Overview
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. is a small, evergreen shrub that belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae. The species is also known as "Hochstetter's Selago" or "Fern-leaved Selago" and is native to several countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Description
The plant has a compact, rounded form with a height of 20-60cm. Its stem is woody, slender, and slightly ridged with small leaves that are sessile and lance-shaped. The leaves have pointed tips and are arranged alternately on the stem, with a glossy, dark green surface and a slightly hairy underside. Its inflorescences are terminal spikes with small, white to pale blue flowers that bloom in late summer.
Common Names
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. has many common names across different African countries. Some of these include:
- Amahlubi
- Godisang loatlafupju
- Isondeza
- Masimpera
- Mnandela
Uses
The plant has a long history of traditional medicinal uses in Africa. The Zulu people use it to treat fevers, coughs, and chest complaints, while some tribes in Tanzania use it to treat snakebites. The plant also has antimicrobial properties and is used in some African communities as a natural insecticide.
In horticulture, Selago lobeliacea Hochst. is grown as an ornamental plant and is well suited to rock gardens, container planting, and as a groundcover in sunny, well-drained soil. Its delicate flowers and small green leaves make it an attractive addition to any garden.
Light Requirements
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. requires moderate to high light levels to thrive. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade, but in order to produce more flowers, it is recommended to grow it in full sun conditions.
Temperature Requirements
It prefers warmer temperatures between 25°C and 30°C during the day and cooler temperatures between 15°C and 20°C at night. The plant can tolerate a range of temperature variations but is sensitive to frost and cannot survive in freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy and loamy soils, but requires good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss to the soil can improve both the soil drainage and the nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods for Selago Lobeliacea Hochst.
The cultivation of Selago lobeliacea Hochst. requires a well-draining soil mix, preferably with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant needs a bright and filtered sunlight to thrive. Ensure to protect the plant from strong winds as they are likely to damage the growth of the plant.
To propagate the plant, obtain healthy, disease-free cuttings of around six inches long and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be watered frequently and kept moist. Germination should begin after about four weeks.
Watering Needs for Selago Lobeliacea Hochst.
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. thrives in well-draining soil that is moist throughout the growing season. Water regularly and maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil. Ensure not to overwater the plant as it is not disease-resistant and may develop root rot. Water the plant at the base level rather than overhead watering.
Fertilization for Selago Lobeliacea Hochst.
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. requires quality fertilizer and should be fertilized frequently. The application of supplemental fertilizers such as composted manure or balanced chemical fertilizers helps the plant grow sturdy and healthy. It is recommendable to fertilize once a month during the growing season with organic or inorganic fertilizers, alternating between the two every other application.
Pruning for Selago Lobeliacea Hochst.
Pruning Selago lobeliacea Hochst. involves removing unhealthy or old growth weekly or as needed. Ensure to remove any wilted, yellow, or brown leaves of the plant to encourage new healthy growth. Trim the stems to keep the plant bushy and compact and encourage more blooms. Prune only a quarter of the plant at once as it can cause stress to the plant, making it susceptible to diseases.
Propagation of Selago lobeliacea Hochst.
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. can be propagated by both seed and vegetative means. However, propagation by seed is the most common and preferred method.
Propagation by Seeds
The best time to collect the seeds of Selago lobeliacea Hochst. is during the dry season, typically between the months of November to January. The seeds should be collected from mature plants that are at least 3 years old.
The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place in a moisture-proof container. They can be sown directly into the soil or first germinated in a nursery before transplanting. It is important to note that Selago lobeliacea Hochst. seeds have low germination rates and may require special treatments such as scarification or stratification to improve germination rates.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. can also be propagated by cuttings. Propagation by cuttings is typically done during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the apical part of the plant and should be at least 15 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
It is important to note that propagation by cuttings has a lower success rate compared to propagation by seed. Additionally, vegetative propagation may result in lower genetic diversity compared to propagation by seed.
Disease Management
Selago lobeliacea Hochst. is generally considered to be a hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to the occasional disease and potential damage. One common disease that affects this plant is anthracnose. This disease manifests as yellow or brown spots on the leaves and is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. To prevent this disease, it is crucial to practice good sanitation by removing any infected plant debris and applying fungicides.
Another disease that affects Selago lobeliacea is stem rot. This disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium solani and causes the stems and leaves to wilt and die. To prevent this disease, make sure to avoid overwatering, improve drainage, and remove any infected plant material as soon as it is detected. Fungicides may also be useful in managing this disease.
Pest Management
The most common pests that attack Selago lobeliacea are aphids and whiteflies. To manage these pests, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another method of pest management is to introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings that feed on these pests. However, it is vital to maintain a careful balance with these types of pest control as too much insecticide or removal of beneficial insects can lead to other pest infestations.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Selago lobeliacea. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and cause the leaves to yellow and die. If this occurs, try spraying the plant regularly with water to keep the leaves clean and use a miticide to manage the infestation. Alternatively, you can try introducing predatory mites or lacewings to the plant to control the spider mite population.
