Overview of Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild.
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. is a plant species belonging to the plant family Lamiaceae. It is commonly referred to as the African clerodendrum or simply savanna clerodendrum. This plant is indigenous to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Ghana, Chad, Angola, and Tanzania.
Description of Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild.
The African clerodendrum is a shrub that can grow up to a height of 6 meters. It has a moderate growth rate and can attain a spread of up to 4 meters. The plant has grey-brown bark and produces upright stems that are covered with hairy, glandular hairs. The leaves are oblong in shape, elongated, and grow up to a length of 20cm. They have serrated edges and are a dark green color on top and lighter underneath. The plant bears clusters of small fragrant flowers that have a tubular shape and are a pale pink color. The fruit produced by the African clerodendrum is a small, round capsule that is approximately 1cm in diameter.
Traditional Uses of Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild.
The African clerodendrum has various traditional uses across its native range. The plant is commonly used in folk medicine to treat a range of ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and malaria. The leaves and bark are boiled to produce a concoction that is used to treat bronchitis and respiratory infections. The plant's roots are also used to treat various types of parasites and worms in cattle.
Apart from its medicinal benefits, the African clerodendrum is also used in African cuisine. The leaves and young shoots of the plant are used as a vegetable in many dishes. They have a slightly bitter flavor and are commonly added to soups and stews.
Cultivation of Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild.
The African clerodendrum is a relatively easy plant to grow and can be propagated from seed or cuttings. The plant thrives in warm tropical climates and requires well-draining soil. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require extensive watering.
Overall, the African clerodendrum is a versatile plant with numerous traditional uses. Its unique appearance and fragrance make it a popular ornamental plant in many gardens worldwide.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. is a plant that needs bright but indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. Ideally, the plant should be placed near a window where it can receive at least six hours of bright, filtered light each day.
Temperature Requirements
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm temperatures. Ideally, the plant should be kept in an environment that is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep the plant away from drafts and extreme temperature changes, as it can be sensitive to these conditions.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for this plant should be made up of one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part compost. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and eventually kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. is a tropical plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It needs bright, direct sunlight to thrive, so choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting it in areas that are prone to waterlogging.
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C and 26°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extremely cold temperatures. If you live in a colder region, you can grow it indoors in a pot or container. Ensure that the container has proper drainage holes and use a potting mix that is specifically formulated for tropical plants.
Watering Needs
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. needs regular watering to stay healthy. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant season. In dry climates, you may need to water it more frequently.
Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot. Always check the soil moisture before watering. Insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it's time to water the plant.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and blooming, fertilize Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. You can use a slow-release fertilizer that provides nutrients gradually over an extended period.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced blooming. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the fertilizer and apply it in the amount recommended.
Pruning
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. does not require frequent pruning. However, you can prune the plant to shape it or control its size. Prune the plant after its blooming period is over, and new growth begins to emerge.
Use a sterilized pair of pruning shears to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any overgrown branches to their lateral buds to encourage new growth. Avoid cutting too much foliage as it can affect the health of the plant.
Propagation of Clerodendrum Savanorum De Wild.
Clerodendrum Savanorum De Wild. can be propagated by various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the success rate may vary depending on the plant's condition and the technique used.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is relatively easy but can take a long time to produce mature plants. The seeds are usually collected from the ripe fruits, which are yellow or reddish-brown in color. After removing the pulp from the seeds, they can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Germination may take several weeks to a few months, and the seedlings should be nurtured until they are large and sturdy enough to be transplanted.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a popular and effective method for Clerodendrum Savanorum De Wild. Stem cuttings should be taken from young, healthy plants during the growing season, preferably in the morning when the plant is hydrated. Cuttings should be between 5 and 10 cm long and contain at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until the roots are well established, which may take several weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a simple method that involves bending a low-lying branch of the Clerodendrum Savanorum De Wild. and making a small incision on the underside of the branch. A small amount of rooting hormone is applied to the cut area, and the branch is covered with soil. The branch will develop roots within a few weeks, and once the roots are well established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to its new location.
Disease Management for Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild.
Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. is generally a hardy plant, but it may fall prey to a few diseases. The most common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears on leaves and stems in the form of white or grayish powdery patches. To control this disease, it is best to remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Spraying with a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur is effective in preventing powdery mildew.
- Leaf spots: The plant is susceptible to leaf spot diseases caused by fungi. This disease appears as small, circular or irregular spots on the leaves. To control leaf spots, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Spraying with a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur is also effective in preventing the disease.
- Root rots: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that thrive in damp soil conditions. Infected plants may appear wilted or yellowed and have stunted growth. To prevent root rot, it is necessary to avoid over-watering and planting the Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. In well-drained soil. Remove infected plants, and treat the soil with a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild.
Like any other plant, Clerodendrum savanorum De Wild. may fall victim to a few pests. The most common pests that affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl or become distorted. A strong spray of water or applications of insecticidal soap can get rid of aphids. Pruning also helps to remove infested branches.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars usually attack the plant during the growing season, feeding on the leaves. Handpicking or using Bacillus thuringiensis or a pyrethroid insecticide is effective in controlling these pests.
- Spider mites: These pests cause yellowing of the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. Isolation of the infested plant and a spray of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can control spider mites. Regular watering and misting the plant can also prevent the infestation.
