Ferraria divaricata

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by Admin | May 12, 2023, | Plant of the month | 0 comments

Scientific name: Ferraria divaricata
Family: Iridaceae
Common name: geel spinnekopblom

Nestled among the enchanting flora of the Western Cape region in South Africa lies a mesmerizing gem known as Ferraria divaricata.

Plant Description

Ferraria divaricata, also known as geel spinnekopblom, is a stunning flowering plant. Belonging to the Iridaceae family, this perennial plant derives its scientific name from the Latin word "ferrum," meaning iron, "divaricata" is a Greek word meaning branched. It grows up to 45 cm tall and has a well-developed aerial stem which is usually extensively branched in the upper half. It showcases vibrant, colourful blooms on erect stalks. The flower holds a hidden allure that reveals itself to the observer upon close inspection. In nature, it seamlessly blends into its habitat. It displays a captivating array of shades, including cream, dark brown, maroon, or beige, and a starfish-shaped flower. Flowering takes place from August to October; the flowers last only one day, but they are produced in profusion.

One of Ferraria's remarkable characteristics is its unpleasant scent similar to rotting meat. Its captivating scent attracts flies. This natural scent invites pollinators to ensure plant species' continuation. The vibrant colours, unusual shape, and enticing fragrance work in harmony to create an irresistible attraction.

Growing Ferraria divaricata

It can be rewarding for garden enthusiasts. This hardy plant adapts well to various growing conditions and thrives in garden beds and containers. It thrives in well-drained soil. Sandy and rocky soils are particularly suitable for its growth. When choosing a planting location, ensure it receives ample sunlight or partial shade, as this will promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. During the growing season, it benefits from regular watering. However, avoiding overwatering is imperative, as excessive moisture can lead to corm rotting.

Ferraria divaricata is a geophyte, possessing an underground storage organ called a corm. This corm allows the plant to survive adverse conditions, such as dry summers. Mimicking its natural habitat, it's critical to provide a period of dormancy by reducing watering and allowing the foliage to die back naturally.

Propagate from seeds in the autumn.

Seeds

Sow seeds in autumn

Sow the seeds in a well-drained medium with 2 parts sand and 2 parts compost or fine bark.

Plant seeds 3-4 mm deep.

Cover lightly with clean sand.

Keep it moist and lightly shaded.

Germination usually occurs within three weeks.

 

As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of Ferraria divaricata, we gain a deeper appreciation for nature's wonders and the unique plant species that grace our planet. This charismatic wildflower captivates our senses but also reminds us of the intricate and delicate balance within ecosystems. Let us cherish and protect our natural heritage, protecting enchanting species like Ferraria divaricata.

So, on your next venture through our Nature Reserve, keep an eye out for the captivating Ferraria divaricata, its vibrant blooms.

Lachenalia bulbifera

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by Admin | February 20, 2023, | Plant of the month | 0 comments

 

Introduction

Lachenalia bulbifera is a bulbous plant species that belongs to the Hyacinthaceae family and is native to the southwestern Cape Province of South Africa. This species has attracted attention due to its attractive flowers and is widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens and homes. In this article, we will review the current knowledge on the taxonomic, ecological, and cultural aspects of Lachenalia bulbifera.

Taxonomy

Lachenalia is a genus of around 120 species that are distributed throughout South Africa, with the highest diversity in the Western Cape region. The genus belongs to the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, and tribe Hyacintheae. The species Lachenalia bulbifera was first described by the Dutch botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius in 1760. Since then, various authors have suggested the segregation of Lachenalia into several genera based on morphological and molecular data. However, the taxonomy of the genus Lachenalia remains controversial and requires further investigation.

Ecology

Lachenalia bulbifera is a winter-growing species that is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native range. The plant grows in well-draining, sandy or loamy soils, and requires a moderate amount of water during the growing season. In its natural habitat, Lachenalia bulbifera is often found in rocky outcrops and fynbos vegetation. The plant is pollinated by bees and other insects, and the seeds are dispersed by wind.

Cultural aspects

Lachenalia bulbifera has a long history of cultivation as an ornamental plant. The species is widely grown in gardens and as a potted plant and is prized for its delicate flowers that bloom in shades of blue, purple, and white. Lachenalia bulbifera is also a popular cut flower due to its long-lasting blooms and attractive appearance. However, over-harvesting of the plant for the floral industry has led to a decline in natural populations in some regions. Thus, conservation efforts are required to preserve the genetic diversity of the species.

