Overview
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke, commonly known as "Bitter Glorybower" or "Clerodendrum", is a plant species native to Africa. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance.
Origin
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum is native to Cameroon and Nigeria in West Africa. It can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the African continent.
Common Names
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum has several common names, such as Bitter Glorybower, Clerodendrum, and Scent of a Woman Plant. In Cameroon, it is known as "Ogaza" or "Oloko".
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The leaves and roots of Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum are used to treat various ailments such as inflammation, pain, and rheumatism. The root extracts are also used to treat malaria.
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum is also used in the cosmetic industry. The plant extract is added to shampoos and conditioners to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.
General Appearance
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, with a serrated edge. The flowers are small, tubular, and have deep purple or red petals. The fruits are small and round, with a reddish-brown color.
The plant is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types. It requires regular watering and prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
Overall, Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum is a versatile plant with many uses and an attractive appearance, making it a popular choice in gardens and traditional medicine.Light Requirements
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke is a tropical plant that prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. The optimal temperature for Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke is between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It is essential to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations as it can stress the plant.
Soil Requirements
It is essential to consider the soil requirements for this plant. Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can create a suitable blend for this plant.
Cultivation of Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid climates. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant and can be propagated through stem cuttings or seedlings.
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it requires at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. The roots should be covered with soil and the plant should be watered thoroughly after planting.
Watering Needs
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum needs consistent moisture, but it should not be overwatered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During periods of hot, dry weather, the plant may need to be watered more frequently.
Make sure to water the plant at the base, as opposed to overhead watering, which can cause disease and damage the leaves.
Fertilization
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer should be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause damage to the roots and foliage.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum, but it can be beneficial in controlling its shape and size. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
When pruning, make sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears and cut just above a leaf node. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are growing in the wrong direction or are crossing over other branches.
Propagation methods for Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke
The plant Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits. Once the seeds are collected, they should be cleaned and sown in a pot or seed tray with good quality seed starting mix. The pot or tray should then be placed in a warm, moist location with filtered sunlight. The seedlings should emerge in 2-4 weeks and should be transplanted into individual pots once they reach 2-3 inches tall.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings is another common method of propagating Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer from the top of the plant. The cutting should be about 6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a pot with well-draining soil. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid location with filtered sunlight until the cutting has rooted. The rooted plant should be transplanted into individual pots once they establish enough roots.
Air layering propagation
Air layering method can be used to propagate Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke. This method involves wrapping a section of a stem with moist sphagnum moss or other rooting medium and enclosing it in plastic wrap. Roots will develop in the enclosed section of the stem, and once well-rooted, the new plant can be cut off the parent plant and potted up. This method is usually done in the spring or early summer.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke
Like other plants, Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke is susceptible to diseases and pests that can negatively affect their growth and productivity. As a gardener, there are several management approaches that you can use to prevent or reduce the damage caused by these diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke and how to manage them:
Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Powdery mildew can affect the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to become covered with a white, powdery substance. To prevent this disease, ensure that the plant is well-ventilated and not overcrowded. Prune any infected leaves or stems and dispose of them. You can also use fungicides to treat powdery mildew; ensure that you follow the instructions provided and use protective gear.
Leaf spot, on the other hand, causes the leaves to develop circular or angular spots. To manage this disease, you can remove and dispose of infected leaves, maintain proper irrigation practices, and use fungicides as prescribed.
Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to the roots becoming damaged and eventually rotting. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. Reduce watering during rainy seasons, and avoid watering the plant from above. If root rot has affected the plant, you can try to revive it by reducing the watering schedule and increasing aeration around the roots.
Pests
The most common pests that can affect Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs can be identified as white, cotton-like substances on the leaves or stems of the plant. You can remove them manually, use insecticidal soap, or other methods recommended by a local gardening center.
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and eventually fall off. You can manage spider mites through proper irrigation and regular cleaning of the plant to prevent infestation. You can also use insecticidal soaps, predatory mites, or other commercially available insecticides.
Scale insects are oval or round insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown. You can remove them manually, use rubbing alcohol to clean the plant, or other methods recommended by a local gardening center.
In conclusion, by following proper cultural practices and promptly managing diseases and pests that affect Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke var. subintegrum (A.Chev.) Moldenke, the plant can grow healthy and provide you with the expected beauty in your garden.
