Overview
Volutaria boranensis (Cufod.) Wagenitz, also known as Borana crown daisy, is a species of plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter in height. Borana crown daisy is native to Ethiopia and is primarily grown for ornamental purposes.
Origin and Distribution
The Borana crown daisy is an endemic plant species of Ethiopia. It is widely distributed in the Borana Plateau, a region situated in the southern part of the country. The plant is found in the grasslands and rocky areas of the Borana Plateau and is extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant in various parts of the world, particularly in Europe.
Common Names
Borana crown daisy is known by several common names, including Ethiopian sunflower, Borana crown flower, and Ethiopian crown daisy. The name "crown daisy" is derived from the shape and appearance of the plant's flowers, which resemble a crown.
Appearance
Borana crown daisy is a herbaceous perennial that has a robust and erect stem that grows up to 1 meter tall. The plant produces thick, basal leaves that are deeply lobed and serrated. The upper part of the stem bears several vibrant yellow flowers arranged in corymbs. Each flowerhead is composed of yellow ray flowers and yellow disk flowers. The plant produces achenes as fruits which are dispersed by the wind.
Uses
Borana crown daisy has several uses, particularly in traditional medicine, where it is used to treat different ailments such as coughs, skin rashes, and malaria. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in landscaping due to its beautiful flowers and its ability to withstand unfavorable climatic conditions. Furthermore, Borana crown daisy has the potential to be a crop for the production of vegetable oil due to its high oil content.
Light Requirements
Volutaria boranensis requires full sunlight to grow properly. It cannot tolerate shaded or partially shaded areas and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant should be placed in a location where it receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Needs
Volutaria boranensis is a plant adapted to hot and dry environments. It prefers temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for growth in warmer climates. The plant can still grow in slightly colder environments, but it does not thrive as well as it does in hotter temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Volutaria boranensis grows best in well-drained soils, but it can still grow in soils with poor drainage. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil must be rich in organic matter and nutrients, and it must be able to retain moisture without waterlogging the roots. The plant does not tolerate soils that are too dry or too wet.
Cultivation Method for Volutaria boranensis
Volutaria boranensis is a hardy plant that thrives in well-aerated soils and a sunny location. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, from sandy to loamy, as well as poor soils. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, though stem cuttings are the most effective method. After planting, it takes about 4-5 weeks for the plant to establish itself.
Watering Needs for Volutaria boranensis
Being a drought-tolerant plant, Volutaria boranensis requires little watering. It is best to let the soil dry out before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. During hot dry spells, it is advisable to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the soil moisture level and the temperature.
Fertilization for Volutaria boranensis
Volutaria boranensis is not a heavy feeder, so a light application of fertilizer every year in the spring is sufficient to keep the plant healthy. It is best to use a general-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning for Volutaria boranensis
Pruning is not a critical aspect of caring for Volutaria boranensis, but it can be done to promote bushy growth and prolong flowering. Prune the plant back to just above a set of leaves in the early spring before growth begins. This can help to stimulate the growth of new shoots from the base of the plant. If the plant becomes too tall and unwieldy, it can also be pruned back in the summer to keep it in check.
Propagation of Volutaria boranensis
Volutaria boranensis is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly found in the Mediterranean region and is highly valued for its medicinal and ornamental properties. There are several methods of propagating this plant, and they include:
1. Seeds
Seeds are the most common way of propagating Volutaria boranensis. They can be collected from the parent plant when the flowers have wilted and the seedheads have dried. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. When planting, sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should germinate after two to three weeks.
2. Stem cuttings
Volutaria boranensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 10cm long and should have several leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location, and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
3. Division
Volutaria boranensis can also be propagated through division. This method is most effective when the plant is mature and has formed clumps. Dig up the clump and gently separate the root mass into smaller pieces. Each piece should have several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant the smaller pieces in a well-draining soil mix, and water well. Place the newly planted divisions in a shaded area to reduce water loss through transpiration, and keep the soil moist.
Disease Management for Volutaria boranensis
Volutaria boranensis is generally a hardy plant species with a lower susceptibility to diseases. Nevertheless, it is not entirely resistant to some diseases that might attack it at some point in its life cycle. These diseases include leaf spots, mildews, and root rots. Typically, the best approaches to preventing or controlling these diseases include:
- Maintaining proper hygiene practices like clearing plant debris and weeds around the plant to minimize disease incidence and spread.
- Practicing crop rotation to reduce soil-borne pathogens that could cause root rot.
- Avoiding excessive irrigation, especially around the plant's stem base, to prevent waterlogging that could cause root rot.
- Applying synthetic or organic fungicides selectively when necessary, following manufacturer instructions and safety precautions.
Pest Management for Volutaria boranensis
Volutaria boranensis is also not highly susceptible to pest attacks. However, some pests that could affect the plant include the aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Effective pest management methods include:
- Inspecting the plant regularly and performing timely control activities depending on the pest species' nature and level of infestation.
- Utilizing mechanical controls like handpicking and pruning infested parts to reduce pest numbers before potential damages.
- Employing biological control methods like introducing natural enemies of the pests, such as predators, parasites, and pathogens.
- Using insecticides selectively, only as a last resort, following proper instructions and safety precautions given by the manufacturer.
