Origin
Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy is a plant species that is native to the southern and eastern parts of Africa. It is commonly found in countries such as South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, among others.
Common Names
The plant goes by many common names, including "Cape scorpion weed", "Cape snapdragon", "Dune sage", and "Snake herb".
Appearance
The Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy is a small plant that does not grow more than 30 cm in height. It has numerous thin branches with small leaves that grow oppositely in pairs. The leaves are around 5-15mm long and 2-4mm wide, with a pointed apex and short petiole. The plant is covered with soft, white hairs which give it a velvety look.
The stems of the plant are upright and the flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers are small and tubular, with an upper lip that is slightly curved and a lower lip that is three-lobed and spreading. The flowers range in color, from pink, purple, to white, and are about 6-7mm in length.
Uses
The Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy has several uses, both medicinal and practical. It is used to treat various ailments such as snake bites, scorpion stings, and digestive problems like stomach ulcers and diarrhea. The plant is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as arthritis.
The plant is also an important source of food for wildlife, especially for the Cape dwarf chameleon. The entire plant, including the flowers, is used in traditional medicine in many African countries.
Light Requirements
Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of larger trees and receives dappled sunlight. When grown indoors, it is recommended to provide bright indirect light to mimic its natural conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). It can tolerate higher temperatures but may require more frequent watering. Temperatures below 55°F (12°C) can damage the plant and may cause leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-6.5. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal for indoor cultivation. In outdoor settings, it can grow in rocky or sandy soils with good drainage. This plant has low nutrient requirements and does not require frequent fertilization.
Cultivation Methods
Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy, also referred to as purple sage, must be grown under suitable climatic conditions. It thrives in well-drained soils with abundant sunlight. It should be planted in a location that receives partial shade or with about 2 hours of direct sunlight per day. The planting depth should not be more than twice the size of the root ball. They prefer a climate with high humidity levels and moderate temperatures.
Watering Needs
Purple sage requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can eventually lead to the death of the plant. It is best to water the plants early in the morning to avoid waterlogging the soil. Avoid spraying water on the leaves, as this can cause fungal growth.
Fertilization
Purple sage plants should be fed with a balanced fertilizer as they grow. Use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. The nutrients will be slowly released to the plant over time. Late in the growing season, switch to a low nitrogen, high potassium fertilizer to encourage healthy flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential activity in the cultivation of Purple sage. Pruning the plant regularly will promote a bushy growth habit and Prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. Cut back the tips of the branches to encourage more branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more flowering. Prune severely every two to three years to promote new growth.
Propagation of Selago Verbenacea L.f. var. Villosa Choisy
Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy, commonly known as Brazilian mint or Brazilian wild sage, is a herbaceous plant with medicinal values. It is native to Brazil but grows well in other parts of the world with a similar climate. The plant forms a dense, bushy habit, with a maximum height of approximately 1.5 metres and can be propagated by the following methods:
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy is through the use of seeds. The first step would be to harvest mature seeds from healthy plants. The seeds usually mature in the summer and can be collected when the capsules are dry and papery. Sow the seeds in seedling trays containing well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Ensure the soil is kept moist, and the trays are placed in a shaded area. The seedlings will germinate in a few weeks and can be transplanted to larger containers or the garden once they have established a strong root system after approximately six months.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation is by using stem cuttings. Select healthy stems from mature plants and cut them to about 10cm in length. Ensure the cuttings have at least two nodes and remove the leaves from the lower node. Place the cuttings in well-draining soil, with a rooting hormone, and ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until new growth appears. Once the new growth appears, the cuttings can be transplanted to larger containers or the garden.
Division
The division method of propagation involves separating the root system of the parent plant into smaller sections that have new shoots and roots. This method is usually done during the early spring or autumn. Gently dig up a mature plant, and using a sharp knife or spade, divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has new growth, shoots and roots. Plant the sections into well-draining soil, and water them in immediately. Keep them in a shaded area, and ensure the soil is kept moist until they have established a strong root system, after which they can be transplanted to larger containers or the garden.
Overall, propagation of Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy can be done using seeds, cuttings, or division, depending on the available resources and preference of the grower. The propagation method chosen should aim to achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time, with minimal costs and efforts.
Disease Management
Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy is known to be resistant to most plant diseases. However, the plant is susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot infections. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Leaf spot, on the other hand, appears as small lesions on the foliage. To manage these diseases, the following measures can be taken:
- Provide adequate air circulation around the plants to prevent stagnant moisture.
- Ensure the soil is well-draining to minimize waterlogging.
- If powdery mildew is detected, remove the infected parts immediately and apply fungicide to avoid the spread.
- If leaf spot is detected, remove and destroy the infected foliage to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Water the plants in the morning to allow time for the leaves to dry before nightfall.
Pest Management
The Selago verbenacea L.f. var. villosa Choisy plant is generally pest-resistant. However, it can be occasionally infested with spider mites and scales. Spider mites appear as tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Scales, on the other hand, appear as hard, shell-like bumps on the stems and foliage. To manage these pests:
- Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest infestation.
- Use a strong stream of water to dislodge spider mites and scales from the leaves and stems.
- Apply a pesticide or insecticidal soap to control severe infestation.
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population.
- Ensure the plants are healthy and not stressed as stressed plants are more prone to pest infestations.
