Plant Description:
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 1m tall. The stems are dark green and woody with many branches. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and hairy. The flowers are small and borne in clusters at the end of the branches. They are white or pinkish and have a pleasant fragrance.
Origin and Common Names:
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore is native to tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia. It is commonly known as African feverfew, African carrot, or African wormwood.
Uses:
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore has various medicinal uses. Its leaves and roots are used to treat fever, stomachache, coughs, and respiratory tract infections. The plant also has insecticidal properties and can be used to repel mosquitoes and other insects. In some African countries, the plant is used to flavor beer. The essential oil extracted from the plant is used in perfumery.
General Appearance:
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore is an erect, perennial herb that grows up to 1m tall. The plant has narrow, lance-shaped, and hairy leaves. The flowers are small and white or pinkish, borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The stems are dark green and woody with multiple branches. The plant has a pleasant fragrance, and the essential oil extracted from it is used in perfumery.
Growth Conditions for Cardanthera Africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. Schweinfurthii S.Moore
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family native to tropical Africa. This plant species can grow up to 60-180 cm in height, and its leaves are arranged spirally around the stem. It produces beautiful yellow flowers that bloom all year round.
Light Requirements
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore requires full or partial sunlight to grow. It can tolerate light shade, but it will not bloom as profusely as it would in full sun. When grown indoors, it is essential to place the plant near a sunny window to ensure it receives enough light to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm temperatures, between 18-27°C. It can tolerate low temperatures of around 10°C, but frost can damage the leaves and flowers. If the temperature drops below 7°C, Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore can die. As such, it is recommended to grow the plant in warm climates or indoors in cold climates.
Soil Requirements
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay, or loamy soils. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between watering to avoid overwatering.
Cultivation
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore requires full sun and well-drained soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. It is necessary to choose a location with good airflow to protect the plant from fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore requires moderate watering in summer and minimal watering in winter. Ensure not to overwater the plant to prevent root rot. Water at the base and avoid wetting the leaves, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilize Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore every three months, during the growing season, using a slow-release fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-10. The fertilizer should be evenly distributed around the plant's base and watered as usual.
Pruning
Prune Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore regularly to promote bushy growth and remove dead or diseased parts. Using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears, cut the stems above a leaf node. Prune in late winter before the plant begins its growth cycle.
Propagation of Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore, commonly known as African Spanish Needle or Ethiopian Fleabane, can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds collected from the plant can be used for propagation. The seeds should be sowed in well-drained soil mixed with sand and kept moist. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should not be buried deep. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and dipped into a rooting hormone to increase rooting success. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they start developing their roots. Once the roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division, which involves digging up the whole plant and separating it into smaller sections that each contain a healthy shoot and roots. These smaller sections can then be planted in separate pots or directly in the ground. This method should be done in spring or fall when the plant is not in its active growth phase.
Regardless of the method chosen, Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore requires well-drained soil, adequate moisture, and bright sunlight to grow and thrive.
Disease Management
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore can suffer from various types of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Here are some common diseases that affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: It is caused by fungi. The infected plants develop small, circular, water-soaked spots on their leaves that grow in size and leave large, necrotic areas. The disease can be managed by removing the diseased plant parts, proper sanitation, and fungicide application.
- Crown Gall: This bacterial disease manifests itself in the form of warty masses that appear on the plant's roots, stems, and leaves. There is no cure for crown gall, so the best method of control is prevention by planting disease-free plants.
- Powdery Mildew: The fungus that causes this disease grows on the surface of the plant's leaves, causing white powdery growth. Severe infections can cause premature leaf drop. Powdery mildew can be managed by ensuring adequate air circulation, reducing humidity, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Cardanthera africana (T.Anderson) Benth. var. schweinfurthii S.Moore can also be affected by various pests. Here are some common ones:
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the plant cells by puncturing the leaves and sucking the juices. Thrips can be managed by introducing natural predators that eat thrips, like mites and ladybugs, or by applying insecticides.
- Spider Mites: These are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the underside of the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and die. They can be managed by reducing humidity, applying insecticidal soap or oil, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs, predatory mites, or lacewings.
- Whiteflies: These tiny, winged insects suck the plant's sap and secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests like ants. Whiteflies can be managed through the introduction of natural predators, like parasitic wasps or ladybugs, or by applying insecticides.
