Overview:
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson is a small herbaceous plant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It grows naturally in damp areas, such as marshes, riverbanks, and rock pools. It is a highly valued medicinal plant due to its therapeutic properties, which include wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Common Names:
The common names of Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson include Butotolo (in Tswana), iBhucu (in Zulu), and Lebokgoko (in Sotho).
Appearance:
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson is a perennial plant that can reach up to 10cm in height. It has small, fan-shaped leaves that grow in clusters along its thin stems. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the underside.
The plant produces small white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are held on slender stems that rise above the foliage. The fruits are small, dark capsules that contain several tiny seeds.
Uses:
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a range of ailments. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant properties. The plant has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as to speed up the healing of wounds and burns.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson is also commonly used as a food plant. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked and are used as a seasoning in a variety of local dishes.
Furthermore, it has also been utilized as a nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson prefers partial to full shade. It grows well in areas with filtered sunlight or under the canopy of taller plants. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching or wilting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant typically grows in warm or tropical regions. It prefers temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can negatively affect its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements of Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson are not very specific. It can grow in most soil types, as long as they are well-draining. However, it prefers sandy soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson is a tropical and subtropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. Ideally, it should be grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and kept in a partially shaded area. This plant does well in pots and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is critical for the growth and survival of Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson. It enjoys moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. During the dry season, the plant may require watering every other day. In contrast, during the wet season, the plant can go for extended periods without water.
Fertilization
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson is a heavy feeder that requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium every two weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can apply organic fertilizer to the soil before planting and periodically throughout the season.
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial aspect of Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson care. Regular pruning keeps the plant healthy and promotes bushy growth. Prune the plant as necessary to keep it at the desired size and shape. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves at the base of the stem. Use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant.
Propagation of Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. micrantha Adamson is a creeping herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is mainly found in South Africa and is propagated through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Centella capensis can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are collected when the plant starts to dry and turn brown. The collected seeds are then sown in a well-prepared seedbed or seedling trays filled with well-draining soil. The seeds are then covered lightly with 1-2 mm of soil, and the soil is kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. In this method, an established plant is dug up, and the clump is divided into several pieces. Each division should have roots attached to it, and it should have at least one shoot or growing point. The divisions are then planted separately in well-prepared soil, and they should be kept moist until they establish.
Cuttings Propagation
Centella capensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the plant's softwood growth. The cuttings should be 7-10 cm long, and they should be taken early in the morning. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining rooting medium and kept moist until they root.
It is important to note that Centella capensis thrives in partly shaded conditions, so in all the propagation methods, care should be taken to ensure that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Disease and Pest Management for Centella Capensis (L.) Domin var. Micrantha Adamson
Centella Capensis (L.) Domin var. Micrantha Adamson is a perennial herbaceous plant, commonly referred to as "Water pennywort." It is cultivated for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for treating various health conditions. However, pests and diseases can ruin the plant's growth, leading to a loss in productivity. Below are some common pests and diseases that affect Centella Capensis and ways to manage them.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants, weakening them and causing them to wilt. Signs of an aphid infestation include curled leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leaf Miners: Leaf miners are the larvae of small flies that tunnel through the leaf tissue of the plant, causing "mines" or whitish trails. To get rid of leaf miners, remove affected leaves or spray the plant with an insecticide containing spinosad.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are common pests that eat away at the foliage of the plant, leading to reduced growth and productivity. To manage caterpillars, handpick and remove them from the plant or spray with a Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticide.
Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to turn brown and mushy. It is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. To manage root rot, remove affected plants, and improve soil drainage by adding organic matter.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white powdery spots on the leaves of the plant. This disease thrives in humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected leaves, and improve air circulation around the plant. Spray the plant with a fungicide containing sulfur or neem oil.
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight manifests as small water-soaked lesions on the leaves of the plant, which will develop into dark-brown, sunken spots with yellow halos around them. To manage bacterial blight, remove affected leaves and dispose of them. Spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases in Centella Capensis is crucial to maintain the plant's health and productivity. Effective management requires a combination of preventive measures such as improving air circulation and maintaining proper soil moisture along with treatment using appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
