Overview
Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. is a plant species belonging to the Rutaceae family. It is a small but shrubby perennial plant that grows in South Africa.
Common Names
Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. is commonly known as the Cape Agate (Afrikaans) or Karoo sage.
Appearance
The Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. plant usually grows up to a height of 0.4-1 meter and leaves that are oval-shaped, dense, and attractively bright green.
The plant's flowers generally bloom between June and August and produce a sweet scent. They are small, tubular, and slender, with a yellow-green color.
Uses
The Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. plant is used for medicinal purposes by traditional healers. It is believed to have calming properties and is used to treat anxiety and stress-related conditions.
Some herbalists also use the plant to prepare medicinal teas and tonics that help relieve colds, flu symptoms, and other respiratory illnesses.
The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in some gardens.
Growth Conditions for Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia:
Light: Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature: This plant is native to South Africa and is adapted to a Mediterranean climate. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool coastal regions to hot, dry inland areas. The ideal temperature range for Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia is between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C).
Soil: Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. It can thrive in nutrient-poor soils, such as those found in rocky outcrops. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6 to 7.5. It is important to avoid waterlogged or poorly-drained soils, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.
Water: This plant has a moderate water requirement and prefers soils that are consistently moist but well-drained. During the growing season, water Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia deeply but avoid overwatering. In winter, reduce watering to allow the soil to dry out slightly.
Cultivation
Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. As a fynbos plant, it prefers acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. It requires full sun exposure to grow to its maximum potential, so plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering Needs
While Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. is a drought-resistant plant, consistent watering is crucial in the first few months after planting to establish its root system. Once established, it only requires watering during extended periods of drought to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry.
Fertilization
Like other fynbos plants, Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. does not require regular fertilization. However, an annual dressing of well-decomposed compost in the spring or early summer can be beneficial for growth and flowering. Avoid using fertilizers that are high in phosphorus or nitrogen, as they can harm the plant.
Pruning
To promote a bushy and compact growth habit, it is recommended to pinch back the growing tips of Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. in the early stages of growth. This will help to encourage branching. Pruning should be done immediately after the flowering season to shape the plant. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and ensure that the center of the plant is open for proper air circulation.
Propagation of Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond.
Adenandra coriacea Licht. ex Roem. & Schult. var. oblongifolia Sond. can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Seeds should be collected when they are ripe in autumn. They can be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted. Seeds need to be pre-treated before planting to break their dormancy. This can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for 24 hours or by placing them in a smoke-water solution for a few hours. After treatment, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining medium such as sand or vermiculite and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by cuttings
Softwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth can be taken in spring or summer. Cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining medium. They should be kept in a warm, humid area with bright, indirect light until they have rooted.
Hardwood cuttings can also be taken in winter when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be approximately 15 cm long and planted in a well-draining medium. They should be kept in a cool, shaded area until they have rooted.
Disease Management
Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia is a resilient plant that is generally not affected by many diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some fungal infections under certain conditions.
The most common fungal infection affecting Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia is root rot, which is caused by an overabundance of water in the soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and do not overwater it. If you suspect root rot, remove the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Pest Management
Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia is not commonly affected by pests, but some insects may target it.
The most common pest that affects Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia is the mealybug, which feeds on the plant's sap and causes stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To get rid of mealybugs, remove them manually using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also use a natural insecticidal soap to spray the plant.
Another pest that can sometimes affect Adenandra coriacea var. oblongifolia is aphids. These small insects can cause distorted growth and black mold on the leaves. To control aphids, remove them manually using a cotton swab or spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
