Adenia lobata (Jacq.) Engl. subsp. rumicifolia (Engl. & Harms) Lye Overview
Adenia lobata, a member of the plant family Passifloraceae, is a stunning tropical plant known for its unique beauty and rareness. It is native to tropical Africa and can be found in various countries, including the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tanzania, Kenya, and Angola. Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia is an interesting subspecies of A. lobata that is known for its unique shape and size.
Common Names
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia is commonly known as the ivory coast potato, cream of tartar, and cow-foot liana. The name “cow-foot liana” refers to the shape of the plant’s tubers, which resemble the foot of a cow.
Uses
The Ivory Coast potato is known for its medicinal and practical uses. Some African tribes use the plant’s bark for treating fever, while others use it for healing wounds and promoting skin growth. The tubers are used as a source of food and water during dry seasons. Additionally, the plant has gained widespread popularity among horticulturists and plant enthusiasts for its unique beauty, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
General Appearance
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia is a deciduous, perennial climbing shrub with thick succulent stems that can reach a height of more than 10 meters. The plant's leaves are green, fleshy, and coarsely toothed, with a size ranging from 10 to 30 cm in diameter. The flowers are small and greenish-white and can be found in clusters at the base of the leaf stalks. The most distinctive feature of the plant is its tuberous stem, which can grow up to 30 cm in diameter and can weigh up to 20 kg.
Light Requirements
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia grow best in full sun to partial shade. However, it is crucial to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day as this can cause sunburn to the leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to provide the plant with bright indirect light and protect it from the harsh afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C during the day and 18°C to 24°C at night. It can withstand temperature lows of about 10°C, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures can be detrimental to the plant's growth and development. It is advisable to protect the plant from frost and any extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH that ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have excellent water retention capacity. A mixture of garden soil, sand, and compost is recommended to provide the best growing medium for this plant. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged to avoid root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Adenia lobata (Jacq.) Engl. subsp. rumicifolia (Engl. & Harms) Lye is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It can be grown both outdoors and indoors. If growing outdoors, it should be planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 5 and 6. If growing indoors, it should be potted in well-draining soil with a potting mix that contains perlite or vermiculite for improved drainage. The plant prefers bright, indirect light, and it can tolerate temperatures between 60°F and 85°F.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Adenia lobata (Jacq.) Engl. subsp. rumicifolia (Engl. & Harms) Lye depend on the growing conditions. If growing outdoors, the plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more often during hot weather. If growing indoors, the plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Adenia lobata (Jacq.) Engl. subsp. rumicifolia (Engl. & Harms) Lye benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. During the growing season, which usually starts in spring and ends in early fall, the plant can be fertilized every two weeks. During the dormant season, which is usually in winter, fertilization should be reduced to once a month. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning of Adenia lobata (Jacq.) Engl. subsp. rumicifolia (Engl. & Harms) Lye is not necessary unless the plant becomes too large or leggy. If pruning is necessary, it should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The plant can be pruned back hard, and it will grow back quickly. Any dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed.
Propagation of Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia can be collected from the mature fruits. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place. The seeds are best sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Germination can take several months, and the seedlings will need to be protected from direct sunlight. It is important to note that Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia seeds have a hard seed coat that may need to be mechanically scarified before planting to improve germination rates.
Cuttings Propagation
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants and allowed to dry for a day or two before planting. The cutting can be planted directly into a well-draining soil mix or sand. It is important to keep the cutting moist and shaded until roots have formed, which can take several months.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia. Air layering involves making a cut on a mature stem, wrapping the cut section in sphagnum moss, covering the moss with plastic, and securing the plastic with tape. Roots will form at the cut section, and the rooted section can be cut off and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia is susceptible to a few diseases that can lead to stunted growth, defoliation, and even death of the plant. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease appears as small, sunken circular spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and turn dark brown or black, and the affected leaves may fall off. To prevent anthracnose, prune out infected branches, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Pythium root rot: This soil-borne disease affects the roots, causing them to rot and eventually killing the plant. Symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To prevent pythium root rot, ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides containing mefenoxam or metalaxyl.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease affects the flowers and leaves, causing them to turn brown and wilt. To prevent botrytis blight, remove infected plant parts, prune to improve air circulation, and apply fungicides containing chlorothalonil.
- Bacterial wilt: This bacterial disease affects the stems, causing them to turn brown or black and wilt. Infected plants cannot be cured, so prevention is the best management strategy. Avoid injuring the stems and use disease-free planting material.
Pest Management
Adenia lobata subsp. rumicifolia is also susceptible to infestation by pests that can cause damage to the plant. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To prevent spider mites, keep the plant well-watered, remove affected leaves, and apply insecticides containing abamectin.
- Mealybugs: These small, white insects cluster on the undersides of leaves and along stems, sucking the sap from the plant and secreting a sticky substance. To prevent mealybugs, remove affected plant parts and apply insecticides containing imidacloprid.
- Scale insects: These small, flat insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves, sucking the sap from the plant and causing it to wilt. To prevent scale insects, prune affected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap, and use sticky traps to catch adults.
- Caterpillars: These larvae of moths or butterflies chew holes in the leaves, causing them to become ragged. To prevent caterpillars, handpick the larvae and apply insecticides containing spinosad.
