Overview
Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk, also known as "nyaope" in South Africa, belongs to the family Apiaceae. This plant has a long history of traditional use, especially in Africa, for its medicinal properties.
Appearance
This perennial plant has small, green leaves and delicate, pinkish-white flowers. It typically grows up to 1 meter tall and spreads outwards, forming a mat of leaves and stems. The leaves are shaped like a kidney and measure between 2- 4cm in diameter.
Origin
C. cryptocarpa is native to Southern Africa, particularly found in Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates and thrives in damp and marshy areas.
Uses
The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach ulcers, cough, and wounds. Roots and leaves extracts of the plant have been used as an expectorant and an antitussive as well as to treat hypertension, diabetes, and diarrhea.
The leaves are also used as a traditional food ingredient in South Africa and can be added to salads and soups.
Recently, chemical compounds such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and brahmoside have been isolated from the plant, and various studies have confirmed that these compounds have potential therapeutic benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Growth Conditions for Centella cryptocarpa
Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk, known as the Makoniaceae or juicy fruit pennywort, is a perennial herb that is native to certain areas of southern Africa. This plant is commonly used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties and is also a source of food for some communities.
Light Requirements
Centella cryptocarpa grows best in a partly shaded environment. It requires bright but indirect sunlight to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves and stunt its growth. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant under shade or in a position that receives filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F). In colder climates, Centella cryptocarpa can be grown indoors in a warm and humid environment.
Soil Requirements
Centella cryptocarpa prefers moist and well-draining soil. It requires soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, which can cause rotting of roots. Therefore, it is beneficial to add coarse sand or perlite to improve soil drainage.
Note: Centella cryptocarpa can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds, but it is easier to grow from cuttings. It is also a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, regular watering is essential to ensure optimum growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
The Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk plant is a herbaceous perennial plant that requires little maintenance and care. It grows well in both full and partial shade with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting, it is essential to space the plants between 10-15 cm apart to enable adequate circulation of air and promote their growth.
The best time to plant Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk is during early spring. Ensure the soil is moist before planting, to enable the young plants to establish their roots firmly. As the plant grows, it forms a dense mat-like ground cover that requires little care, making it suitable for beginners.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial for the survival and growth of Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk. It requires a regular supply of water to thrive, especially during dry seasons. However, the plant is susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered.
It is essential to ensure the plant's soil remains evenly moist but not soggy. When watering, avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases. More so, frequent watering during the rainy season would necessitate less watering to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk is not a heavy feeder, and requires adequately fertilized soil to thrive. When planting, it is essential to add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to increase its fertility and ensure healthy plant growth.
For established plants, applying a balanced fertilizer two to three times per year is sufficient to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this may lead to leaf burn or cause the roots to rot.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk. However, if the plant appears leggy and unkempt, you can prune it to maintain its shape. Pruning should be done during the early spring season, before new growth appears.
It is essential to use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to avoid transmitting diseases to the plant. Cut back the stems to the desired length, ensuring to leave a few leaves on each stem. More so, removed the dead or yellowed leaves as necessary to promote healthy regrowth.
Propagation
Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk can be propagated through a variety of methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds should be harvested when the capsules have turned brown and the seeds inside have turned black. The seeds should then be cleaned and stored in a dry, cool place until they are ready for propagation. To prepare for planting, the seeds should be soaked overnight in room temperature water. The seeds can then be sown in a seedbed or individual pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Centella cryptocarpa M.T.R.Schub. & B.-E.van Wyk can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and rooted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until they have established roots, which usually takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Division can be done by carefully separating the plant's root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system and foliage. The sections can then be replanted in individual pots or directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management of Centella cryptocarpa
Centella cryptocarpa is a hardy plant that is susceptible to different types of diseases and pests. Proper management techniques can help prevent these issues from damaging the plant and ultimately affecting the yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal leaf spots: These are small, circular, or angular spots that appear on the leaves and eventually lead to the death of the plant. It is caused by fungi, and it mainly affects weakened plants. To manage this disease, remove and discard all infected plants. Also, practice good sanitation and avoid overhead irrigation, which can spread the disease.
Root rot: This is a disease caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. Also, sanitize all equipment used in the garden.
Bacterial leaf spots: Bacterial leaf spots appear as water-soaked spots on the foliage, which later turn yellow and brown and cause a reduction in yield. To prevent bacterial leaf spots, practice good sanitation, avoid watering late in the day, and use disease-free seedlings.
Pests
Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control aphids, use insecticidal soaps, introduce predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or use neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs attack the stems and leaves of the plant, causing wilting and stunting of growth. To manage mealybugs, introduce predators, prune the damaged areas, or use neem oil.
Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water, introduce predatory insects, or use insecticidal soap.
By following these pest and disease management techniques, you can ensure that your Centella cryptocarpa plant grows healthy and productive. Proper management techniques can go a long way in preventing pests and diseases from damaging your crop.
