Overview
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot is a flowering plant that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. It is a rare and endemic species of Ethiopia and can be found in the Bale Mountains.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Benedict's purple-pink," referring to its vibrant purple-pink flowers, or simply as Tacazzea.
Appearance
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot is a small shrub that can grow up to one meter tall. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged oppositely along the stem. The plant's beautiful flowers are pinkish-purple and grow in clusters at the end of the branches.
Uses
The plant does not have any known uses in traditional medicine or as a source of food. However, its attractive flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Unfortunately, the plant is currently classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and its population is declining due to habitat loss and overgrazing by livestock. Therefore, conservation efforts are necessary to protect this beautiful and rare plant from extinction.
Light Requirements
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot prefers bright and indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. In lower light conditions, the plant may grow slower and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures, between 20°C and 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and may suffer damage if exposed to below 10°C for prolonged periods. Additionally, sudden temperature fluctuations may cause the plant to drop its leaves or reduce its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced NPK fertilizer, and organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure can improve soil quality and water retention.
Cultivation methods
The Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with warm to hot temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It requires well-draining soils with moderate fertility levels. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs
The plant requires frequent watering, especially during hot and dry seasons. Water the plant deeply and consistently, avoiding waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged to prevent water stress. Young plants require more frequent watering than mature ones.
Fertilization
Application of balanced fertilizers with a ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in the proportion of 2:1:2 will promote the growth and flowering of the plant. It is advisable to apply the fertilizers early in the growing season for maximum benefits. Organic manure and compost can also be applied as a source of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning involves the removal of dead or diseased branches and stems, which will help promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot plant is during the early stages of growth when it is actively producing new growth. Pruning should be done using sharp and sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot, also known as Benedict’s Tacazzea, is a rare Ethiopian species with ornamental value. Propagation of this plant can be done through two primary methods, namely:
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot can be sown during spring in a potting mix composed of well-draining soil and compost. Cover the seeds lightly with the soil mixture, water regularly but avoid overwatering, and place the pot in a spot that receives partial shade. Germination may take up to two months.
Once the seedlings have emerged and have grown two to four sets of leaves, transplant them into individual containers filled with a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mixture. During this time, ensure that the seedlings receive ample sunlight, water, and protection from pests and adverse weather conditions.
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot grown from seed may take up to five years to flower.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot can be done through stem cuttings or grafting.
For stem cuttings, take a four to six-inch long cutting from the tip of a healthy plant in the early spring or summer. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and plant it in a mixture of potting soil and perlite. Cover the pot with plastic wrap to maintain humidity and place it in a warm, shaded location. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The plant should root after six to eight weeks, and once it has established a root system, transplant into a larger container with a nutrient-rich soil mixture.
Grafting can also be done by uniting a Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot rootstock with a scion from a desired cultivar with desirable characteristics. This method is more challenging and time-consuming than seed and stem cutting propagation and requires expertise.
Disease Management
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot plant is mostly free from major diseases. However, you should watch out for bacterial and fungal infections. These diseases can stunt the growth of the plant and even kill it if not managed well.
To manage bacterial infections, you might need to use a copper-based fungicide. You should avoid overwatering the plant or allowing water to sit on the leaves as this creates a conducive environment for bacterial infections. Ensure good drainage by using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.
Fungal infections can be prevented by keeping the plant dry and free from damp conditions. You could also use fungicides on the plant. Ensure that the plant is getting enough sunlight to avoid chances of fungal infections taking place.
Pest Management
Tacazzea apiculata Oliv. var. benedicta Scott-Elliot plant can be affected by several pests that can damage or kill it if not well managed. The common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids.
To manage mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol on the affected areas. You could manually remove the mealybugs using your fingers or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Spider mites can be managed by increasing the humidity around the plant, using insecticidal soap or by manually washing the leaves using water. Scale insects might require you to scrape them off the leaves using a soft brush dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Aphids can be controlled by using neem oil, insecticidal soap or water pressure to knock them off the plant. You can also introduce predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings to help control the aphids.
Regular monitoring of the plant is necessary, especially during growth periods, to catch any pests or diseases early enough. This makes it easier to manage them before they spread and cause significant harm to the plant.