In conclusion, Lachenalia bulbifera is an ornamental plant species that is valued for its attractive flowers and ease of cultivation. The taxonomy of the genus Lachenalia requires further investigation, and conservation efforts are required to preserve the natural populations of the species. Further studies are also needed to understand the ecological and cultural significance of Lachenalia bulbifera in its native range.

References

• Manning, J.C., Boatwright, J.S., Daru, B.H., Maurin, O., van der Bank, M. (2014). A molecular phylogeny and generic classification of Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloideae: Evidence from 26S rDNA and ITS sequence data. Taxon, 63(4), 811-829.
• Goldblatt, P. (1986). The genus Lachenalia. Annals of Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden, 14, 1-112.
• Du Plessis, N.M. (1995). Lachenalia: A guide for growers. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.
• Manning, J.C. (2007). Lachenalia bulbifera. In: IUCN 2021. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2021.1. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. (Accessed: 18 February 2023

Muraltia spinosa

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by Admin | January 10, 2022, | Plant of the month | 0 comments

Scientific name: Muraltia spinosa
Family: Polygalaceae
Common name: tortoise berry

Purple tiny flowers cover a beautiful Muraltia spinosa shrub when in season.

  

Plant Description

Muraltia spinosa is a thorny shrub with spike-like side branchlets and stiff branches. The shrub can grow up to 1, 2m tall and has small oblong leaves. Purple, pink and white flowers appear from July to August and resemble dainty sweetpeas flowers. During summer, fleshy fruits are borne which are red and edible. The berries are a favourite among children, fruit-eating birds and tortoises.

 

Growing Muraltia spinosa

Tortoise berry is best suited for coastal, water-wise gardens. Thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and can tolerate both sunny positions and frost. Commonly, used for controlling sand on the coast. Plant it in a border to attract birds and enjoy its beauty when flowering. Add compost and water well to nourish this plant; however, it has low water requirements.

Propagate by seeds sown in spring or early summer and by cuttings.

Seeds

• Sow seeds in spring or early summer.
• Wash and remove the fleshy covering of the fruit until only the seed remains.
• Sow the seeds in a well-drained medium.
• Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep moist.
•  A sufficient amount of light is required until seed germination occurs. 
• It takes three to four weeks for the seeds to germinate.

Cuttings

• The cuttings root with difficulties.
• Spring and summer are ideal times for taking cuttings.
• Collect cutting early hours of the day.
• Take heel cuttings from healthy new growth.
• Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting.
• Dip cuttings into a rooting hormone and place them into a tray filled with super fine bark and polystyrene.
• Rooting usually takes four weeks or longer. 
• Hardening off for two weeks before potting.

References

• Joffe, P. 2003. Easy guide to indigenous shrubs. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
• http://pza.sanbi.org/muraltia-spinosa

Phylica ericoides

Scientific name: Phylica ericoides
Family: Rhamnaceae
Common name: heath, hardebos

Shrub with showy white flowers and erica-like leaves.  

Plant Description

Phylica ericoides is a compact shrub that grows up to 1m in height with needle-like leaves. The leaves are green on top with rolled margins that are greyish underneath. All year long, white, rounded flower heads are borne singly or in clusters. Flowers have a pungent musty scent. When the flower matures, the red seeds appear.

Growing Phylica ericoides

The heath phylica grows on coastal slopes and deep sand. It thrives best in full sun with well-drained soil. In full sun, the flowering rate is much greater than in partial shade. It does better in soil that is rich with good drainage. It can be grown as a cut flower, filler plant and in water-wise, coastal and fynbos gardens. It withstands salt spray and does well in good compost.

Propagate by seeds sown in autumn (Mar-May) and by cuttings.

Seeds

• Sow seeds in autumn.
• Sow the seeds in a well-drained medium.
• Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep moist.
•  A sufficient amount of light is required until seed germination occurs. 
• It takes three to four weeks for the seeds to germinate.

Cuttings

• Spring and summer are ideal times for taking cuttings.
• Collect cutting early hours of the day.
• Take semi-hardwood tip or heel cuttings from healthy new growth.
• Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting.
• Dip cuttings into a rooting hormone and place them into a tray filled with super fine bark and polystyrene.
• Rooting usually takes four weeks. 
• Hardening off for two weeks before potting.

