Overview of Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke, commonly known as “Bitter Glory of the Forest,” is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is an indigenous African plant that is native to the wet forests of West Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo.
Description and Appearance
The plant grows up to a height of 10-12 feet and spreads up to a width of 6-8 feet. The leaves of the plant are large, leathery, glossy, and dark green in color. The leaf veins and margins are reddish-brown and velvety. The flowers are borne in clusters at the tips of branches, with each flower measuring about 1 inch wide. The flowers are red and pink, with a long tube and five-lobed petal that opens flat. The fruit is a small, round, and fleshy berry that turns black when it ripens.
Common Names
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke is commonly known as “Bitter Glory of the Forest” in English, “Faith Aye” in Yoruba, and “Ohu” in Igbo. It is also known as “Mama Akpu” or “Mama Ewe” in some parts of Nigeria.
Uses
Medicinally, Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke has significant therapeutic effects on various ailments such as fever, inflammation, pain, wounds, and skin diseases. The plant is used for treating malaria and other parasitic infections. The fruit is used in traditional medicine for treating stomach ache, diarrhea, and dysentery. In addition, the plant is used in some parts of Africa for treating snake bites.
Besides, the plant is ornamental and can be grown as a hedge or specimen plant in gardens. The flowers of the plant are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an excellent addition to any garden. The leaves and stems are also used for making natural insecticides, dyes, and perfume.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke thrives in partial sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light and can handle shade but not full sun. Direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so be careful when placing it in a location with bright lighting.
Temperature Requirements
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke prefers warm and humid conditions. It needs temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C) to grow at its best. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or cold drafts. It should be protected from cold air as it can lead to leaf drop or damage.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and can retain moisture without getting waterlogged. It can adapt to different soil types, but the soil should be fertile and well-draining. Soil that is too compact can lead to root rot and stunted growth.
Cultivation
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It is best grown in well-drained soil under partial shade to prevent sunburn.
If you live in an area with a colder climate, it is recommended that you grow your Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke in a pot and move it indoors during the winter months.
Watering Needs
It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist to encourage healthy growth. You should water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
During the summer months, you may need to water your Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke more frequently due to increased evaporation caused by higher temperatures.
Fertilization
You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to fertilize your Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke during the growing season.
Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks at half-strength to prevent salt buildup in the soil. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep your Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke healthy and flourishing. You should remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems as soon as you notice them.
You can also prune your plant to control its shape and size. Always use sharp pruning shears to prevent crushing or tearing the stems.
It is best to prune your plant in the early spring before new growth appears. This will give your plant plenty of time to recover and produce healthy new growth.
Propagation of Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke
The Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke, also known as Stick Verbena, is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation through seeds is ideal for individuals who want to grow this plant from scratch. The seeds of the Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke are small, black, and flat, with a wing attached to one side. Once the seeds are harvested, they can be sown in trays containing good quality soil. It is necessary to keep the soil moist but not saturated. The trays should be placed in a warm location with bright light but not direct sunlight. The seeds will start to germinate in 14-21 days.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate the Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke. Soft, new growth stems can be cut into 4-6 inch sections and then dipped into rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a good quality potting mix and misted to maintain moisture. They should be placed in a bright location but not direct sunlight. The root will start to develop in 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke can propagate through layering. In this method, a stem is bent to the ground and pinned using a wire. It will develop roots at the point where the stem touches the ground. Once the roots are formed, the stem can be cut from the mother plant and be replanted in another container or location.
Propagation of Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke is an easy and very common practice. By following any of the three methods, gardeners can quickly acquire many new plants for their garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum Chevalieri Moldenke
Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke is a beautiful plant that is native to West Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some of the common problems that you might face while growing this plant, and some tips for how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Infected leaves will have yellow or brown lesions that may have a dark border. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts. You can also use fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as red, orange, or brown spots on the underside of the leaves. It can cause defoliation in severe cases. To control rust, remove and destroy infected leaves and keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris. There are also fungicides available that can help manage rust.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. You can also use fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. You can control aphids by removing them with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die. You can control spider mites by washing the leaves with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage. You can control caterpillars by removing them by hand or by using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
Conclusion
Growing a Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to be prepared for the pests and diseases that may attack the plant. By understanding the common problems that this plant faces and knowing how to manage them, you can keep your Clerodendrum chevalieri Moldenke healthy and beautiful for years to come.
