Overview of Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas
Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas is a species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is a sub-shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall. This species is commonly found in countries of West Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana. It is also known locally as "Ogirisi" in Nigeria and "Agogo" in Ghana.
Physical Characteristics of Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas
Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas has green leaves that are ovate with serrated margins. The flowers are borne in a panicle inflorescence that can be up to 20 cm long and have bright blue petals that are about 2 cm long. The fruit is a small drupe that is 5-8 mm in diameter and is red when ripe. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens or parks due to its attractive flowers.
Traditional Uses of Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas
In traditional medicine, the roots, bark, and leaves of Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas have been used to treat various ailments. In Nigeria, for example, the roots are used to treat diarrhea, while the leaves are used to treat ear infections. In Ghana, the leaves are used to reduce fever and as a laxative. The bark is commonly used as an astringent and is believed to be effective against skin diseases.
Cultivation of Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas
Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas requires well-drained soils and a sunny or partially shaded position. It is generally propagated from seed or stem cuttings. Once established, this species can tolerate moderate drought and requires minimal care. It is often grown for its ornamental value due to its attractive flowers.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas requires full sunlight to partial shade to thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. However, it cannot tolerate intense sunlight for prolonged periods, especially during the hottest months of summer.
Temperature Requirements
This species prefers moderate to warm temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. It can tolerate low temperatures of up to 4°C, but not for prolonged periods. Excessive cold damages the plant and affects its growth, and it may not recover if the temperature falls below freezing point.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, loamy, and slightly acidic. Clay soils are unsuitable as they hinder the development of the root system, which causes the plant to struggle to absorb adequate water and nutrients
Cultivation methods
The Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas plant is native to Africa and thrives well in warm regions with plenty of water. The plant grows best in partial shade, with at least 2-4 hours of sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained soil that retains some moisture but does not become water-logged. It is propagated through seeds and stem cuttings, and can grow up to 2 meters tall if given enough space.
Watering needs
The Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas plant needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. It can tolerate dry soil for short periods, but extended dryness can cause leaf drop. Water the plant whenever the top inch of soil is dry. During the summer, the plant may need to be watered more frequently due to high temperatures.
Fertilization
The Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas plant needs regular fertilization to maintain its vigor and health. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season from spring to fall. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization and root burn.
Pruning
The Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas plant requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches, and trim the tips of the remaining branches to encourage branching. You can also give the plant a light pruning during the growing season to remove any straggly stems and promote bushiness.
Propagation of Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas
Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas, commonly known as the African glory bower, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant is native to tropical Africa and is a favorite among gardeners because of its vibrant bloom of orange-red flowers
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common and reliable way to propagate Clerodendrum incisum. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season in summer when the plant is actively growing. Collect stem cuttings that are about 6 inches long, have at least 3 nodes, and have not yet developed woody bark. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a potting mix made up of peat moss and perlite. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and place the pot in a warm, bright location. The cutting should develop roots in about 6-8 weeks and can be transplanted to a larger pot or outdoors once it has become established.
Propagation by seed
Clerodendrum incisum can also be propagated by seed. Collect the seeds as soon as the fruits ripen and turn red in color. Sow the seeds in a potting mix and keep the soil moist and warm until the seedlings emerge. Transplant the seedlings to individual pots once they have developed their first set of true leaves, and gradually acclimatize them to the outdoor environment. It is important to note that it can take several years for seed-grown plants to reach maturity and flower.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that may affect the Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas plant. These include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can spread quickly and should be treated with a fungicide. Remove infected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Rust: This fungal disease appears as orange or yellow spots on the underside of leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide, and infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It can be treated with a fungicide, and infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
To prevent the occurrence of diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained. This includes avoiding over-watering, providing good air circulation, and removing dead or damaged leaves from the plant.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may affect the Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch var. longepedunculatum B.Thomas plant. These include:
- Mealybugs: These pests are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be treated with insecticidal soap, and it is important to remove heavily infested portions of the plant.
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects also feed on the sap of the plant. They can be treated with insecticidal soap, and removing them with a strong stream of water can also be effective.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or a miticide.
Preventative measures include inspecting new plants before bringing them home, maintaining healthy growing conditions, and pruning the plant to promote good air circulation. Regularly washing the leaves of the plant with water can also help prevent infestations.
