Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv.
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. This plant grows naturally in the tropics of Asia, specifically in the regions of India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Common Names
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is commonly known as the "Whorled Calophanes" or the "Star Calophanes." It is also locally named "Oh Nee" in Thai and "Ohng Neep" in Burmese.
Uses
The roots and stems of Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, asthma, and diarrhea. It is also known to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The latex of the plant is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis.
Appearance
The Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is a small shrub that grows up to 1 m in height. The plant has whorled branches that bear lanceolate leaves that are 6-10 cm in length. The flowers of the plant are star-shaped and are borne terminally on the branches. The fruits are long cylindrical capsules that split open to reveal numerous seeds.
Growth Conditions of Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv.
Light: Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. prefers bright, indirect light. It must be protected from direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn and stunted growth. A shaded area with bright light is ideal for its growth.
Temperature: The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm to hot climates. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. It cannot tolerate frost and should be protected from extremely cold temperatures.
Soil: Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. prefers well-drained soil with good aeration. It can thrive in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a range of 5.5 to 7.5 being ideal.
Water: The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It should be watered when the top layer of soil dries out. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Good drainage is essential for this plant.
Fertilizer: Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. doesn't require heavy feeding. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20:20:20 once every three to four months during the growing season is sufficient. Over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Humidity: The plant requires average to high humidity to thrive. The ideal humidity range is between 50% to 70%. Placing a tray of pebbles filled with water under the plant or misting the leaves regularly can help increase humidity levels.
Cultivation Methods
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is an evergreen plant native to China and the Himalayas. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and spread up to 1 meter. It prefers a partially shaded location with well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
To cultivate this plant, start by selecting a location that offers partial shade. The soil should be enriched with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility. Make sure the soil drains well and is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Plant Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. in spring or early summer after the last frost. Dig a hole that is the same depth and twice the width of the plant's root ball, and gently loosen the root ball before planting to encourage growth.
Watering Needs
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. has moderate watering needs, requiring regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. During the hot summer months, the plant may need more frequent watering to prevent it from drying out. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water the plant slowly and deeply.
Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, in early spring before new growth appears. Repeat every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. can be pruned for shape and to remove dead or damaged branches.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches first, then shape the plant to the desired size and shape. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of new growth with your fingers or pruning shears in early summer.
Do not prune in the fall or winter as it can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by frost.
Propagation of Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv.
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv., commonly known as 'Whorled Calophanes,' is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent and Nepal and is widely grown for its ornamental value. The propagation of Calophanes verticillaris can be done by several methods including:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest methods to propagate Calophanes verticillaris is through seeds. Seeds are readily available in plant nurseries or can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be sown during the spring season in a well-draining potting mix that contains equal parts of perlite, vermiculite, and sand. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist but not waterlogged. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright location and germination should occur within 10-15 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger containers or planted in the ground.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagation for Calophanes verticillaris is through cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting of the stem of a mature plant, about 4-6 inches in length, and removing the lower leaves. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright location and misted regularly to maintain humidity. Once the cutting has rooted and has started to produce new growth, it can be transplanted into a larger container or planted in the ground.
Division propagation
Calophanes verticillaris can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the roots of an established plant into smaller sections and replanting them in individual containers or in the ground. It is best to perform this during the spring when the plant will start to produce new growth. The divided sections should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. They should also be kept in a warm, bright location to aid in the establishment of new roots.
Overall, Calophanes verticillaris is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and division. With proper care, the plant can thrive and provide a stunning addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv.
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is a relatively hardy plant, but like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management techniques can help mitigate damage and ensure the plant's health and longevity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. The symptoms of root rot include wilting and yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odor. To manage root rot, it is essential to remove the affected plant from the soil, trim the damaged roots, and repot the plant in fresh soil with adequate drainage. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent future occurrences.
Another disease that can affect Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is powdery mildew. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected plant parts, and apply a fungicide. Ensure proper air circulation, avoid overwatering, and maintain a moderate temperature to prevent future occurrences.
Common Pests
Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is susceptible to attack by spider mites, which are tiny, sap-sucking pests that are visible to the naked eye. Infested plants exhibit yellow stippling on the leaves, and the leaves may appear discolored and dry. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mild solution of water and dish soap, or a commercial insecticidal soap. Ensure adequate humidity to prevent future infestations.
Another pest that can affect Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. is mealybugs. They appear as a white powdery substance on the leaves that can cause the plant to wilt and lose vigor. To manage mealybugs, remove the affected plant parts, and apply a systemic insecticide. Regularly inspect plants and quarantine any infested plant to prevent the spread of mealybugs to other plants.
In conclusion, Calophanes verticillaris T.Anderson ex Oliv. can remain healthy and vibrant if properly cared for and monitored for disease and pest infestations. Implementing the aforementioned management techniques will help to protect the plant and sustain its growth over time.
