General Information:
Teline canariensis (L.) Webb & Berth. is a shrub species from the family Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionoideae. It is commonly known as Canary Island broom or Spanish Broom, and is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.
Description:
The plant is a small evergreen shrub that grows up to 1.5-3 meters tall. It has slender, green branches that bear small, trifoliate leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and about 1-2 centimeters long. The plant produces profuse clusters of yellow, pea-like flowers in the spring, which give off a sweet scent.
Uses:
Teline canariensis is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage. It is also used in traditional medicine for different ailments due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The extract of Teline canariensis is used in meals as an ingredient in some of the most traditional dishes in the Canary Islands. This shrub is also valuable in soil conservation and restoration projects as it has nitrogen fixing capabilities.
Cultivation:
Teline canariensis prefers well-drained, sandy soils and full sun. It has low water requirements and is drought-tolerant once established. In cultivation, the plant can be propagated by seed or by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer. It is hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 and is suitable for growing in containers, rockeries, or as a border plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Teline canariensis, also known as Canarian teline, prefers a full or partial sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in heavily shaded areas. In regions with hot and dry summers, it could benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent sunburn on the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Canarian teline is a subtropical plant and can tolerate temperatures between 12°C and 30°C (54°F - 86°F). It can withstand some frost, but temperatures below -2°C (28.4°F) could damage or kill the plant. In colder regions, it is advisable to grow Teline canariensis in a greenhouse or indoors where temperatures can be controlled.
Soil Requirements
Canarian teline prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 - 7.5). It can grow in poor soil, but it grows best in rich, fertile soil that is high in organic matter. It can tolerate sandy or clay soils as long as the drainage is sufficient. The plant can also benefit from a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool during hot summer months.
Cultivation
Teline canariensis is a plant that thrives in sunny, warm, and dry environments. It is essential to choose a spot that gets a lot of direct sunlight, and the soil should be well-drained. If the ground is overly moist, it may lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant's health.
When planting Teline canariensis, make sure to add compost or organic matter, mixing it with the soil to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. In areas with wetter climates, it might be best to cultivate Teline canariensis in containers with drainage holes to adjust the soil moisture levels as necessary.
Watering Needs
Teline canariensis does not require regular watering once it has become established. It's crucial not to overwater, as the roots will become waterlogged and start to rot. It is best to wait until the soil is dry before watering, and even then, ensure that the water drains wholly to avoid standing water.
During the plant's first year in the ground, it's crucial to water it regularly to help the roots develop. However, it is still essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Although Teline canariensis can grow well without heavy fertilization, periodic application of slow-release fertilizer may improve the growth rate and quality. Since the plant is native to nutrient-deficient soils, a slow-releasing fertilizer rich in nitrogen and iron can be beneficial. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to root damage.
Pruning
Teline canariensis generally does not require pruning unless there are dead or damaged branches. If you want to encourage branched growth and denser foliage, prune the tip of the branches in early spring before the plant begins growing for the season. Don't over-prune, as this can reduce the overall growth and stress the plant.
You may also want to remove any suckers or shoots that develop at the base of the plant, as they can compete with the main stem for nutrients and water.
Propagation of Teline canariensis
Teline canariensis, also known as Canary Island Teline, is a popular ornamental shrub that is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes. It is a hardy plant that, with proper care, can live for many years. Teline canariensis can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Propagating Teline canariensis from seeds is relatively easy. The seeds should be harvested preferably during summer. The seeds should be sown in pots containing well-draining soil mix and maintained under moist, warm (20-25°C) conditions. Germination usually takes around 3-4 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is the most common method for propagating Teline canariensis. Cuttings should be taken preferably in spring or summer from young shoots. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long with few leaves. The bottom leaves should be trimmed, and wound the base of the stem ends with an angled cut to expose more cambium tissue. The cuttings should be planted in pots that contain a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, bright area with high humidity. It usually takes about 1-2 months for the cuttings to form roots.
Layering
Propagation by layering can be done in the spring or early summer. Choose a healthy, low-lying branch and wound the stem where it touches the soil. Applying rooting hormone will help hasten the process. After a few weeks to months, roots will have developed from the wounded area where it touches the ground. Cut off the new, rooted plant from the mother plant, and transplant into its permanent location.
Regardless of which method you choose, make sure to provide the proper care and environment for your Teline canariensis so that it can thrive and grow healthy. With the right care, your Teline canariensis plant will flourish and provide you with beautiful foliage year-round.
Disease Management
Teline canariensis may suffer from several fungal diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To avoid these diseases, it is important to keep the soil well-drained and to water the plant only when the soil is dry. Make sure to remove excess soil from the plant's base to improve ventilation. If the plant does get infected, remove affected leaves or the entire plant and dispose of them carefully to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Several pests may affect Teline canariensis, including spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Monitor the plant regularly, and if you notice any pests, remove them manually or use insecticidal soap to kill them. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can attract pests. To prevent reinfestation, quarantine any new plants before adding them to the garden, and clean up any fallen leaves and debris regularly.
