Overview of Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski
Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski is a flowering plant that is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It belongs to the family of Campanulaceae and is a rare species that is found in the Upemba National Park of the DRC. The plant has distinct physical characteristics that make it easily recognizable in its natural habitat.
Appearance of Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski
Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski is a small plant that grows to a height of approximately 5 to 15 cm. The leaves of the plant are hairy and toothed, and they grow in a basal rosette. The flowers of the plant are numerous and grow in groups of up to 20 blooms. The flowers are star-shaped, with five petals that are pink to purple in color. The plant has a small, fleshy, and bulb-like root system.
Common Names for Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski
Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski is commonly known by its scientific name. However, it is also referred to as the Upemba bellflower due to the distinctive bell-shaped flowers that it bears. The plant is not widely cultivated, and as such, it does not have any other common names.
Uses of Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski
Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, the plant has ornamental value, and it is used in landscaping and gardening due to its beautiful star-shaped flowers. The plant is also known to attract bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to your garden or landscape if you want to encourage healthy pollination.
Light requirements
The Calycobolus upembaensis plant requires bright filtered light to grow well. It thrives in light shade or partial shade conditions and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Placing the plant in direct sunlight may cause the leaves to burn or develop yellow spots.
Temperature requirements
The Calycobolus upembaensis plant prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 18 °C to 24 °C. It can tolerate lower temperatures but will not survive frost or freezing temperatures. Temperature fluctuations should be avoided as they can cause damage or stress to the plant.
Soil requirements
The Calycobolus upembaensis plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as waterlogging can cause root rot. Adequate drainage should be provided to avoid waterlogging.
Cultivation of Calycobolus upembaensis
Calycobolus upembaensis is a rare and unique plant that requires specific cultivation conditions to thrive. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0-6.5. It grows best in areas with high humidity and moderate temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C.
When planting Calycobolus upembaensis, ensure to use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be planted at a depth of 2-3cm in the soil, ensuring it is not buried too deeply as it could cause rotting of the stem.
Watering Needs
Calycobolus upembaensis prefers moderate watering, with the soil kept slightly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant. Watering should be done regularly but should be cautiously carried out so that the soil is not too wet for too long. When watering, ensure to water the soil and not the leaves.
Fertilization
Calycobolus upembaensis requires a slow-release fertilizer that releases Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Fertilization should happen during the growing season, which is from spring to fall, with the frequency being once a month. It is essential not to over-fertilize the plant as it could negatively impact the plant's health and growth.
Pruning
Pruning Calycobolus upembaensis is not necessary, as it retains its attractive shape, but it is beneficial to remove any dead, damage, or yellowing leaves. Pruning is best done during the growing season, allowing the plant to heal and recover from any wounds. Regularly removing any dead or damaged leaves improves the plant's overall health and appearance.
Propagation of Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski
Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski is a rare plant species that is not commonly found in gardens or nurseries. As a result, it may be difficult to obtain and propagate this plant. However, propagation of Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski can be done in the following ways:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest method to propagate Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski. The seeds of Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski can be obtained from its matured fruits. Once the fruit ripens, it bursts open, revealing about 20 seeds. Collect the seeds, clean and dry them for few days.
Once the seeds are clean and dry, they can be sown in a seed tray filled with good quality potting soil. Water the soil slightly before sowing the seeds. Cover the seeds gently with the soil and keep the tray in a warm and brightly lit area, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist by watering whenever needed. In about 4-6 weeks, the seedlings will emerge. Once the seedlings are well established, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready for planting in their permanent location outdoors.
Vegitative Propagation
Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski is a bulbous species which implies that it can be propagated vegetatively using the offsets produced by bulbs. The offsets are small bulblets that form around the base of mature bulbs. To propagate Calycobolus upembaensis Lejoly & Lisowski vegetatively, these offsets can be detached by gently tugging and lifting and then planted in individual pots filled with good quality potting soil. Place the pots in a warm, moderately lit, and humid location and then keep the soil sufficiently moist. With time, these offsets will grow into mature plants, flowering and producing their bulbil offsets, and thus, continuing the cycle.
Disease Management
Calycobolus upembaensis is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it may occasionally be impacted by various diseases. It is important to keep the plant healthy and growing well to help prevent diseases from taking hold. Here are some common diseases and how to manage them:
- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. Avoid overwatering and make sure the soil has good drainage. If root rot occurs, it is best to remove the infected plant and replace the soil.
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is characterized by circular, brown spots on the leaves. It can be caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. Remove any affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Consider using a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. It can be caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. Remove any affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Consider using a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Calycobolus upembaensis may be susceptible to pests like spider mites and scale insects. Here are some effective ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellow or brown stippling on the leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. To control spider mites, use a strong blast of water to knock them off the plant. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs or predatory mites.
- Scale insects: These insects are small and often go unnoticed until the damage is severe. They can cause yellowing or wilting of the plant. To control scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off the plant. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
