Origin
Brachystelma togoense Schltr., commonly known as Togo short column, is a tropical flowering plant species native to West Africa. It can be found in Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon in humid savannas, near forest edges, and along streams.
Common Names
Aside from Togo short column, B. togoense is also referred to by its vernacular name in the Ewe language, "Ademe kpato".
Appearance
B. togoense is a creeping perennial plant with tuberous roots. It has fleshy, pubescent stems that can grow up to 70cm long. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate in shape, with a glossy dark green color and a velvety texture. The characteristic feature of this plant is its unique flower structure. The flowers emerge from a small stem that grows from the base of the leaves. The petals are greenish-brown, with a yellow inner side and reddish-brown spots. The center of the flower is dominated by a column-like structure, giving it its common name.
Uses
B. togoense is primarily used for ornamental and medicinal purposes. In some parts of Africa, the tuberous roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat various health conditions such as stomach pains, fever, and dysentery. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental species and is admired for its unique flower structure and beautiful foliage.
Growth Conditions for Brachystelma togoense Schltr.
Brachystelma togoense Schltr. is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is generally found in West Africa. The plant is often found growing on rocky outcroppings or in areas with rocky soil conditions.
Light Requirements
Brachystelma togoense Schltr. requires bright, filtered light to grow well. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause leaf scorch or burn the plant. A bright, east-facing window is a suitable location for this plant as it receives the right amount of light for photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Brachystelma togoense Schltr. is 20°C to 30°C. The plant is not frost tolerant, so it should be protected from temperatures below 10°C. If the plant is kept in a cold environment, the roots could die, leading to the plant's death.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-draining, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of regular potting soil, perlite, and sand can make for an excellent growing medium. The plant will thrive when grown in soil containing organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost. The soil should be watered when it feels dry to the touch, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Brachystelma togoense Schltr.
Brachystelma togoense Schltr. are native to West Africa and require a warm, humid environment to thrive. These plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors in warm climates.
When planting Brachystelma togoense Schltr., it's important to use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts is recommended. When planting, ensure the roots are not buried too deeply and that the soil is packed firmly around the stem.
Watering Needs for Brachystelma togoense Schltr.
Brachystelma togoense Schltr. require frequent and consistent watering, especially during the growing season. These plants prefer to be watered deeply, but they don't tolerate waterlogging or overwatering. To ensure adequate drainage, water the plant until the water runs out the bottom of the pot. Always allow the topsoil to dry completely before watering them again. During the winter season, reduce watering to avoid root rot.
Fertilization for Brachystelma togoense Schltr.
Brachystelma togoense Schltr. require fertilizer to maintain their health and vigor. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half its recommended strength during the growing season every two weeks. During their dormancy period, from late fall to early spring, the plant does not require any fertilizer. Over-fertilization can cause the foliage to burn, so always apply it in the recommended concentration.
Pruning for Brachystelma togoense Schltr.
There is no specific pruning required for Brachystelma togoense Schltr., except for removing any dead leaves or branches. If you have an indoor plant, pinch back the tips to promote compact and bushy growth. When pruning, use a sharp, sterile blade to avoid any damage to the plant.
Propagation of Brachystelma togoense Schltr.
Brachystelma togoense Schltr., commonly known as the Togo Brachystelma, is a rare plant species that is endemic to Togo in Africa. Propagation of this plant species can be done in various ways.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Brachystelma togoense Schltr. is by using its seeds. The seeds of this plant should be matured fully and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in a warm, humid place. Germination should occur within 2 to 4 weeks. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist during the germination period. Once the seedlings have grown to a decent size, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Brachystelma togoense Schltr. is by using stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the mature plants when they are actively growing. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil mix, covered with a plastic bag, and kept in a warm, humid place. The cuttings should develop roots within a month, and once they start showing signs of growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Brachystelma togoense Schltr. can also be done by division. This is done by separating the rhizomes of an established plant. The newly divided plants should be planted in well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid place. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist during the establishment period. Once the plant has fully established, it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Overall, the propagation of Brachystelma togoense Schltr. can be done in various ways. The most common methods are by seeds, stem cuttings, and division. With proper care and optimum growing conditions, this plant species can be propagated successfully.
Disease Management
The plant Brachystelma togoense Schltr. is generally resistant to diseases. However, certain diseases can still affect the plant. The most common disease that can affect the plant is fungal diseases. These fungal diseases can cause rot, wilting of leaves, and browning. To prevent fungus growth, you should practice good hygiene, allowing adequate spacing between plants, and avoid getting the leaves wet during watering. In case your plant gets affected by a fungal disease, immediately prune the diseased parts and dispose of it carefully. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent further spreading of the disease.
Pest Management
Although Brachystelma togoense Schltr. is generally resistant to pests, certain insects can still cause harm to the plant. The most common insects that can affect the plant are aphids and spider mites, which can suck the juices, causing the plant to wilt and stunt. To manage pests of your plant, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which can effectively control aphids and spider mites. It would be best if you continually monitor your plant for any signs of pests' presence and attending to them immediately will help you control their further spread. Also, make sure to remove any weeds and trim dead plant parts as they can become breeding grounds for pests.
