Description of Arisaema bequaertii De Wild.
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild., also known as Dragon Tail or Cobra Lily, is a species of perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Araceae family. This plant is native to the tropical forests of Cameroon and Nigeria.
Appearance
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. grows up to 60cm in height and has a unique appearance that makes it easily recognizable. It has a tuberous root system that produces compound leaves with smooth and shiny leaflets that can grow up to 20cm each. It also has a single inflorescence that emerges from the center of the leaves. The inflorescence is shaped like a cobra head, and it has a long tail that can reach up to 70cm in length. The spathe of the inflorescence is green and white on the outside, while the inside is brownish-red. The spadix is also brownish-red and covered with small flowers.
Uses
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. is mainly grown as an ornamental plant for its unique appearance. It can be grown in pots or in the ground, and it requires moist and well-drained soils. However, caution is advised when handling this plant as all parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause skin irritation or respiratory problems if ingested or if the plant sap comes in contact with the skin or eyes.
In Cameroon, this plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as epilepsy and infertility. However, further research is needed to validate its medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. typically grow in partial to full shade. They do not do well in direct sunlight as it can dry out the soil too quickly and cause damage to the leaves and stems.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). The plant can survive in cooler temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. prefers well-draining, moist, and rich soil. The soil should have a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is sensitive to salts, so avoid using fertilizers that contain high levels of salts. Aged compost or well-rotted manure can be added to improve soil quality.
Cultivation
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. can be cultivated successfully in a range of soils, but it prefers well-draining, rich soils. The plant can grow well in partial shade, but it thrives in full shade. It is important to plant the tubers horizontally so that the top is just barely covered with soil. This plant can be propagated through division of tubers or through seed. Division should be done when the plant is dormant in late fall or early spring.
Watering Needs
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. requires moderate watering. It prefers consistent moisture, but it should not be overwatered as too much moisture can lead to tuber rot. Watering should be done when the soil is dry to the touch, and the water should be directed to the base of the plant to prevent water from pooling on the leaves and stem.
Fertilization
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Fertilizer should not be applied during the dormant season as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. The plant will die back naturally in the fall and should be left undisturbed until the following spring when it will grow again. If the plant becomes too large, it can be divided in the fall or spring.
Propagation of Arisaema bequaertii De Wild.
Propagation of Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. can be achieved through two primary methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. is generally the preferred method of propagation. This species produces small, oblong fruits that contain several seeds. After harvesting the fruits, the seeds should be allowed to dry for several days before planting them in a well-draining soil mixture. This can be a 1:1:1 mixture of peat, sand, and perlite, or a commercial potting mix specifically designed for seed germination.
Once planted, the seeds should be kept moist and warm until they germinate. Depending on the conditions, germination can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Transplanting of the seedlings should be done carefully once they have developed a strong root system and several leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. can also be achieved through division of the corm, which is the underground storage organ for the plant. This is most commonly done in the fall, after the plant has finished flowering for the year. The corm should be carefully dug up and separated into smaller sections, each with its own bud and root system.
These smaller corms can then be replanted in a soil mixture similar to that used for seed propagation. However, unlike seed propagation, the smaller corms should be planted with their tips just below the soil surface, rather than buried deep within the soil. The newly propagated corms should be kept moist and shaded until new shoots emerge from the soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Arisaema bequaertii De Wild.
Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. is a plant species that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, it can still be affected by a few common diseases and pests. Here are some of them:
Diseases
Phytophthora root rot - This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and root rot in plants. To prevent this disease, make sure to plant the Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. in well-drained soil and avoid over-watering.
Leaf spot - Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora arisaematis. It can cause brown spots on leaves and can lead to defoliation. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and make sure to remove any infected leaves and dead plant material.
Pests
Spider mites - Spider mites are common pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. They are most commonly found in dry and dusty conditions. To control spider mites, you can spray the plant with water regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Slugs and snails - These pests can eat holes in the leaves and stem of the Arisaema bequaertii De Wild. To prevent damage, you can use physical barriers like copper tape or eggshells around the plant to discourage slugs and snails from crawling on it. You can also handpick them and release them elsewhere.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of the plant can help prevent and control diseases and pests. It is important to ensure that the plant is growing in optimal conditions and to minimize stress factors like over-watering or insufficient light that can weaken the plant's immune system.
