Origin
Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey is a plant species native to West Africa, specifically Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. It can also be found in Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as Gaboon glorybower and African glorybower. In its native land, it is called 'Eba houn' in Benin, 'Ododui ayogwu' in Nigeria, and 'Ochoko' in Cameroon.
Appearance
Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey is a shrub that grows up to 3m tall. It has a smooth greyish-brown bark and a dense crown of glossy green leaves that are 9-15cm long and 6-12cm wide. The leaves are ovate, with a pointed apex, a rounded base, and serrated margins. They are arranged oppositely on the stem, and each leaf has a distinct petiole.
The plant's flowers are the most notable feature. They are produced in large axillary panicles that can be over 30cm long. The individual flowers are tubular and have a greenish-yellow color. The calyx is five-lobed, and the corolla is 2.5-3cm long and has five spreading lobes. The inflorescence is attractive to insects, including butterflies and bees.
Uses
The plant is often grown as an ornamental due to its beautiful flowers. In Cameroon, the leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat stomach ache, fever, and diarrhea. The twigs are also used as chew sticks for oral hygiene.
In Gabon, the bark and roots are used for various medicinal purposes, including treating malaria, cough, and snakebites. The plant extracts have also shown antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Light Conditions
Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey thrives in bright indirect light or partial shade. It is best to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight as it may burn the leaves.
Temperature
This particular plant species prefers a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature for Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey is between 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). It will not tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 35°C (95°F).
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of sand, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite is recommended. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range between 6.0 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey prefers a warm and humid environment, making it ideal for tropical and subtropical regions. Plant them in areas with partial sun and well-draining soil with good fertility. This plant is low maintenance and grows easily under proper conditions.
Watering Needs
The Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey plant requires moderate watering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering during the winter as the plant is dormant. Overwatering may lead to root rot, so avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
When planting, add organic matter to the soil, such as compost and manure, to increase the soil's fertility. Use a complete fertilizer, containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, every two weeks during the growth phase. Stop fertilization during the winter. Overfertilization damages the plant roots and leads to lower productivity.
Pruning
Prune the Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey plant after blooming to ensure healthy growth. Trim the spent flowers and any dead, damaged, or cluttered branches to encourage airflow and sunlight into the plant's center. This method facilitates better growth and produces dense foliage and abundant flowers. Cut back to about 20% of the original stem length, and avoid cutting the main stem as it may stunt plant growth.
Propagation Methods for Clerodendrum Anomalum Letouzey
The propagation of Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey can be done through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey can be extracted from the mature fruit. The fruit usually ripens between November and January. The seeds can be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take up to four weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are a few inches tall.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be done by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Cuttings should be approximately six inches long and should have at least two nodes. Remove the lower set of leaves and dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-drained soil and keep it moist until roots develop. Rooting should occur within six to eight weeks. The new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location in the following spring.
Propagation through Division
Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey can also be propagated through division. The plant can be gently dug up and then separated into smaller plants. Each separate plant should have a healthy root system. These new plants can be replanted in well-drained soil and kept moist until established. Division is best done in the spring.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey
Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey is a beautiful, tropical plant that is known for its large, striking leaves and attractive, colorful flowers. Like all plants, however, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues that affect this plant and what can be done to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most significant diseases affecting Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey is leaf spot disease. This fungal infection appears as small, black spots on the leaves. The best way to prevent leaf spot is to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the leaves have good air circulation around them. If leaf spot does occur, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
Another common disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew. This is a fungal infection that causes a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, the plant should be grown in a location with good air circulation and not overwatered. If powdery mildew does occur, the plant can be treated with a fungicide.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey is spider mites. These tiny pests can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. To prevent spider mites, the plant should be kept well-watered and grown in a location with good air circulation. If spider mites are present, the plant can be treated with a miticide.
Another pest that can affect this plant is mealybugs. These insects are easy to spot as they look like small, white cotton balls. They can be removed from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the infestation is severe, the plant can be treated with an insecticide.
Overall, Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it is important to be aware of these common diseases and pests and take steps to manage them when necessary.
