Origin
Achyrospermum schimperi (Hochst. ex Briq.) Perkins ex Mildbr. is a perennial medicinal plant that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. The plant is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea and can be found growing in rocky areas and woods at 1500-2200 metres elevation.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as 'Melekit' in Amharic (the official language of Ethiopia) and 'Adhaemu' in Tigrigna (the official language of Eritrea).
Uses
Achyrospermum schimperi is widely used by traditional healers in Ethiopia and Eritrea to treat various ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and inflammation. The root and leaf extracts are known to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. The plant is also used to treat skin diseases such as eczema, ringworm, and fungal infections.
General Appearance
The plant is a small, shrubby herb that grows up to 1 metre in height. The stems are woody and covered in dense, white hairs. The leaves are oval-shaped, up to 8 cm long, and covered in hairs on both surfaces. The flowers are small, purple, and arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a hard, woody, and spiny nutlet that splits into four segments when mature.
Light requirements
Achyrospermum schimperi is a plant that thrives best in partially shaded areas. It can grow well in both direct and indirect sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch. It is recommended to provide partial shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent this from happening.
Temperature requirements
The Achyrospermum schimperi is a plant that is native to the high-altitude regions of East Africa. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C). It is best to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as this can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Soil requirements
The Achyrospermum schimperi is a plant that does well in well-draining soils. It requires a soil that is rich in organic matter to thrive. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant does well in soil that is regularly fertilized with a balanced fertilizer to ensure healthy growth and development.
Cultivation
Achyrospermum schimperi is an easy plant to grow, being suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. If grown indoors, it prefers a bright spot with indirect sunlight, while outdoor cultivation should be done in a partially shaded area.
This plant thrives in well-draining soil and requires good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is essential to select soil with excellent drainage properties. You may add perlite or coarse sand to boost drainage.
This plant is suitable for temperatures between 10 and 20°C and can survive short periods of frost. It is ideal for zones 8 to 11.
Watering
Achyrospermum schimperi requires regular watering, but you have to ensure that the soil never becomes waterlogged. Here, less is more; it is better to water the soil in smaller quantities but more often than to drench it occasionally.
Water the plant once the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot, leading to the plant's death. To avoid overwatering, check the plant more frequently during the warmer months of the year.
Fertilization
Achyrospermum schimperi needs a balanced fertilizer to grow healthily. An all-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio is ideal, which should be applied during the growing season. However, you must dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength to avoid burning the plant's foliage.
Over-fertilizing can cause damage to the plant's roots, so ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Fertilize once every two weeks in the growing season, tapering off during the winter.
Pruning
Achyrospermum schimperi's pruning needs are minimal, but you can prune to remove damaged or yellowing leaves and to keep the plant compact and tidy. It is preferable to prune during the growing season, spring or summer, using sterile pruning tools to avoid the spread of diseases.
Ensure to remove the stem's tip to promote bushy growth and remove the plant's dead flowers to encourage new blooms.
Propagation of Achyrospermum schimperi
Achyrospermum schimperi is a plant species that belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. It is native to East Africa and is commonly propagated through different methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and root division.
Seeds Propagation
The seeds of Achyrospermum schimperi are relatively easy to obtain and germinate. To propagate through seeds, they should be sown in a well-draining potting mix that is moist but not waterlogged. The pot should be placed in a warm and brightly lit spot, preferably near a window. The seeds will generally take around 2 to 4 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to the appropriate size, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Stem cuttings are another popular method of propagating Achyrospermum schimperi. Take healthy stem cuttings from the parent plant, making sure that they are around 10 to 15 cm in length and cutting just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of perlite and peat moss and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should take root within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to their permanent home.
Root Division Propagation
Root division is a less common method of propagation that works best for mature Achyrospermum schimperi plants that have been growing for a few years. Gently remove the plant from its pot and separate the roots. Make sure that each division has a good root system and a portion of the stem. Replant the divisions in individual pots in a well-draining potting mix and ensure that the soil is kept moist.
Disease Management
Achyrospermum schimperi is typically not prone to many diseases, but as with any plant, they can still become infected. One common disease that may affect this plant is root rot, which can occur due to overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
If the plant does become infected with root rot, remove it from the soil, trim off any dead or rotted roots, and repot the plant in fresh soil with improved drainage.
Another disease that may affect Achyrospermum schimperi is Powdery Mildew, a fungus that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and try to improve air circulation by spacing out plants and avoiding overhead watering. Fungal sprays may also be used as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
Common pests that may affect Achyrospermum schimperi include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with a steady stream of water or using neem oil. Mealybugs can be removed by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scale insects can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Preventative measures, such as regularly checking for pests and keeping the plant clean, can also help prevent infestations. It's important to note that pesticides should be used as a last resort and should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
