Diastella buekii

Diastella buekii (Franschhoek Silkypuff)

Diastella buekii can be grown from seed although the use of cuttings for propagation has been more successful. Tip cuttings, preferably, may be collected between the months of November and March. They are treated with a rooting hormone and placed in shallow trays on heated beds with mist/fog irrigation. The rooting medium consists of fine bark and polystyrene pellets.

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This plant is critically endangered and only occurs in isolated stands in the area between Paarl and Franschhoek. The loss of habitat from developments, invasive plant species and agriculture has made this once widespread plant, a rare sight to behold.

Soil

Diastella buekii grows in soils ranging from a pH of 4.5 (extremely acidic ranges from 0 to 5.1) to 6.5 (slightly acidic ranges from 6.1 to 6.5). It is adapted to sand soils, and prefers low fertility.

Growth

This is a prostrate shrub has a moderate rate of growth and has a mat forming growth form, and has an ultimate height of 0.2m / 7.9in and spread of 5m / 16.4ft. It can take 2-3 years to reach its ultimate height and has a lifespan of around 4-5 years. The vegetative spread rate is very slow.

Leaves

It has green and yellow leaves. They are needle in shape. The leaf has an entire margin and an obtuse tip.

Hemisphere and exposure

The plant prefers a partially exposed situation.

Progagation and germination

Propagation techniques include cuttings, runners and seed. The seed can be germinated by smoke.

Origin

South Africa, Western Cape, Paarl.

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  Plantz Africa

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