Overview of Clerodendrum obanense Wernham
Clerodendrum obanense Wernham is a flowering plant classified under the family Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae). It is native to tropical West Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant is also known by its common names Oban wone, Scrambling clerodendrum, and Red butterfly bush. It grows in areas with humid climates like rainforests, riverbanks, and swampy lands.
Appearance
Clerodendrum obanense Wernham is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height and 3 meters in width. Its leaves are lustrous green and arranged oppositely on the stem, which can measure up to 15 centimeters long. The flowers of the plant are crimson red, tubular, and approximately 3 centimeters long. They grow in clusters that can have up to 20 flowers, and they produce nectar that attracts bees and butterflies. After flowering, a fleshy fruit that is black or purple in color grows, and it contains seeds that aid in the reproduction of the plant.
Uses
There are many uses for Clerodendrum obanense Wernham. Indigenous people use its sap to treat various diseases such as asthma and tuberculosis. The stems and roots of the plant are also used to make herbal teas that alleviate menstrual cramps and stomachaches. Some tribes also use the leaves of Clerodendrum obanense Wernham to treat snakebites. In some African countries, people use the plant to decorate their gardens since it has beautiful crimson flowers that bloom all year round. The plant's dense foliage also makes it perfect for creating hedges and privacy screens.
Clerodendrum obanense Wernham is also popular among horticulturists and gardeners worldwide due to its aesthetic value. The plant's attractive flowers, glossy leaves, and bushy growth habit make it ideal for creating tropical landscapes. The plant thrives under partial shade and requires well-drained soil. It's easy to propagate through stem cuttings, and it is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of drought and pests.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum obanense requires bright to medium indirect light. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon. It is best to place the plant near a window facing east or west.
Temperature Requirements
C. obanense thrives in a warm environment with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold conditions, so it is essential to keep the plant away from cold drafts. Optimal indoor temperature ranges from 20°C to 22°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, slightly peaty soil. A good quality mix of potting soil and perlite or sand can provide the required drainage. It also prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 5.6 and 7.5.
Water and Humidity Requirements
C. obanense requires regular watering, but it is essential to avoid overwatering to avoid root rot. It should be watered once the top 1 or 2 inches of soil are dry. The plant prefers slightly moist soil but can tolerate some dryness. It can also thrive in high humidity, but it can also tolerate moderate levels of humidity.
Fertilizer Requirements
C. obanense requires fertilization every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, diluting it to half strength. However, it requires no fertilizer during the winter season.
Cultivation methods
Clerodendrum obanense Wernham is a plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. Thus, it is important to grow it in a spot where it receives plenty of indirect sunlight and at a temperature range of between 20 to 27°C.
The plant needs well-draining soil that remains moist but not waterlogged. Plant it in a pot or container that has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Propagation can be through seeds or stem cuttings, and it is recommended to repot the plant after two years.
Watering needs
Clerodendrum obanense Wernham needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Also, avoid letting the soil dry out between watering since it can cause the plant's leaves to start drooping.
You can water the plant twice a week during the dry season, while once a week is sufficient during the rainy season.
Fertilization
You can fertilize the Clerodendrum obanense Wernham once every two weeks in the growing season. It would be best to use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizer like compost tea every two weeks during the growing season to replenish the soil's nutrients.
Pruning
Prune your Clerodendrum obanense Wernham moderately to maintain its shape and size. You can remove the dead or dying leaves, stem, and flowers, which can provide an avenue for the spread of diseases and pests.
Regular pruning can help stimulate new growth and improve the plant's aesthetics. The best time to prune the plant is after the blooming season or during the dormant period.
Use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent damaging the plant and spreading diseases.
Propagation methods of Clerodendrum obanense Wernham
Clerodendrum obanense Wernham, also known as Owariensis is a beautiful shrub with showy flowers and attractive foliage. The plant can be propagated by different methods, and each of them has its specific requirements. Here are some of the propagation methods that you can use:
Propagation by seeds
The seeds are the easiest way to propagate Clerodendrum obanense Wernham. You can collect the seeds and plant them directly in the soil during the spring season. Before planting, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to enhance their germination. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring they are not too deep. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to enhance humidity and place it in a bright but indirect light location. Keep the soil moist until germination. It should take about 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a reliable method of propagating Clerodendrum obanense Wernham. Take cuttings of about 4-6 inches long from mature and healthy plants during the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only two or three at the top of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water it thoroughly. Place the pot in a bright but indirect light location and ensure the soil remains moist. Within a few weeks, the cutting should have developed roots.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering is a bit slower and not as common as other methods. Layering involves bending a low growing branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The covered part develops roots, and you can then cut the stem from the parent plant to create a new plant. This technique is suitable for Clerodendrum obanense Wernham because it has low-growing branches that can easily touch the soil. It takes about six months to one year for the new plant to develop enough roots to support itself.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum obanense is prone to certain diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi and bacteria. Some of the common diseases that can affect Clerodendrum obanense include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and plant death. To control anthracnose, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them. Also, apply a fungicide to protect the plant from new infections.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a gray powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To control powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation around the plant, remove infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This disease causes small, water-soaked spots on leaves that eventually turn yellow and fall off. To control bacterial leaf spot, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management
Clerodendrum obanense is also susceptible to various pests that can attack the plant. Some of the common pests that can affect Clerodendrum obanense include:
- Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. To control spider mites, maintain high humidity around the plant, remove any affected plant parts, and apply a miticide.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and skeletonization. To control caterpillars, physically remove them from the plant or apply a biological pesticide.
