Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey
Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey, commonly known as Johnston’s Senecio, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to Africa and can be found growing in a variety of climates, from dry desert environments to moist highland regions. Johnston’s Senecio is a somewhat rare and endangered species that is limited to a few regions in Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
Common names for this plant include Johnston's Senecio, Johnston's Groundsel, and Mountain Fireweed.
Appearance
Johnston's Senecio is a perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall. It has a woody base and produces several stems that are hairless or slightly hairy, and typically branch near the top. The leaves are green, elliptical to lance-shaped, and have a smooth or slightly hairy surface. The flowers are small and yellow, and arranged in clusters at the ends of the stem branches. The plant blooms from May to September.
Uses
Johnston's Senecio has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, stomachaches, and respiratory illnesses. The leaves of the plant contain alkaloids and other compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, due to its rarity and endangered status, harvest and use of this plant should be done with caution and under guidance from a trained herbalist.
Light Requirements
The Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey grows best in bright or moderate light conditions. It should be placed in a well-lit area but should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause damage to the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
To ensure optimal growth, the temperature conditions for the Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey should be between 13-21°C (55-70°F). This plant can be sensitive to extreme temperature changes, so it should be kept away from drafts or air conditioning units that can cause sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
The Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range between 6.0-7.5. It grows best in a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot, so it is recommended to allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering.
Cultivation
Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey is native to the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania. It is a perennial plant that requires well-draining soils. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and can grow up to 4 feet tall. It is suitable for outdoor cultivation or in a greenhouse.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering. It is essential to keep the soil moist, but overwatering can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the season and the extent of sunlight exposure. During the hot and dry season, the plant requires more frequent watering to maintain healthy growth.
Fertilization
Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK ratio. Fertilizers should be applied at least once every two weeks during the growing season. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excess salt accumulation in the soil.
Pruning
The plant requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the onset of new growth. Any dead or diseased foliage should be removed to prevent the spread of disease. Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey responds well to pruning and can be trimmed back up to a third of its size. It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey
Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey, is a beautiful plant that is native to East Africa. The plant can be propagated through several methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division of roots. The following are the propagation methods:
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagation for Senecio johnstonii is through seeds. You can collect the seeds, sow them in soil in a pot, and keep it in a warm place to germinate. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for seedlings to start emerging from the soil. The seedlings can be transplanted into bigger pots or in the garden after they have grown big enough.
Propagation by cuttings
Another propagation method for Senecio johnstonii is through stem cuttings. You can take cuttings from a healthy plant, and plant them in the soil in a pot. Make sure that the soil is moist and warm, and provide some shade to the cutting to prevent excessive transpiration. You can expect the cuttings to root in about 2-3 weeks. Once the roots have formed and the plant has started growing, you can transplant it into a bigger pot or in the garden.
Propagation by division
Division is another method that can be used to propagate Senecio johnstonii. When dividing the plant, make sure to use a sharp knife or scissors to divide the roots. Divide the roots into smaller sections and plant them in separate pots. Provide adequate soil, sunlight, and water for the new plants to grow. The plants can be transplanted in the garden after they have grown big enough.
Overall, Senecio johnstonii is a fairly easy plant to propagate, and you can use any of the above-mentioned methods to propagate this plant. With the right care, your plant will thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
Disease management
Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey is relatively disease-resistant. However, it may suffer from the following diseases:
- Leaf spot: This is caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora and Phyllosticta spp. Symptoms include small water-soaked spots that later enlarge and turn brown with yellow halos. Control measures include removing infected leaves, applying fungicides and ensuring soil drainage.
- Root rot: This is caused by several fungi such as Phytophthora spp. Symptoms are wilting, yellowing, stunting, and eventual death of the plant. Control measures include improving soil drainage, avoiding waterlogging, and using fungicides.
Pest management
Senecio johnstonii Oliv. var. alticola (T.C.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey is susceptible to the following pests:
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed and multiply on the underside of leaves. Symptoms include yellowing, stippling and premature defoliation. Control measures include removing heavily infested leaves, increasing humidity, and applying insecticidal soaps.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. Symptoms include curling leaves, stunted growth, and the presence of honeydew and sooty mold. Control measures include using insecticidal soaps, introducing natural predators, and applying horticultural oils.
- Thrips: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant sap. Symptoms include distorted leaves, silvering, and scarring. Control measures include removing infested leaves, improving ventilation, and applying insecticidal soaps.
