Overview
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii is a plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet. The plant is native to Africa, specifically Angola and Namibia.
Common Names
The plant has several common names including, African burr bush, Namibian bur bush, and Karibib burr bush. The name "burr bush" is derived from the burrs that form on the plant's stems and branches.
Uses
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii has several medicinal properties. The leaves of the plant can be used to alleviate pain and treat inflammation. The roots of the plant have been used to treat malaria and other fevers. In Namibia, the plant is also used for the treatment of eye and ear infections. The plant is not commonly used for culinary purposes.
General Appearance
The plant has a dense and multi-branched growth habit. Its leaves are dark green and textured with veins. The leaves are large, oval-shaped, and have serrated edges. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom from September to December. The flowers are followed by small, bur-like fruit that are covered in prickly hooks. The plant grows well in full sun and can tolerate moderate drought conditions.
Light Requirements
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii prefers a bright and well-lit environment. It thrives in partial shade, which provides enough light but protects it from harsh sunlight. Therefore, it is best to position the plant in a location where it will receive direct morning sunlight and indirect afternoon sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii can tolerate different temperature ranges depending on its growth stage. Ideal growth temperatures are between 21°C to 27°C. During the summer months, the plant can withstand temperatures as high as 30°C, but in winter, it cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. Therefore, it should be kept in a warm and humid location in the winter to avoid stress.
Soil Requirements
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. The soil must be rich in nutrients, with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate water-logged soil, which can lead to root rot, stunted growth and eventually wilt. Hence, it is recommended to use a potting mix that is made of equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat to improve water drainage and aeration. Additionally, the plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season to maintain its nutrient requirements.
Cultivation methods for Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii, commonly known as the African burr or last supper, is a shrubby plant that is native to Angola. It is widely grown for its ornamental foliage and attractive flowers.
The plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows well in warm temperatures. The best time to plant Triumfetta welwitschii is in spring or early summer when the soil is warm.
Watering needs for Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to drain. During hot weather or drought, you can increase the frequency of watering but ensure that the soil is not waterlogged.
Fertilization of Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Fertilizing Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii is essential to ensure healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer once every two months during the growing season. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Pruning Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii is necessary to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant lightly in early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. You can also pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage bushy growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. However, it is usually propagated through seeds because it can be difficult to root stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii can be sown directly in the soil, or they can be started indoors and then transplanted outside. The seeds should be sown during the spring or summer in warm, moist soil. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings can be done during the spring or summer. Select a healthy stem that has no flowers or buds. Cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix made of sand, peat moss, and perlite. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place the pot in a warm, bright area, but away from direct sunlight. Rooting should take place in a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management of Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii, commonly known as Welwitsch's bur, is a member of the Malvaceae family. It is a small shrub that is native to southern Africa. Like any other plant, it can be affected by pests and diseases that can damage the plant's growth and productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to manage diseases and pests that may affect Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii to ensure the healthy growth of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii and ways to manage them.
Diseases of Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that can infect Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii. It manifests with brown, sunken lesions on leaves and stems that can lead to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, prune affected parts of the plant and destroy all debris. Avoid overhead watering and ensure proper sanitation practices.
Another common fungal disease that affects Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii is powdery mildew, which manifests with white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, prune affected parts of the plant, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may provide additional control measures.
Pests of Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii
Aphids are common pests that can affect Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii. These small insects suck the sap out of the leaves and stems, leaving them yellowed and distorted. To manage aphids, prune affected parts of the plant, encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, release beneficial insects like parasitoid wasps, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are another common pest that can infest Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii. These tiny pests suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to look stippled or speckled. To manage spider mites, prune affected parts of the plant, remove any debris on the ground, improve air circulation, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, to ensure a healthy growth of Triumfetta welwitschii Mast. var. welwitschii, regularly check the plant for diseases and pests. Take immediate action if any abnormality is noted to avoid the spread of the disease and pest infestation.
