Description of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is also known by its common names; Borana Fleabane, Borana Daisy, and Boran Fringe Daisy. The plant is native to Ethiopia, particularly in the Boran District, where it has been identified primarily on rocky hills and bushy landscapes.
General Appearance of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore typically grows up to 50cm in height and has stem branches that ascend from the base. The plant's leaves are often well distributed along the stem and have a simple shape with an elliptic, linear, or oblanceolate structure. Erlangea boranensis S.Moore usually flowers in February and April, producing composite flowers of 3-5cm diameter. These flowers are primarily white or yellowish, with purple or pink-tinged florets in the center.
Uses of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore has various traditional uses among the communities where it grows. The Borana people who live in the region where the plant is native use it for medicinal purposes. They use the roots and leaves to make herbal remedies for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Additionally, the plant is used for cultural rituals and as a ceremonial decoration. The plant is also considered an important component in the restoration of degraded land and erosion control in the area.
Growth Conditions for Erlangea boranensis S.Moore
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore grows best in a range of well-drained soils, often found in rocky areas, in arid and semi-arid environments in East Africa. The plant is known to be highly adaptable and can tolerate a broad spectrum of soil conditions, including those with low nutrient content.
Light Requirements
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore is a sun-loving plant and thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can cause stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore grows well in warm to hot temperatures and can withstand temperatures ranging from 20 to 35°C. The plant is well adapted to the harsh conditions of its natural habitat, where temperatures can rise as high as 40°C during the day and drop as low as 10°C at night.
The plant is highly resistant to drought and can survive extended periods without rainfall. It is also able to survive in areas with high levels of evapotranspiration, where the dry season lasts up to 9 months per year.
Cultivation
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore is a herbaceous plant that is native to eastern Africa and grows best in warm climates with well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings, but the former is recommended for higher success rates.
Sow seeds in a well-draining seedling mix, keeping the soil lightly moist while avoiding waterlogging. Transplant seedlings, or rooted cuttings, to larger pots or containers when they reach a height of 10-15 cm.
Plant Erlangea boranensis S.Moore outside in early spring or fall, spacing them approximately 60-90 cm apart. They prefer full sun or partial shade, depending on the climate.
Watering Needs
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore requires regular watering during the growing season, with the soil remaining moderately moist. Allow the soil to dry partially before watering again to avoid overwatering or waterlogging. Reduce watering during winter when the plant rests.
Fertilization
Feed Erlangea boranensis S.Moore every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Use half of the recommended dose to avoid overfeeding, which can result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Suspend fertilization during winter and resume at the onset of spring.
Pruning
Prune Erlangea boranensis S.Moore during the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Pinch off the tips of new growth, removing up to one-third of the current length. Cut back old or dead stems to maintain the plant's shape and avoid overcrowding.
Propagation of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore is a rare and threatened plant species endemic to southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. The plant belongs to the family Asteraceae and usually grows up to 45cm in height. It has attractive yellow flowers, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Propagation of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore can be done through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore can be done through seeds that are extracted from the mature flower heads. The seeds should then be dried under shade to prevent them from losing viability. After drying, the seeds can be directly sown into the prepared nursery bed while ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or containers and placed under shade. This ensures the seedlings are protected from strong sunlight and are not easily damaged.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore through cuttings is also possible. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants that have strong stems, and the leaves removed from the lower parts to expose the nodes.
After preparation, the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in the prepared nursery bed or potting mix. The cuttings should be watered well and placed under shade until roots develop, and the plant has started to grow.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore through division is possible but not ideal because it has a shallow root system and is not suitable for division. However, in cases where it's necessary to divide the plant, it should only be done during the growing season. The plant is carefully dug up, and the root system is gently separated into a few smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and shoots before being replanted in the ground or pots.
Disease Management
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore is susceptible to a few diseases that can adversely affect its growth and development. Some of the diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Alternaria alternata: This fungus can cause leaf spots on Erlangea boranensis S.Moore. The affected leaves develop brownish spots that are circular or irregular in shape. The spots may eventually enlarge and coalesce, leading to the death of the whole leaf.
- Phyllosticta sp: This fungus can cause severe leaf spots on Erlangea boranensis S.Moore. The infected leaves develop small, circular spots that are greyish to brownish in color. In severe cases, the spots may coalesce, resulting in the death of the whole leaf.
- Erwinia chrysanthemi: This bacterium can cause stem rot and wilt disease in Erlangea boranensis S.Moore. The infected plants show yellowing and wilting of leaves, and the stems become soft and mushy.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation practices such as removing infected plant debris from the field and destroying them. Additionally, fungicides and bactericides can be applied to control fungal and bacterial infections respectively.
Pest Management
Erlangea boranensis S.Moore is susceptible to a variety of pests that can cause damage to the plants. Here are some common pests that can affect this plant:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They are usually found in large numbers on the undersides of leaves.
- Cutworms: These insects feed on the stems of Erlangea boranensis S.Moore, cutting them off at the soil level. They usually feed at night and hide in soil during the day.
- Thrips: These tiny insects can cause discoloration of leaves and premature shedding of flowers. They usually feed on the undersides of leaves.
Integrated pest management (IPM) practices can be used to manage these pests. For instance, the use of biological control agents such as beneficial insects, and resistant cultivars can be employed. Additionally, pesticides can also be used to control pests when the infestation is severe.
