Origin
Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is native to southern Africa, particularly in the Cape Floristic Region. The plant is commonly found in moist soils along streams and rivers, and in marshy areas from sea level to an altitude of 2000 m.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Water Pennywort, Marsh Pennywort, and Tjakkerblad in Afrikaans.
Uses
Centella hermanniifolia has numerous medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive problems, fever, and tuberculosis. The herb is also used in cosmetic products, particularly in the treatment of scars and stretch marks.
The plant is highly nutritious and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is often consumed as a vegetable or eaten as a salad in some parts of southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
General Appearance
Centella hermanniifolia is a creeping plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has a thin stem that is light green in color and produces runners that root at the nodes. The leaves are small, bright green, and round-shaped with a smooth texture. The flowers are small and white, and are arranged in umbels that grow at the end of the stems. The fruit is small and cylindrical in shape.
The plant has a distinctive aroma and taste, with a slightly bitter and slightly sweet flavor. It is important to note that the plant can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, so it is advisable to exercise caution when using it for medicinal or culinary purposes.
Light Requirements
Centella hermanniifolia var. hermanniifolia prefers to grow under partly shaded conditions. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight exposure, which may cause leaf burn. Therefore, it is best suited for growing in areas receiving dappled or filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in a wide range of temperatures. However, it requires warm temperatures between 20 and 30°C for optimal growth and development. Centella hermanniifolia var. hermanniifolia cannot thrive in temperature extremes either hot or cold, as they can lead to poor growth and contribute to low yield rates
Soil Conditions
The ideal soil for growing Centella hermanniifolia var. hermanniifolia should be well-draining, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH of about 6.0-6.5 for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types from sandy loam to heavy clay soils. However, waterlogging should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and ultimately affect the plant's growth rate
Cultivation
Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia is a creeping herb that prefers warm and humid climates. It can grow well in both sunny and shady areas, but it needs well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. For propagation with cuttings, healthy shoots of around 5 cm length can be used.
Watering Needs
This plant prefers moist soil and requires regular watering, especially when grown in sunny areas. Watering should be avoided during heavy rainfall or waterlogging, as it may cause damage to the plant.
Fertilization
Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia does not need excessive fertilization. It can be fertilized with organic fertilizers like compost or manure, or with chemical fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio. Overfertilization should be avoided as it may lead to reduced plant growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning should be undertaken to manage the plant's height and encourage branching. The best time to prune is during the growing season, and it is important to avoid excessive pruning. Dead or diseased leaves should be pruned regularly to maintain the plant's health.
Propagation of Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia
Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia can be propagated through various methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia can be propagated through seeds. The seeds need to be collected when the fruit changes its color to brown. The collected seeds should be sown in a well-drained mix of soil and sand, and then watered gently. The seeds should be kept under a shade for a few days until they germinate. After that, the seedlings can be transplanted to bigger containers, or directly in the soil.
Cuttings Propagation
Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia can also be propagated through cuttings. To propagate through cuttings, select a healthy stem of the plant and cut it into several pieces of equal lengths. Each cutting should consist of a few nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained mix of soil and sand, and watered gently. The cuttings should be kept under a shade for a few days until they start rooting. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to bigger containers, or directly in the soil.
Division Propagation
Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia can also be propagated through division method. The plant can be carefully dug out of the soil by taking care not to damage the roots. The plant can be divided into smaller sections, each consisting of a few stems and roots. These smaller sections can then be planted in well-drained soil, and watered gently. The new transplants can be kept under shade for a few days until they get established.
Disease and Pest Management for Centella hermanniifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Domin var. hermanniifolia
Centella hermanniifolia is a shade-loving, herbaceous plant found in South Africa. It is known for its medicinal properties, but like any other plant, it is vulnerable to various pests and diseases. It is crucial to manage these issues to maintain plant health and productivity.
Common Diseases
The following are some of the diseases that may affect Centella hermanniifolia:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and overall plant decline. To manage anthracnose, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts.
- Phytophthora root rot: This soil-borne disease can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and root decay. To manage Phytophthora root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plants and soil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to stunted growth and wilting. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests
The following are some of the pests that may affect Centella hermanniifolia:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause leaves to curl and distort, and may also transmit viral diseases. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves and can cause yellowing, mottling, and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, improve air circulation, avoid over-fertilization, and use insecticidal soap or miticides if necessary.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects feed on leaves, buds, and flowers, causing deformed growth and discoloration. To manage thrips, improve air circulation around the plant, use reflective mulch, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Prevention is always the best management strategy for diseases and pests. Encourage plant health by providing proper care such as adequate water, nutrients, and light. Monitor the plant regularly for signs of damage and take action promptly to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
