Overview
Selago ovata (L.) Aiton is a small, perennial plant that belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is native to the African countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant has important traditional uses and medicinal properties that have been recognized for centuries.
Common Names
Selago ovata is commonly known as African Selago, Selago Moss, Mountain Pincushion, and African Violet.
Appearance
The plant has an upright stem that can grow up to 60cm tall. Its leaves are arranged in a spiral form around the stem and have an oval shape. The flowers are very small, measuring only 2mm in diameter and are arranged in clusters along the stem. The flowers have a white or pinkish hue with a yellow center and have a slightly sweet fragrance.
Uses
Selago ovata has numerous medicinal uses as it is used to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, menstrual pain, stomach aches, and malaria. The plant contains bioactive compounds such as tanshinones, flavonoids, and iridoids that promote healing and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Selago ovata is also used by traditional healers to treat infertility in both men and women. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant with its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
Light Requirements
The Selago ovata plant prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is best to keep the plant away from windows that receive intense afternoon sun as this can scorch the leaves. A location with 4-6 hours of bright, filtered light is ideal for the Selago ovata plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Selago ovata plant prefers a warm temperature range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. The plant can tolerate lower temperatures during the winter months but should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods of time.
Soil Requirements
The Selago ovata plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. A potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients for the plant. It is important to avoid soils that retain too much moisture as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Selago Ovata (L.) Aiton
Selago ovata (L.) Aiton, commonly known as oval-leaf selago, is best grown in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It thrives in partial shade, so planting in a spot with dappled sunlight is ideal. The plant can propagate by seed or cuttings. For seed cultivation, the seeds should be sowed in a light, well-aerated soil mix. Cuttings can be taken in the growing season and rooted in a rooting hormone.
Watering Needs for Selago Ovata (L.) Aiton
Selago ovata (L.) Aiton prefers consistently moist, but not waterlogged soil. Watering the plant once a week during the growing season should suffice. During winter, the frequency of watering should be decreased to once every two weeks. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is essential not to water the plant excessively.
Fertilization for Selago Ovata (L.) Aiton
During the growing season, fertilize Selago ovata (L.) Aiton every four weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer. Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to encourage vegetative growth. In winter, stop fertilizing the plant and allow it to rest. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application.
Pruning Selago Ovata (L.) Aiton
Selago ovata (L.) Aiton does not require frequent pruning, but occasional pruning can help promote bushier growth and encourage more blooms. After blooms have faded, remove spent flowers and spent stems. To keep the plant compact, pinch off the growing tips of branches. Regularly removing any yellow or dead leaves can help keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
Propagation of Selago ovata (L.) Aiton
Selago ovata (L.) Aiton, commonly known as Oval-leaf Heath, is a small, woody shrub that belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae. This evergreen plant is mostly found in the Mediterranean region, where it grows in rocky soils and shrublands. The plant produces tiny, white to pinkish flowers in the summer that stand out against its small, ovate leaves. There are several methods through which one can propagate Selago ovata, including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagating Selago ovata is through seeds. Collect seeds from the plant's flowers in the fall, sow them in early spring using moist soil, and cover with a clear plastic bag to keep the soil from drying out. Once the seeds start to germinate, remove the plastic bag and place the seedlings in bright, filtered sunlight. Transplant the seedlings into pots filled with well-draining soil and care for them until they are big enough to plant outside.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method for propagating Selago ovata is through cuttings. Take softwood cuttings from the parent plant in the spring and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and then plant them in a tray filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and cover with plastic to create a humid environment that will help the cuttings root. Once roots appear, transfer the cuttings into individual pots and care for them until they are ready to be planted outside.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is an alternative method for propagating Selago ovata. This method is best done in the spring as the plant begins to grow new shoots. Gently dig up the plant and divide it into several sections. Replant each section in a new pot filled with well-draining soil and care for them as you would with the other propagation methods.
With proper care, Selago ovata can be propagated with any of these methods, and you can enjoy many of these charming plants around your house or garden.
Disease Management
Selago ovata is a hardy plant and is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it may still fall prey to a few diseases, such as:
- Leaf spot: This disease appears as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves. It is caused by fungal pathogens, and the infected leaves will eventually fall off. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that thrive in wet soil conditions. Overwatering and soil with poor drainage are the primary reasons for this disease. To manage this disease, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and treat the soil with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Selago ovata is also relatively resistant to pests but can still fall victim to a few. Some common pests that may attack Selago ovata include:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage this pest, you can manually remove them from the plant or use an insecticide.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, red or black arachnids that also feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually dry out. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or miticide.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. They can chew through leaves, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage this pest, remove the caterpillars manually, or use an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
