Origin
Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard, also known as Swynnerton's spineflower, is a plant species that belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. This plant is endemic to Tanzania, particularly in the eastern arc mountains.
Common names
The common names for Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard include Swynnerton's spineflower, Swynnerton's Selago, and Swynnerton's Violet.
Uses
Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard has no known medicinal or economic uses. It is typically grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive violet flowers and dark green leaves.
General appearance
Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard is a small, densely-packed, evergreen shrub that can grow up to a height of 0.5 meters. It has a woody stem that is covered in velvety hairs. The leaves of this plant are lanceolate in shape, dark green in color, and have a smooth texture. The flowers are violet in color and are densely arranged in spikes at the tips of the branches. The fruits of this plant are small and brownish in color.
Light Requirements
Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla requires full sun to partial shade. In its natural habitat, it grows on rocky outcrops and grassy slopes, which means it receives a good amount of sunlight. The plant can survive in areas that receive low levels of light but may not thrive, resulting in weak growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to Africa's tropical regions and grows well in warm temperatures. The ideal growth range for Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla is 20-30°C (68-86°F). However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) at night and as high as 35°C (95°F) during the day. If exposed to frost or temperatures below 0°C (32°F), the plant is likely to die.
Soil Requirements
Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla grows best in well-draining soil. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including those that are sandy, loamy, and clayey. The optimum pH range for growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. However, the plant can still grow in acidic or alkaline soils provided they are well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard is a hardy perennial shrub that thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. It is drought-tolerant and prefers a warm climate. The best time to plant this plant is in the spring or fall.
When planting S. swynnertonii var. leiophylla, ensure that the soil is fertile and well-drained. To improve drainage, you can add sand or perlite to the soil. Plant the shrub in a hole that is twice the size of its root ball, and then water it thoroughly.
Watering Needs
Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. However, it would be best if you watered it regularly during the dry season to keep the root system cool. It is best to water the plant deeply, giving it ample time to absorb the water. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
The Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard plant requires little to no fertilization. However, adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its overall health. Organic matter helps improve the soil's drainage, aeration, and water retention capacity. You can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil around the plant. Alternatively, you can use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning Selago swynnertonii (S.Moore) Hilliard var. leiophylla (Brenan) Hilliard is not necessary, but it can help promote fuller growth and encourage more blooms. Prune the shrub in the early spring before it starts growing. Cut back any dead or diseased branches and remove any crossing branches. If the plant has grown taller than you desire, you can cut it back to the desired height.
Propagation of Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla
Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla can be propagated by various methods, including:
Seed propagation
The plant produces small seeds that can be collected once the seed capsules have dried and opened. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can be taken from healthy plant material during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 5-8 cm in length and taken from the tips of the stems. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and insert it into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place in a warm, bright spot. Rooting typically takes 4-6 weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into an individual pot.
Division propagation
Mature plants can be divided to create new plants. Carefully remove the plant from its container, taking care not to damage the roots. Use a sharp, clean knife to divide the rootball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has its own stem and several healthy roots. Each section can then be potted up into its own container and kept in a warm, bright spot until established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the young plants in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sun until they are well-established. They should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and fertilized regularly once they have begun to actively grow.
Disease Management
There are a few diseases that can affect Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla, including leaf spot disease and powdery mildew. Leaf spot disease is caused by fungal pathogens and results in small, circular spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is important to remove any affected leaves or plant parts immediately and dispose of them properly to prevent the disease from spreading. Additionally, plant hygiene should be maintained by ensuring that the plant is not overwatered, and there is adequate light and ventilation. Fungicides can also be used to manage these diseases, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla, including spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the plant's sap. They can cause leaf discoloration, defoliation, and stunted growth. Mealybugs, on the other hand, are small, soft-bodied insects that also feed on the plant's sap and secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect plants for any signs of infestation. Infested plants should be isolated immediately to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants. Light infestations can be managed by physically removing the pests using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Heavy infestations may require the use of insecticides, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure that the product is safe for use on Selago swynnertonii var. leiophylla.
