Origin and Common Names
Tenrhynea phylicifolia (DC.) Hilliard & B.L. Burtt, commonly known as the waxberry feverbush, is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Rutaceae. It is native to the southwestern region of South Africa, including the Cape Floristic Province.
General Appearance
The waxberry feverbush can grow up to 2 meters in height and has a woody stem with a smooth bark. The leaves are small, narrow, and glossy, resembling those of a bay tree. They are arranged alternately on the stem, giving the plant an overall compact and tidy appearance. The flowers are small and white, with five petals and yellow stamens, growing in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant produces a small, berry-like fruit that is edible but not commonly consumed.
Uses
The most notable use of Tenrhynea phylicifolia is as an ornamental plant. It is often cultivated for its attractive foliage and compact shape, making it a popular choice for bordering and hedging. In addition, the plant has been used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits, which include treating fever and stomach ailments. The essential oil extracted from the plant has also been used in perfumes and cosmetics, thanks to its pleasant aroma.
Light Requirements
Tenrhynea phylicifolia requires partial to full sunlight to thrive. A location with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in a temperature range of 15°C to 25°C. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C, it is not tolerant of frost and will need protection during cold weather. It is also not suited for extremely hot temperatures, which can cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to slow growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. It grows well in sandy, loamy or clay soils with adequate organic matter. High-quality potting mix or soil amended with compost is recommended for container-grown plants.
Additionally, Tenrhynea phylicifolia requires moist soil that is not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, by allowing it to dry slightly before watering again.
Cultivation Methods
Tenrhynea phylicifolia (DC.) Hilliard & B.L.Burtt, commonly known as the Phylica-leaf Tenrhynea, is native to South Africa. It thrives well in sandy or rocky soils with good drainage, and it requires full sunlight exposure. It is recommended that the plant is cultivated during spring or summer, during which it can quickly establish roots and grow sturdy for the winter season.
Watering Needs
Tenrhynea phylicifolia requires moderate watering from spring to fall, and in winter, you should reduce watering to keep the soil slightly dry. Always ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent overwatering that may damage the roots. In summer, you can increase watering frequency to avoid soil dryness, but be careful not to waterlog the soil.
Fertilization
Using a loamy soil mixture that is rich in organic matter can help provide the required nutrients to the plant. You can also supplement fertilization by adding slow-release fertilizers or compost manure yearly around the plant's drip line. It is essential to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage too much foliage growth at the cost of flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is best done after flowering, where you can lightly trim the plant's outermost branches to maintain its shape. Pruning also helps keep the plant healthy and mitigate the risk of disease. It is recommended that you do not prune the plant too harshly as it can impact the next blooming season.
Propagation of Tenrhynea Phylicifolia
Tenrhynea phylicifolia, commonly known as the Wild Heath, is a small shrub that produces purplish-pink flowers in spring and summer. This plant is native to South Africa and is often propagated through cutting, seed, and division. These propagation methods are all simple and effective ways to create more of these lovely shrubs.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are taken from the Wild Heath plant during the summer months. The cuttings should be around 10cm long and with a heel of older wood. The cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone and then inserted into a well-draining potting mix. This potting mix should be kept moist and warm, with a temperature of around 20°C. Roots should start to develop within a few weeks, and after six weeks, the new plant can be potted on into a larger container.
Propagation by Seed
The Wild Heath plant produces seed pods that can be collected when they turn brown. These seed pods should be left to dry, and then the seed should be collected from them. The seed should be sown into trays of well-draining potting mix and should be kept moist and in a warm, sunny location. Germination should occur within three weeks, and the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots once they have a few sets of leaves.
Propagation by Division
The Wild Heath plant can also be propagated by division, which involves digging up the parent plant and separating it into smaller sections. This can be done in the spring when new growth appears, but before the shrub has started to produce flowers. The divided sections should be replanted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until the new roots have established themselves.
Propagation of Tenrhynea phylicifolia using any of these methods can produce new plants that are true to the parent plant and ideal for the home garden.
Disease Management
Tenrhynea phylicifolia is generally a hardy plant and is not known to be severely affected by diseases. However, it may contract some fungal infections such as rust and powdery mildew, particularly if growing in humid conditions.
Rust infection can be identified by rusty brown spots on the leaves. To manage the disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, as well as proper spacing and pruning to ensure good air circulation and reduce humidity. Fungicidal sprays can also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery substance that covers the plant leaves. To manage the disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, as well as pruning to improve air circulation. Spraying with a fungicidal soap solution can also be an effective method of controlling the disease.
Pest Management
Tenrhynea phylicifolia may also be affected by pests including spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stem, leading to stunted growth and discoloration of the plant.
Treating the plant with insecticidal soaps or oils and removing pest-infested parts can help manage these pests. Alternatively, consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, which feed on these pests and can help control their populations.
Proper watering, fertilizing, and ensuring the plant has adequate light and humidity levels will also help strengthen and maintain its resistance to pests and diseases.
