Origin
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is native to the Philippines and can also be found in other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Susong Kalabaw" in the Philippines, which translates to "buffalo teats." It is also sometimes called "Buffalo Horns" or "Cow's Tongue" due to the shape of its leaves.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional medicine in the Philippines to treat various ailments like headaches, toothaches, and stomach pains. Its leaves are pounded and then applied as poultices or taken orally as teas.
Additionally, the plant is used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in both shaded and sunny areas.
General Appearance
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce is a small evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Its leaves are oblong, dark green, and can grow up to 20 centimeters in length. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and have distinctive ridges that run down the length of the leaf. Its flowers are small, pink, and appear in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant also produces small, white berries that are edible but not commonly consumed by humans.
Light Requirements
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce typically prefers partially shaded to fully shaded environments. Direct sunlight is not ideal for this plant as it can cause leaf scorching and drought stress. It is best to place the plant in a spot with filtered sunlight or indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce is between 18-26°C (65-80°F). Temperatures outside of this range may cause the plant to wilt or have stunted growth. During the colder months, it is essential to protect the plant from freezing temperatures by moving it indoors or using a protective covering.
Soil Requirements
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce prefers acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5-6.5. The soil should be well-draining and moisture-retentive as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil. A good mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can be used to achieve these ideal soil conditions.
Cultivation Method for Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce is a tropical plant that thrives in areas with high humidity and ample rainfall. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or by seed. The best time to plant the cuttings is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs for Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce
Proper watering is critical to the healthy growth of Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce. The plant requires frequent watering, especially during the dry season, to survive. However, overwatering must be avoided, as this can result in root rot. It is advisable to water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization for Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce requires regular fertilization to maintain its lush foliage and vibrant flowers. NPK fertilizer is ideal for this plant and should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Care should be taken to avoid over-fertilization as it can be harmful to the plant.
Pruning for Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce
Pruning can be done to encourage bushier growth and maintain the desired shape of the plant. This should be done during the wet season when the plant is actively growing. Dead and damaged leaves or stems should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning should be done using sterilized pruning shears to prevent any infections.
Propagation Methods for Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce can be propagated by using both sexual and asexual methods. The plant can be propagated by seed germination or through vegetative propagation.
Seed Germination
Seeds of Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce can be collected during the fruiting season from healthy, mature plants. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before sowing. Germination of seeds can be achieved by sowing them in seedling trays filled with well-draining soil. The trays should be kept in a warm and moist place with adequate sunlight. The seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks. After the seedlings reach a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly planted into the ground.
Vegetative Propagation
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce can also be propagated through vegetative means, including stem cuttings and division of root clumps.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be treated with hormone rooting powder and planted in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and provide shade for the cuttings to root. The cuttings should root and start producing new growth within 4-6 weeks.
Division of Root Clumps
Division of root clumps can be done during the dormant season. The root clumps can be separated into smaller sections, each with at least one healthy shoot. The smaller sections should be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they start producing new growth.
Disease Management
Although Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce is a relatively hardy plant, it can still be susceptible to a few common diseases. One of these is powdery mildew, which appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves. This can be managed by ensuring good air circulation around the plant, avoiding getting water on the leaves, and using a fungicidal spray if necessary.
Another disease that can affect the plant is leaf spot, which appears as small brown spots on the leaves. This can be managed by removing the affected leaves and disposing of them, as well as using a fungicidal spray.
Pest Management
Achyrospermum radicans Gürke var. grandibracteatum E.A.Bruce can also be susceptible to a few common pests, including mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as white, cotton-like masses on the leaves, while spider mites cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves.
To manage mealybugs, it is important to use a systemic insecticide and to remove any heavily infested leaves and dispose of them properly. Spider mites can be managed by using a miticidal spray and ensuring good humidity levels around the plant.
