Origin
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus, also known as Schumann's angylocalyx, is a plant species that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. The plant is native to Brazil, specifically to the Cerrado biome, which covers approximately 25% of the country's territory.
Common Names
Besides Schumann's angylocalyx, this plant species is known by other common names, such as morango do campo, moranguinho do mato, and moranguinho do cerrado, in reference to its fruit that resembles a strawberry.
Uses
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus has several medicinal uses attributed to it, especially in the treatment of inflammation, pain, and fever. Its fruit is edible and can also be used for medicinal purposes, such as to improve digestion.
General Appearance
The Schumann's angylocalyx is a herbaceous plant that can reach up to 20-30 cm in height. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and have an elliptical shape, with a length of about 1-2 cm. The flowers are pinkish-purple and have a diameter of about 1 cm. The fruit is a small berry, also about 1 cm in diameter, and has a juicy and slightly acidic taste.
Growth Conditions for Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus is a rare tropical plant species native to South America, where it grows in specific ecological habitats. These are the typical growth conditions that suit the thriving of this species:
Light Requirements
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus requires a lot of light to grow and thrive. It is best adapted to partial to full sun, which provides the appropriate amount of light for photosynthesis and other vital plant processes. Insufficient light may cause stunted growth and sluggishness in the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus growth is between 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F). The plant prefers a warmer temperature range, and temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can harm the plant's growth and vigor. In areas where temperatures can drop to subzero levels, cultivating the plant in a controlled greenhouse environment is highly recommended.
Soil Requirements
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus thrives in well-drained and fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acid soils, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Soil moisture is also critical to the plant's growth and development; the soil should be kept evenly moist but not saturated to avoid waterlogging, which hampers the plant's root respiration processes.
Cultivation Methods
The Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. When planting indoors, ensure that the plant is positioned in a location with sufficient sunlight and good air circulation. The plant thrives in lightly shaded areas outdoors. It requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5, which can be acidic or slightly acidic.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus are moderate. Avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. It's best to water the plant once a week, more often in the summer months when the humidity is high and less during the winter months. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged before the next watering session.
Fertilization
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus requires regular fertilization to perform well. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be utilized when the plant is in its growing period, which will encourage new growth. When the plant is sustaining, a phosphorous-rich fertilizer should be used, which will encourage blooming. Fertilize the plant once every three weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning can help to keep the plant looking its best and enhance its health. Cut off any dead or yellow leaves to avoid the spread of disease and promote healthy growth. Prune regularly to keep the plant at the desired form and height. During the blooming period, pruning promotes a denser and bushier plant. To prevent damage to young buds, avoid cutting off more than a third of the plant's length at once.
Propagation of Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus is a perennial plant that can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Proper handling and care are crucial during propagation to ensure successful establishment and growth.
Propagation by Seeds:
The seeds of Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus are small and should be collected from mature plants during the fall season. The seeds should be sown thinly in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. A layer of mulch can be added to help retain moisture.
The seeds should be kept moist and warm, with a temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C), until germination occurs. Germination can take up to several weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Propagation by cuttings is also possible for Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken in the late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long and have at least 3 nodes.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area with a temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C).
Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus
Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus is a plant that requires proper disease and pest management to thrive. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggestions on how to manage them:
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small black or brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the disease. Using fungicidal sprays can also help in managing the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to prune any infected parts of the plant and increase air circulation around the plant. Using fungicidal sprays can also help in managing the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that form webs and suck the sap from the leaves. To manage these pests, it is important to increase the humidity around the plant and spray the plant with water. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs can also help in managing the pests.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that suck the sap from the leaves. To manage these pests, it is important to remove any infected parts of the plant and spray the plant with insecticidal soap. Using natural predators like ladybugs can also help in managing the pests.
By being vigilant and taking appropriate precautions, it is possible to keep Angylocalyx schumannianus Taub. var. schumannianus healthy and disease and pest-free.
