Origin:
Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk is a herbaceous plant species from the Apiaceae family. It is native to Southern Africa, specifically found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as "Water Pennywort" or "Water Navelwort". In South Africa, it is also known as "Klip-navel" or "Klipsentel"
Uses:
The leaves of the plant have a lemony smell and are sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments like high blood pressure, memory loss, anxiety, and depression. It is also used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Additionally, some studies have shown that the plant may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating joint pain and arthritis
General Appearance:
The plant grows up to 15cm high, with a stem that is either prostrate or ascending. The leaves are small, about 1-4 cm long, and are rounded with a slightly pointed tip. The plant has greenish-white flowers that are arranged in a compact, umbrella-shaped inflorescence. The fruit is a schizocarp, split into two mericarps, each containing a single seed. The plant can grow in damp areas like riverbanks, ponds, or marshes.
Light Requirements
The plant Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk grows best in moderate to high levels of light. It requires approximately 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant should be protected from extreme sunlight as it may cause leaf burn and affect its growth. Therefore, it is advisable to provide some partial shade during the afternoon and midday to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk thrives in warm temperatures that range between 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. It is sensitive to frost and requires warm temperatures to grow well. The plant may experience stunted growth and even death if exposed to low temperatures and frost conditions. Therefore, it is essential to maintain warm temperatures throughout the plant's growth phases to facilitate healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk requires well-draining and nutrient-rich soil to grow optimally. A recommended soil combination is a mixture of sandy and loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must also be moist and not waterlogged as it may cause root rot and affect the plant's growth. It is also advisable to add organic matter such as compost to the soil to improve its fertility levels.
Cultivation Methods of Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk
Centella annua can be grown in both pots and gardens. If you're cultivating it in a pot, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, so place it in a location that gets a few hours of direct sunlight and some shade during the day.
If you're cultivating Centella annua in the garden, choose a spot that gets some shade during the day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs of Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk
Centella annua prefers moist soil and requires frequent watering, especially during the warmer months. Water the plant when the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch. If you're cultivating it in a pot, make sure the container has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk
Centella annua requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and foliage. Use a water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during winter, as the plant enters a period of dormancy.
Pruning of Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk
Pruning is not necessary for Centella annua unless you want to control its spread or shape. If you're cultivating it in a pot, you can pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth. If you notice any dead or diseased foliage, remove it immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
Propagation of Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk
Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk, also known as Luehea divaricata, is propagated by seeds and cuttings. Propagation by cuttings is preferred due to the low germination rate of the seeds.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings are taken during the early summer season, and stem cuttings of about 10-15 centimeters are preferred. The stem cuttings are planted into pre-prepared soil or compost and should be kept in a humid environment. They should be watered well and kept moist to ensure successful growth.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Centella annua M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk is possible but can be quite challenging. The seeds are sown in spring or summer in a well-draining mix and kept moist. Covering the seeds with a light layer of soil helps retain moisture. Germination rates are low, and it can take several months for the seedlings to emerge.
In conclusion, propagation of Centella annua can be done by cuttings or seeds with varying success rates. However, cutting propagation is preferred as it results in more successful growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Centella annua
Centella annua is generally a hardy plant that is not overly prone to diseases and pests. However, there are a few common issues that may arise and require management.
Diseases
One disease that can affect Centella annua is leaf spot. This is characterized by circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves that can lead to defoliation in severe cases. To manage this, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be watered at the base to avoid getting water on the leaves. Fungicides may also be used.
Another common disease is powdery mildew, which presents as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves. This can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, as well as removing infected leaves and using fungicides if necessary.
Pests
One pest that can affect Centella annua is aphids. These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves and can cause yellowing and distortion of the foliage. They can be managed by removing with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites can also be an issue, causing leaves to yellow and become speckled. They can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant and regularly spraying with water to knock them off. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used.
Caterpillars may also feed on the leaves of Centella annua, creating holes and damaging the foliage. They can be removed by hand or with an insecticide labeled for caterpillar control.
Regular inspection and management of diseases and pests can help keep Centella annua healthy and productive.