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Plant with bright yellow spadixes, beautiful, long-lasting white spathes, ripe yellow fruits, and striking leaves resembling arrows.

Plant Description

Zantedeschia aethiopica has dark glossy green, arrowhead-shaped leaves. It grows up to 20-60 cm tall and 45-60 cm wide forming large colonies in marshy areas. White flowers that look like a trumpet appear from August to January and attract birds and butterflies. The spathe turns green after flowering shelter ripening berries.

Growing Zantedeschia aethiopica

The arum lily grows best in swampy and marshy areas that receive full sun or partial shade. In full sun, the flowering rate is much greater than in partial shade. It does better in soil that is rich with good drainage. It can be grown as a cut flower, along the streams, ponds, indoor plants, in water-wise, coastal and fynbos gardens. It withstands salt spray and does well in good compost.

Propagate by seeds sown in spring, late summer or autumn and by dividing clumps of tuberous stems.

Seeds

• Sow seeds in spring, late summer and early autumn.
• Peel the pulp from the fruits and let them dry.
• Sow the seeds in a well-drained medium.
• Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep moist.
•  A sufficient amount of light is required until seed germination occurs. 
• Fresh seed germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.

Pelargonium capitatum

Scientific name: Pelargonium capitatum
Family: Geraniaceae
Common name: kusmalva, rose-scented pelargonium

A beautiful aromatic shrub-let.

Plant Description

Pelargonium capitatum is a soft velvety small shrub that grows up to 50cm. It has rounded, lobed and crisped leaves that are +/-5cm in diameter. Pink to purple flowers appears from September to October. Flowers grow in clusters of up to twenty; they are 15-25 mm in diameter and have a floral tube that is 3-8mm long.

Growing Pelargonium capitatum

Kusmalva grows best in coastal dunes and flats, thus suitable for any garden with sandy soil. It thrives in full sun. Pelargonium capitatum is a perfect plant for coastal or water-wise gardens. It can be used along walkways and as a border shrub. It withstands salt spray and does well in good compost.

Propagate from cuttings and seeds sown in late summer and early autumn.

Seeds

• Sow seeds in late summer and early autumn.
• Sow the seeds in a well-drained medium such as sand sow 1 cm deep.
• Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep moist.
•  Until germination occurs, it is essential to place seeds in a room with enough light. 
• Germination usually occurs within three weeks.

Cuttings

• Any time of year is suitable for Pelargonium capitatum cutting.
• Collect cutting early hours of the day.
• Take 7 cm long, soft stem cuttings from healthy plants.
• Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting.
• Dip cuttings into a rooting hormone and place them into a tray filled with river sand.
• Once the cuttings are rooted, pot them up in 1-litre plastic bags. 
• Water young cuttings frequently and keep them in a shady area for three to four weeks until they have hardened off. Then, grow them in direct sunlight.

Willdenowia teres

Scientific name: Willdenowia teres
Family: Restionaceae

The fynbos consists of restios instead of grass. In contrast to most other flowering plants, restios do not have leaves. When in flower, you can tell the male from the female plant. The stems are called culms. The culms are the only green part, which is why they are responsible for photosynthesis.

 

Plant Description

Willdenowia teres are a tall rhizomatous plant that grows 0,3 - 1m high. It has smooth culms with sheaths loosely wrapped around the culms. Usually, culms are smooth and sparsely branched, while sheaths enclose them loosely, and the upper third is membranous and decaying in older specimens. It is dioecious, meaning the inflorescences appear on different plants. The fruit is a smooth, dark brown nut, sparsely pitted with an obvious fleshy green structure attached to the seed. Flowering occurs from July to October. Female plants produce the seeds. From November to June the seeds are dispersed. The ants disperse the seeds.

Growing and maintenance of Willdenowia teres

Plants grow on sandy flats in full sun. It is suitable for various purposes, such as windbreakers, hedges, and pioneer plants. Grow in water-wise gardens and plant in masses.

In the wild, seeds germinate immediately after the onset of the winter rains. There is a short window of about four months for the seeds to establish themselves before the harsh summer.

Propagate from seeds: 

Sow seeds in late autumn from April - May.

Fill a seedling tray with milled bark and sand.

Sow seeds in a seedling tray filled with well-draining soil.

Cover seeds lightly with sand.

Water seeds with smoke treated water to stimulate germination.

Place seed in a light-filled room until the seeds germinate.