionally, regularly spraying the plant with water can help wash off any potential spider mites.
