Origin and Common Names
Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke subsp. austromonticola Verdc. is a plant species that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the mountainous regions of East Africa, specifically in Tanzania and Kenya. This plant is commonly known by several names, including Blue Butterfly Bush, Mng'aro, and Minkondole.General Appearance
The Blue Butterfly Bush is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its stems are usually woody and are covered by a smooth bark. The leaves are opposite, oval, and can grow up to 6 centimeters long. They are typically dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The plant produces numerous small, blue flowers that are arranged in clusters. The flowers have a tubular shape and are surrounded by four lobes. When in bloom, the Blue Butterfly Bush attracts various pollinators, such as butterflies and bees.Uses
Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke subsp. austromonticola Verdc. has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of this plant are known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They are often used to treat respiratory infections, stomach ailments, and skin conditions. In addition to its medicinal uses, the Blue Butterfly Bush is also a popular ornamental plant. Its stunning blue flowers and glossy leaves make it an excellent choice for landscaping and gardening. Despite its many beneficial uses, the plant is toxic when ingested in large quantities and should be handled with care.Light Requirements
The Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke subsp. austromonticola Verdc. grows best in partial to full sun environments. It is well adapted to conditions that provide 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light levels can result in weak stems, stunted growth, and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke subsp. austromonticola Verdc. prefers warm to hot temperatures to thrive. This plant species thrives in temperatures ranging from 18? to 27? (64? to 81?) and cannot tolerate frost. Temperatures below 10? (50?) could cause irreparable damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke subsp. austromonticola Verdc. prefers well-drained soil with moderate fertility. The plant grows in sandy, loamy or clay soils with pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 6-7). It is also drought-tolerant and can be grown on moderately drained soils.
Cultivation methods
Clerodendrum myricoides subsp. austromonticola is an evergreen plant that is perfect for outdoor cultivation in warm climates. It thrives in well-draining, loamy soil and prefers to grow in partial shade to full sunlight. It grows best in an area of moderate to high humidity and heat.
Watering needs
The plant requires consistent watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the winter months. Avoid watering the foliage as it may encourage fungal growth.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer months). A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be applied every three months. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to burnt foliage and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning should be carried out to control growth, improve the shape, and enhance flowering. Trim back the plant in the spring, just before the growing season. Remove any damaged or dead wood and cut back the previous year's growth by half. This will encourage new growth and enhance the flowering potential of the plant.
Propagation of Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke subsp. austromonticola Verdc.
The plant Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke subsp. austromonticola Verdc. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds, which can be collected and sown. To propagate the plant through seeds, the seeds should be collected when they turn dark brown and are slightly dry. The seeds must be soaked in water overnight and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist. The seeds will germinate in about 10 to 15 days.
Cutting propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 6-inch long cutting from the top of the plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Poke a hole in a potting mix and insert the cutting, and then water it in. Cover the pot with a polythene bag to maintain the moisture levels and keep the soil evenly moist. Root formation should take about 3-4 weeks.
Division propagation
The plant can be propagated through dividing rooted stems. Take the plant out of its pot and gently separate the rooted sections. The divided section should have enough roots and foliage of its own to sustain itself. It is essential to ensure that the sections are healthy and have a minimum of 3 leaves. Pot up each section in a pot with well-draining potting mix, keeping the soil moist.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum myricoides subsp. austromonticola is a pretty hardy plant; however, it is also susceptible to certain diseases. Proper care and management can prevent these diseases from affecting the plant:
- Root rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot. To manage this, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that soil is well-draining. If root rot already affects the plant, consider repotting it in fresh, dry soil.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew can appear as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this, remove any affected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overcrowded.
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots appear as brown or black spots on the leaves and can be a result of fungal infections. To manage this, remove any affected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overdue for a change of soil.
Pest Management
Clerodendrum myricoides subsp. austromonticola can be affected by certain pest infestations. These pests can affect the overall health and growth of the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests are commonly found in dry conditions and can be identified by the webs they spin on the plant. To manage them, spray the plant with a steady stream of water or use natural predator insects to destroy them.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that can suck out sap and affect the leaves. To manage them, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a suitable insecticide.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, brown insects that can appear as a waxy coating on the leaves. To manage them, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
