Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis - Description
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as "Ukwali" in Nigeria. This perennial herb is native to West and Central Africa, specifically found in countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 2m tall with a stem diameter of 1-2 cm. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong-lanceolate in shape, measuring up to 30 cm long and 13 cm broad. They are also hairy, with serrated margins. The inflorescence is a panicle with many small, yellow, discoid flowers that are arranged in clusters.
Uses
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis has several traditional medicinal uses. In Nigeria, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, hepatitis, and fever. It is also used as a laxative and as a remedy for wounds, ulcers, and skin infections. The leaves and stems are decocted and the resultant liquid is taken orally or applied topically, depending on the ailment. The plant is also used as a forage for domestic animals and as a green manure.
In addition, the plant has potential commercial uses in the production of biofuels, specifically as a source of ethanol. Its high biomass and low lignin content make it a suitable candidate for bioenergy production.
Growth Conditions for Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis
Light: Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis prefers full sun to partial shade. In their natural habitat, they are found in areas that receive up to 4-5 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature: This plant thrives in tropical to subtropical regions with a temperature range of 20-28°C. It can tolerate high temperatures but cannot survive frost or cold temperatures.
Soil: Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis can grow in a range of soils, including loam, sandy loam, sand, or clay. The soil must be well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It prefers moist, fertile soils with adequate organic matter content.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and requires adequate drainage. During the rainy season, the soil must be checked to avoid waterlogging, which can cause fungal infections.
Fertilizer: Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis requires frequent feeding with organic fertilizers in small quantities. It is crucial to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. The application of compost, manure, or other organic fertilizers after every three months is recommended for optimal growth.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by sowing the seeds. Stem cuttings are best taken during the rainy season, and the rooting time is approximately 3-4 weeks. Sowing of the seeds can be done in well-prepared seedbeds during the rainy season.
Pests and Diseases: Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis is prone to pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. The plant is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew, which can occur due to overwatering or waterlogging. Proper care must be taken to avoid pest attacks and diseases.
Cultivation of Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions. It can grow well in soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. It is also tolerant of partial shade, but it performs best in full sun. When choosing a spot to plant your Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis, make sure it has well-draining soil and receives enough sunlight.
Watering Needs
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis needs regular watering to grow and thrive. However, it is crucial not to overwater the plant as this could lead to root rot. Water the plant when the soil is slightly dry to the touch, and ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and weather conditions in your area.
Fertilization
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis is not a heavy feeder, and fertilization should be done sparingly. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil at the beginning of the growing season, followed by subsequent fertilization every 6-8 weeks throughout the growing season. Organic fertilizers or compost can also be used to improve the soil quality and provide necessary nutrients for the plant.
Pruning
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis does not require significant pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can promote more blooms. Pruning can also be done to control the plant's size and shape, especially if it becomes overgrown. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis is propagated by seeds, stem cuttings and division of the root. Below are the propagation methods that can be used on Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis:
Propagation by seeds:
The plant produces seeds that can be taken from the plant when they are mature and dry. The seeds can be sown in a well-drained seedbed or pot, either inside or outside in the garden. The pot should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not too wet, as the seeds may rot if they are overwatered. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings:
Using a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors, a 3 - 4 inch long cutting is taken from the stem of the plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom one half of the stem, and dip the bottom of the cutting into rooting hormone. Allow the hormone to soak in for a minute or two and plant the cutting in well-draining soil in a pot. Water regularly, but ensure it does not soak in water as it could cause the cutting to rot. The plant will root in about four to eight weeks.
Propagation by division of the root:
Young plants with multiple stems and healthy roots can be dug up and gently separated into smaller plants with roots attached. These smaller plants can then be planted in well-draining soil in a pot or in the garden. Water regularly, but ensure the soil does not get too wet, as this could cause root rot.
Disease and Pest Management for Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis
Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis, commonly known as forest groundsel, is a resilient plant and usually not a target of major diseases or pests. However, certain factors can lead to the infestation of pests and diseases that require proper management techniques.
Common Pests
A common pest that can affect Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis is the leaf miner. The leaf miner larvae feed on the tissues between the leaves, resulting in the white trail-like appearance on the plant leaves. Neem oil or insecticidal soap application can help control the leaf miners.
Another common pest that infests many plants, including Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis, is the spider mites. These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing the plant to wilt, discolor, and eventually, the leaves may fall off. Washing the plant with soapy water and increased humidity can help control the spider mites growth.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose and powdery mildew are common fungal diseases that can affect Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis. Anthracnose causes dark lesions on the plant stems and leaves, while powdery mildew results in white patches on the leaves. Proper water management, sanitation, and removing the affected parts of the plant before applying a fungicide can help control these diseases.
Another fungal disease, rust, causes yellow and orange spots on the plant leaves. Control measures include removing infected leaves and spraying with a copper-based fungicide. Avoiding overhead watering, which can spread the spores, can prevent the spread of rust.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is the best way to manage diseases and pests in Baccharoides calvoana var. hymenolepis. Maintaining healthy plants through watering, fertilization, and appropriate pruning can make them less susceptible to diseases and pests infestations. Additionally, regularly inspecting the plants and isolating or removing infected plants can prevent the spread of diseases and pests to healthy plants.
Using organic insecticides and fungicides can be an effective way to manage pest and disease symptoms if the infestation was not prevented. However, always read and follow the product label instructions before using any pesticides.
