Overview
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. is a perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Spade-leaf navel-wort" or "Bigger pennywort".
Uses
The plant has several traditional uses. It is often used as an herbal remedy to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and wounds. In Zimbabwe, a decoction of the plant is used to treat mental illness. The leaves of the plant can also be used as a vegetable in salads or cooked as a spinach substitute.
Appearance
The centella villosa L. var. major Sond plant is a low-growing, creeping herb that grows up to 10 centimeters in height. It has broad, spade-shaped leaves that are slightly hairy with serrated edges. The leaves are attached to short stalks arising from the base of the plant. The plant blooms in the summer, with small, white or pink flowers clustered together on long stalks. The fruit of the plant consists of two elongated, flattened seeds.
Light Requirements
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. prefers partially shaded conditions and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. It grows well under the shade of trees or in areas with filtered light. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that does not receive direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Centella villosa L. var. major Sond is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 12°C and as high as 40°C but may not grow optimally. It is essential to maintain a temperature range suitable for the plant's growth to avoid any stress or damage.
Soil Requirements
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. grows well in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.0 to 7.0. The plant prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It is sensitive to drought and requires constant moisture, so the soil should be kept moist without waterlogging. The addition of compost or organic matter can improve the soil quality and enhance the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Centella Villosa L. Var. Major Sond.
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. can be easily grown in tropical or subtropical climates. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C, and it has a preference for moist environments.
The plant can be grown in pots or in the garden. If planting in a pot, use a rich, well-draining soil mixture and ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight. If planting in the garden, choose a spot with partial shade, and ensure that the soil is kept moist.
Watering Needs for Centella Villosa L. Var. Major Sond.
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. requires frequent watering, especially during the summer months. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporation and temperature stress.
If the plant appears wilted or the soil is dry to the touch, it is an indication that it requires watering. However, avoid overwatering as this may lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Centella Villosa L. Var. Major Sond.
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and ensure a steady supply of nutrients. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Avoid overfertilization as this may cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer leaves.
Pruning for Centella Villosa L. Var. Major Sond.
Pruning is necessary to keep Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. healthy and attractive. Regularly trim the plant to remove any yellow or dead leaves, as well as to maintain its shape and size.
If the plant becomes too large or leggy, it can be pruned more drastically to encourage the growth of new stems and leaves.
Propagation of Centella villosa L. var. major Sond.
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. is a perennial herb that is typically propagated through vegetative methods. The following are the most common propagation methods:
Division
The easiest and most reliable method of propagating this plant is through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and a few leaf nodes. This can be done during the growing season, and each section can be planted directly into a pot or garden bed.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring, when new growth is just starting to appear. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 5-8 cm in length. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide some shade until new growth appears.
Seeds
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. can also be propagated from seed, although this method is less reliable. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and provide some shade until the seedlings appear. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or garden beds.
Overall, division and cuttings are the most reliable methods of propagating Centella villosa L. var. major Sond., and will ensure that new plants are true to the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Centella villosa L. var. major Sond.
Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. is a common medicinal plant that is prone to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is crucial to ensure healthy growth and maximum yield of the plant.
Common Diseases and their Management
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew can affect Centella villosa. These diseases can be managed by improving air circulation and reducing humidity around the plant. Fungicides can also be used, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and soft rot can also affect Centella villosa. Infected plants should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Copper-based fungicides may also be used as a preventative measure.
Viral diseases: Viral diseases such as mosaic virus can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves in Centella villosa. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests and their Management
Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that can cause damage by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems of Centella villosa. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap, or insecticidal soap. Introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs, can also help control aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing of leaves and fine webbing on the plant. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water to knock them off, or insecticidal soap. Introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, can also help control spider mites.
Root-knot nematodes: Root-knot nematodes can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves in Centella villosa. Crop rotation and soil solarization can help control root-knot nematodes. Applying neem cake or neem oil to the soil can also be effective.
By following the above disease and pest management practices, Centella villosa L. var. major Sond. can be grown successfully, leading to a healthy and thriving plant.
