Origin
Boerhavia greenwayi (Meikle) Govaerts, commonly known as Greenway's spiderling, is found in the Sahelian regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Chad.
Common Names
In addition to Greenway's spiderling, the plant is also called wild spiderling, Greenway's boerhavia, and Greenway's pigweed.
Uses
Boerhavia greenwayi is widely used for medicinal purposes by the local people in its native regions. The roots of the plant are a good source of various alkaloids and have been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as asthma, anemia, fever, and malaria. The plant is also used to treat urinary problems, skin disorders, cough, respiratory tract infections, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal problems. Boerhavia greenwayi extracts are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties.
General Appearance
Boerhavia greenwayi is an erect or prostrate herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of one meter. The plant has a shallow taproot system and produces slender, hairy stems and branches that spread out in all directions. The leaves are simple, oblong to lanceolate, and have a length of 5-10 cm. The flowers are small, radial, and pink to purple in color. The fruits are small, oval-shaped capsules that contain small, black seeds. The plant is highly adaptive to extreme environments and can tolerate drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.
Light Requirements
The plant Boerhavia greenwayi (Meikle) Govaerts typically requires full sun to partial shade for growth. It can grow well in direct sunlight, but will also thrive in shaded areas. It is important for the plant to get enough light to go through the process of photosynthesis and produce energy for growth.
Temperature Requirements
Boerhavia greenwayi (Meikle) Govaerts can grow in a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm temperatures ranging between 18-25°C. Temperatures below 10°C can be harmful to the plant and can lead to stunted growth or death. High-temperature stress can also affect the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and the plant to stop growing. Thus, moderate temperatures are ideal for plant growth.
Soil Requirements
This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a moderately acidic pH of 6-7.5. The soil also needs to be nutrient-rich, enabling the plant to grow and develop properly. Amending the soil with compost, manure, or organic matter will help improve soil fertility and quality, providing the plant with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation of Boerhavia greenwayi
Boerhavia greenwayi (Meikle) Govaerts is a hardy plant that grows well when provided with optimal conditions. It is best grown from seeds, and the ideal time to plant them is in the spring when the temperature starts to rise. The plant thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by mixing a generous amount of compost or aged manure.
Watering needs
Boerhavia greenwayi requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between watering. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Boerhavia greenwayi benefits from regular fertilization, which promotes healthy growth and a robust root system. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every two to three months during the growing season. Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to an abundance of foliage but sparse blooms.
Pruning
Boerhavia greenwayi does not require pruning, but periodic deadheading of spent blooms can promote continuous blooming. Remove any damaged or diseased branches or leaves to prevent the spread of diseases. Sterilize your pruning tools before use to avoid contaminating the plant.
Propagation of Boerhavia greenwayi (Meikle) Govaerts
Boerhavia greenwayi (Meikle) Govaerts is commonly known as Greenway's Spiderling. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through both vegetative and seed propagation methods.
Vegetative propagation
Greenway's Spiderling can be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. For this method, take stem cuttings from mature plants during the active growth period, which is in the late spring and early summer. Cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and should be taken from healthy plants. Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting them in moist sand or well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and make sure the cuttings receive bright but indirect light. Rooting should occur within 3-4 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted after 6-8 weeks.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Boerhavia greenwayi (Meikle) Govaerts can also be done through seeds. The seeds of Greenway's Spiderling should be collected in the fall when the seed pods are dry and brown. Ensure that the seeds are properly cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the soil thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist. The seeds should germinate in around 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location when they have developed their first set of true leaves.
Disease Management
Boerhavia greenwayi is generally a hardy plant and resistant to most diseases. However, certain fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew can affect the plant. These diseases manifest as discolored or spotted leaves and powdery white growth on the leaves. To manage these diseases, it is important to plant resistant varieties and maintain good air circulation to prevent the buildup of moisture. Fungicidal sprays can also be used as a last resort.
Pest Management
Boerhavia greenwayi is susceptible to a few pests, most notably mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small white insects that feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew, leading to the growth of black mold. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny spider-like insects that suck plant sap and cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect plants for infestation and manually remove any pests using a stream of water or by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. In severe cases, insecticidal sprays may be necessary.
