Overview
Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke, also known as the East African Glory Bower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. This plant is native to Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa and is commonly found growing in moist areas such as forest clearings, along streams and roadsides.
Description
The Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke is a young tree that typically grows up to 10 meters high with a trunk diameter of about 15 cm. Its bark is pale greyish-brown and rough with diamond-shaped patterns, while its branches are slender with spreading tips. The leaves are simple and opposite, measuring 8 to 15 cm long and 4 to 7 cm wide, with elongated oval shapes and serrated edges. The flowers are arranged in terminal clusters, measuring about 3 to 6 cm in length, with a sweet fragrant odor and a bright reddish-orange hue. These blooms are attractive to bees and butterflies and appear during the rainy season between November and January.
Common Names
The Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke has several common names, including the East African Glory Bower, East African Lavender, Marabu, and Mabuyuni. In Swahili, it is known as Mti wa Ururaji, while in Kikuyu language, it is called Gathekaini.
Uses
Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are boiled and taken as a tea to treat stomachache, fever, and urinary tract infections. The crushed leaves are applied topically to relieve headaches, skin rashes, and wounds. The flowers of the plant are used to make perfumes and as a natural dye for fabrics and baskets. The bark of the tree is used to create charcoal, while its wood is utilized for carving and creating household items like spoons, mortars, and pestles.
Overall, Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke is a beautiful and beneficial plant that grows in East Africa. Its bright orange flowers, fragrant aroma, and medicinal properties make it an essential part of the region's ecology and economy.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke grows best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sun, but too much sunlight can scorch its leaves. Lack of sunlight can result in slow growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke is between 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). It can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but may not grow as vigorously. In cold temperatures, it is advisable to keep the plant in a warm, humid environment.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can thrive in a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.
It is recommended to add perlite or sand to the soil mixture to improve drainage. The plant can also benefit from a layer of mulch on the soil surface to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke, commonly known as Glory Bower, is a tropical and subtropical evergreen shrub that requires warm temperatures to thrive. It likes bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7.5. Glory Bower can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. When growing the plant from cuttings, it is best to ensure a high humidity level to enhance root formation. Keep the cutting moist and take care not to overwater.
Watering Needs
Glory Bower requires moderate watering. The soil should be slightly moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the temperature, air humidity, and soil type. In the dry season, it may require more frequent watering to keep the soil moist. Use filtered water to irrigate the plant and avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent fungus infections.
Fertilization
It is necessary to fertilize Glory Bower to maintain its health and ensure it has adequate nutrients to grow. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every one to two months, particularly during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization as it may burn the plant's roots, leading to leaf browning or drop. Gradually increase the amount of fertilization and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure Glory Bower maintains its shape, size, and health. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season or after flowering to avoid affecting the blooming cycle. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out overgrown areas to increase airflow and sunlight penetration. Use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of infections. To maintain the plant's size, trim back the tips of the branches, taking care not to remove too much foliage. Cut back to just above a healthy, outward-facing bud.
Propagation of Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke
Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke, also known as Zimbabwe cherry, can be propagated through three different methods: seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Collect ripe berries from the plant and remove the flesh from the seeds. Clean the seeds in water and place them in a mixture of sand and compost. Germination typically takes between two and three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 5-10 cm, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Take stem cuttings of approximately 20 cm in length during the plant's growing season. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only two or three sets of leaves at the top. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant the cuttings in a well-draining mix of sand and compost. Water the cuttings and place them in bright but indirect light. In about six to eight weeks, roots should develop, and the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or outdoors.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering involves rooting a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. Select a healthy stem and make a shallow cut about 2.5 cm below a node. Wrap sphagnum moss around the cut, securing it with plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist by spraying it with water regularly. Once roots have developed in the moss, cut the stem below the air layering and transplant it to a larger pot or outdoors.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke
Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke, commonly known as Bleeding Heart Vine, is a perennial vine that produces stunning pink and white heart-shaped flowers. While it's relatively easy to grow, the plant is susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can damage or kill it if not managed.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Bleeding Heart Vine is root rot, caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Signs of root rot include yellowing or wilting leaves and a foul smell coming from the soil. To manage this disease, make sure to plant the vine in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that affects Bleeding Heart Vine. It causes dark spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf drop. Removing infected leaves and improving air circulation can help manage this disease.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that is common in warm, humid conditions. It appears as a white or grayish powdery substance on the leaves and stems, causing the plant to look unsightly. To manage this disease, keep the area around the plant clean and dry and prune infected parts of the vine.
Common Pests
Bleeding Heart Vine can also be affected by several pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and become brittle. Regularly spraying the plant with a strong jet of water can help control spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that resemble bits of cotton. They excrete a sticky substance that can attract ants and encourage the growth of fungus. To get rid of mealybugs, remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Aphids are another pest that can damage Bleeding Heart Vine by sucking sap and secreting honeydew, which attracts ants and can promote fungal growth. Spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap can help control aphids.
Overall, the best way to manage diseases and pests on Clerodendrum schlechteri Gürke is to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained. Regularly inspecting the vine for signs of damage and promptly addressing any issues can go a long way in ensuring the plant remains healthy and beautiful.
