Origin
Volutaria abyssinica (A.Rich.) C.Jeffrey subsp. abyssinica, commonly known as the Ethiopian golden everlasting, is a plant species that is indigenous to Ethiopia, specifically the Ethiopian highlands. It is a subshrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae.
Common Names
Aside from the Ethiopian golden everlasting, Volutaria abyssinica is also commonly referred to as Abyssinian sunflower, Ethiopian sunflower, or Ethiopian cudweed, reflecting its place of origin.
Uses
Although not widely known, Volutaria abyssinica has a few uses and benefits. Its leaves are used for medicinal purposes, such as to treat respiratory and digestive tract infections, malaria, and fever. Dried leaves and flowers can also be burned as incense for religious and spiritual purposes.
Moreover, Volutaria abyssinica is being researched for its potential use in phytoremediation, which is the use of plants to remove contaminants from soil and water.
General Appearance
Volutaria abyssinica is a small subshrub that can grow up to 90 cm in height. It has a woody base and is covered in hairs. Its leaves are arranged alternately on the stems, and are oval-shaped with a slight point at the tip. The flowers, which bloom in late summer, are bright yellow in color and arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant's roots are long and tap-like, allowing it to survive in dry conditions.
Growth Conditions of Volutaria abyssinica subsp. abyssinica
Volutaria abyssinica subsp. abyssinica is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Below are some of the common growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Volutaria abyssinica subsp. abyssinica requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect the growth rate and flowering of the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in a location that gets at least six hours of full sun exposure per day.
Temperature Requirements
Volutaria abyssinica subsp. abyssinica is a plant that can tolerate extreme temperatures. It can grow in areas with temperature ranges between 5°C to 36°C (41°F to 96.8°F). However, it prefers the temperature range between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) to grow optimally.
Soil Requirements
Volutaria abyssinica subsp. abyssinica grows well in well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly alkaline. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay, sandy loam, and loamy soils. However, the plant cannot grow in waterlogged soils. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it on raised beds or in well-drained areas.
Cultivation of Volutaria abyssinica
Volutaria abyssinica is a resilient plant that is easy to grow. It is primarily cultivated for its ornamental purposes. This plant can withstand harsh living conditions, and it thrives in a range of climates, including arid and semi-arid ones. The plant is best grown in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade for a few hours each day.
Watering needs of Volutaria abyssinica
Volutaria abyssinica requires moderate watering. Overwatering may cause the roots to rot and the plant to weaken or die. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. During the dry season or in particularly hot weather, the plant may require extra watering. It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding the hottest parts of the day.
Fertilization of Volutaria abyssinica
Volutaria abyssinica is not a heavy feeder, and it may not require fertilization. However, if necessary, the plant can benefit from a low dose of fertilizer once or twice a year. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio when fertilizing Volutaria abyssinica.
Pruning Volutaria abyssinica
Volutaria abyssinica does not require frequent pruning, but you can prune the plant to control its size and maintain its shape after flowering, cutting back any dead or damaged stems or leaves. This promotes healthy growth and encourages a more robust bloom. When pruning, use clean and sterilized pruning shears or scissors to avoid infection.
Propagation of Volutaria abyssinica (A.Rich.) C.Jeffrey subsp. abyssinica
Volutaria abyssinica (A.Rich.) C.Jeffrey subsp. abyssinica, commonly known as Abyssinian helichrysum, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Ethiopia but is now widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. Propagation of Volutaria abyssinica can be done through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Volutaria abyssinica is through seeds. Collect the mature seeds from the plant during the fall season and sow them in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and ensure that the soil remains moist. The seeds germinate within two weeks, and the young seedlings can be transferred to the garden bed after six to eight weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Volutaria abyssinica can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant during the early summer season. Ensure that the cutting is around 6 inches long and has a few sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, cover it with a plastic bag, and water it gently. Place the pot in a warm, shaded area, mist the cutting regularly, and wait for root development. After six to eight weeks, the cutting can be transplanted to the garden bed.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another method of propagating Volutaria abyssinica. The division should be done during the early spring season before new growth appears. Gently dig out the parent plant, separate the roots into small clumps, and replant them in a well-draining potting mix. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly and place them in a shaded area until new growth appears. Once the new growth appears, the plant can be transferred to the garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Volutaria Abyssinica Subsp. Abyssinica
Volutaria Abyssinica Subsp. Abyssinica is generally a healthy and resilient plant variety that can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions. However, like all plants, it may be susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can significantly impact its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Volutaria Abyssinica Subsp. Abyssinica is leaf spot disease. This is a fungal infection that typically occurs during warm and humid weather conditions. The disease causes the leaves to develop small brown or black spots that gradually expand and merge, leading to the death of affected leaves over time. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper watering practices, avoid overhead watering, keep infected leaves away from healthy ones, and use fungicides as recommended.
Another disease that can affect these plants is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that occurs when the weather is warm and dry. It typically appears as a white powder-like substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to reduce humidity levels around the plant and provide adequate air circulation. Regularly removing infected leaves and using fungicides can also be helpful in controlling the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Volutaria Abyssinica Subsp. Abyssinica can also be vulnerable to attacks by various pests. One of the most common pests that affect these plants is aphids. These tiny pear-shaped insects can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on sap from the leaves and other parts. To manage aphids, it is important to regularly inspect the plant, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
Another common pest that can affect this plant variety is spider mites. These pests typically appear as tiny dots on the undersides of leaves and can cause discoloration, yellowing, and distortion of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly monitor the plant, apply an insecticidal soap or miticide, and increase humidity levels around the plant to discourage further infestation.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Volutaria Abyssinica Subsp. Abyssinica is essential for maintaining healthy and thriving plants. Proper watering practices, adequate air circulation, regular monitoring, and the use of fungicides and insecticides can all help prevent or manage disease and pest infestations.
