Overview
Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to East Africa, particularly Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Frankincense Clerodendrum or the Gum Clerodendrum due to its resinous properties.
Appearance
The Frankincense Clerodendrum is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has a compact and bushy habit with a spread of up to 2 meters. The leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, dark green, and have a glossy appearance. They can grow up to 12 cm long. The inflorescences are terminal and consist of many small, white flowers. The flowers are tubular with five lobes.
Uses
The Frankincense Clerodendrum has several medicinal uses. The roots and leaves extract has antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat snakebites, wounds, and malaria. The resin, also known as Frankincense, is used in perfumes, incenses, and cosmetics. The plant is also used in traditional African medicine as a purgative and a treatment for venereal diseases.
Frankincense Clerodendrum is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is easy to grow and can thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It is also relatively drought-tolerant.
Light requirements
The Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. is a plant species that thrives in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. The plant can grow well indoors but requires adequate lighting to bloom. Therefore, growing this plant outdoors is ideal because it enhances its overall growth and blooming potential.
Temperature requirements
The Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. thrives in a warm and humid climate. The optimal temperature range for the Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. is between 20-30°C. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that the plant's growing area has a stable and consistent temperature range. Also, during the winter months, it is ideal to keep the plant in a warm room or cover it with a cloth to protect it from frost damage.
Soil requirements
The Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH range should be between 5.5 and 6.8. The plant's soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot or other fungal diseases. Therefore, watering should be done only once the topsoil is dry. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around the plant can help conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and provide nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. is a tropical plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic in nature.
It is recommended to germinate the seeds indoors in a pot with a moist soil mixture. Once they grow to a certain size, the seedlings can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Regular watering is necessary during the growing season, and it is important to protect the plant from frost or extremely low temperatures.
Watering Needs
Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. requires consistent moisture to thrive, but it is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
The frequency of watering depends on the climate and the type of soil. In general, it is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the winter months.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization helps the plant grow and produce flowers. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization as it can cause the plant to become leggy.
Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be used to provide nutrients to the plant. However, it is important to avoid direct contact with the foliage as it can cause burns.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary but can be done to shape the plant or to promote bushier growth. It is recommended to prune the plant after the flowering season has ended.
Deadheading the spent blossoms can also encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period. Remove any diseased or damaged parts of the plant to prevent the spread of infection to healthy parts.
Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Disinfect the blades before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc.
Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and division propagation. The following are the propagation methods in detail.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method of propagating Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. Plants grown from seeds tend to be more resilient and adaptable. The ideal sowing time is in spring when the temperature is above 20°C. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of sand, vermiculite, and peat moss. The seeds should be kept moist and placed in indirect sunlight. Germination takes about 2-4 weeks. When the seedlings grow to about 4-6 inches tall, they can be repotted into individual pots.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cutting propagation is a fast and effective way of propagating Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. plants. The best time to take stem cuttings is in early summer when the plant is in its active growth stage. The stem cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have two to three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and should be kept moist. Rooting takes about 2-3 weeks. When the roots have developed, the plant can be repotted into a larger container or planted directly in the ground.
Division propagation
Division propagation is a method of propagating Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. wherein the plant is divided into smaller sections. This method is ideal for plants that have outgrown their current pot or have started to become root-bound. The plant should be carefully lifted from the container. The root system should be unraveled, and the plant should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have adequate roots and foliage. Each section can then be repotted in a separate pot with fresh soil or planted directly in the ground.
Disease Management for Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc.
Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, some diseases can still affect it.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a disease that causes circular or angular spots on the leaves. Fungal pathogens like Cercospora and Phyllosticta usually cause it. You can manage it by removing the affected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant. Fungicides like copper fungicide can also help control the disease.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease characterized by yellow, orange, or red pustules on the leaves. It can cause serious damage to the plant if not managed early. Prevent rust by practicing good sanitation and ensuring that the plant is not overwatered. Use a suitable fungicide if the disease persists.
Root Rot: Root rot is a disease caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. The roots of the plant become brown and mushy, making it difficult for the plant to absorb nutrients. You can manage root rot by improving drainage and reducing watering. Additionally, use a fungicide to treat the plant's roots.
Pest Management for Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc.
Clerodendrum commiphoroides Verdc. is not often affected by pests, but when they do, they can cause serious damage.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny sap-sucking insects that attack the plant's foliage. They lead to wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. You can manage mealybugs by regularly inspecting the plant and removing any visible pests. Additionally, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are hard, waxy pests that are difficult to see. They attack the plant's stem, leaves, and fruit, leading to discoloration and plant death. Use a mixture of water and dish soap to remove the scale insects from the plant. Additionally, use horticultural oil to control the infestation.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that attack plants. They cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant's foliage. Manage spider mites by spraying the plant with water to remove them. Additionally, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
