Origin
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner, commonly known as the African Virginia Creeper or the Sierra Leone Vine, is a species of flowering plant in the family polygonaceae. It is native to Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Angola, and Kenya.
Common Names
Aside from the African Virginia Creeper and the Sierra Leone Vine, the Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta is also known by other common names such as the saw-toothed climber, Nyamilop, and Otroyen.
Uses
The Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta has different uses across the regions where it grows. The plant is reported to have medicinal properties and has been used traditionally in Africa to treat various illnesses. Its roots and leaves are crushed and boiled in water, and the resulting liquid is used to treat wounds, fever, coughs, and chest pains. The leaves are also used as a shampoo for the hair.
Aside from medicinal purposes, Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta is also used for aesthetics. Its climbing vines make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens, patios, and any outdoor space.
General Appearance
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta is a woody, perennial vine that can grow up to 30 meters long. It has alternate, simple, and ovate leaves that are 7 to 16 cm long and 4 to 10 cm wide. The leaves have sharp teeth along the edges and are shiny green on the upper surface while pale green on the underside.
The plant's flowers are small and green to yellowish, growing in axillary and drooping panicles. Its fruit is a three-winged achene, coated in tiny hooked spines. When ripe, the plant releases numerous seeds that spread through the surrounding environment through the help of the hooks.
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta is a climber, using tendrils to attach to surfaces and climb upward. Its growth rate is reported to be slow but is known to cover lots of ground once it reaches maturity.
Light Requirements
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner requires a moderate amount of light to grow optimally. The plant should be placed in a spot where it can receive bright light but not direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn. It can also thrive in partial shade conditions, as long as there is enough light for photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner is best in warm to hot temperatures. The optimal range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. However, it can tolerate cooler temperatures as long as they do not drop below 7°C. In colder regions, the plant should be grown inside a greenhouse or indoor settings.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil, which retains some moisture but is not waterlogged. The soil should be rich in nutrients and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. A rich soil mix with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, can enhance the growth and fertility of the soil. The plant prefers loamy, sandy soil, but it can also grow in clay soil with sufficient drainage.
Cultivation methods
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner, commonly known as African buckwheat vine, is a hardy vine that can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant requires full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. It is important to provide the plant with enough space to spread out, as it can grow up to 10m in length.
Watering needs
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner prefers consistent and moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt. The plant should be watered once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the dormant period. Watering should be increased during extremely hot or dry weather conditions.
Fertilization
The African buckwheat vine benefits from regular fertilization. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, every three months. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth instead of flowering.
Pruning
The African buckwheat vine requires minimal pruning. It is recommended to prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before the start of the growing season. Prune any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are getting out of control. Pruning can also promote bushier growth and increase flower production.
Propagation of Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner
Propagation of Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner can be achieved through seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from existing plants during the flowering period. The seeds should be sown immediately after collection or kept in a dry environment prior to sowing. Planting can be done in containers or on seed beds.
Seeds can be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The optimum temperature for seed germination is 25-30°C. Germination usually takes place within 7-10 days, and seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after a few months.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner can be achieved through stem cuttings. Cuttings of 10-15 cm in length can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cutting should have at least two nodes, and leaves should be removed from the lower nodes.
The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The optimum temperature for root formation is 25-30°C, and rooting usually takes place within 2-3 weeks. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location after a few months.
Disease Management
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner is susceptible to different diseases that can affect its growth and development. Some of the common diseases that it may encounter include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by fungi and it leads to the appearance of brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides.
- Leaf spots: This disease is also caused by fungi, and it leads to the appearance of small, circular, and brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant, and maintain proper plant hygiene.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi, and it can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, and provide proper drainage. Additionally, apply fungicides to the infected parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Brunnichia africana Welw. var. erecta (Asch.) Büttner is also susceptible to different pests that can damage the plant. Some of the common pests include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, remove the infected parts of the plant, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause severe damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand, apply organic pesticides, and encourage natural predators such as birds.
- Spider mites: These are small, eight-legged insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps, maintain proper humidity, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
