Overview
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. is a small perennial plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is a native plant species in East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Muhogo wa kichina in Kiswahili, which means "Chinese arrowroot" in English. It is also referred to as the tuberous-rooted clerodendrum.
Uses
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. is primarily used as a food crop and for medicinal purposes. The roots and tubers of this plant are consumed by humans, particularly during periods of food shortages. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, such as its use in treating stomach and skin ailments.
General Appearance
The tuberous-rooted clerodendrum is a small plant that typically grows up to 1.5m in height. Its leaves are large and broad, measuring up to 15cm in length and 10cm in width. The plant's flowers are small and white, and are clustered in round inflorescences. The root of the plant is tuberous, and is used as a food source.
Light requirements
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. thrives best in partial shade to full sun exposure. It requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce flowers and stimulate growth. When grown in an environment with insufficient light, the plant may become leggy and produce weak stems.
Temperature requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions of Africa, and it prefers warm temperatures ranging between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and not less than 60°F (15°C) at night. The plant can survive temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but it may suffer from leaf damage, stunted growth, and flowering problems at such temperatures.
Soil requirements
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. flourishes best in well-drained, moist soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.2. The soil should be rich in organic matter but not waterlogged as the plant is prone to root rot. Use a potting mix made of rich loam, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand, which will improve drainage and aeration. The plant can also grow well in sandy soils, but frequent irrigation is necessary to keep the soil moist.
Cultivation:
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 3m tall. It can be easily cultivated in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and acidic soils. It prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant requires full sun to partial shade and can be grown in containers or outdoors.
Watering needs:
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. prefers well-drained soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. It requires more frequent watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Ensure that the soil is always moist, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
It is recommended to fertilize Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. once every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Reduce the frequency of fertilization during dormancy or when the plant stops producing new growth. Ensure that the fertilizer is diluted correctly before application and avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning:
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. requires occasional pruning to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Prune after flowering to control the plant's growth and shape. Cut back the stems by one-third to half their length, removing any unwanted branches and improving the plant's overall shape. Regular pruning helps promote new growth and increases the production of flowers.
Propagation of Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc.
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be obtained by harvesting matured fruits from the parent plant. The fruits are usually dark brown and round, containing several seeds. After harvesting, the seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for about 24-48 hours to soften the hard seed coat and improve germination.
The soaked seeds should be sowed in trays or pots filled with well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the trays/pots should be placed in a shaded area with a temperature range of 25-30°C.
Germination occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots after they have developed two to three pairs of leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings or root cuttings.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, matured plants. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm in length and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone powder to enhance rooting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil mixture and kept in a shaded area with a temperature range of 25-30°C. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Rooting occurs within 6-8 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Root cuttings can also be used for propagation. The roots should be cut into sections of about 2-3cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil mixture and kept in a shaded area with a temperature range of 25-30°C. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Rooting occurs within 6-8 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Overall, Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. can be propagated easily through seed propagation and vegetative propagation methods.
Disease Management
The Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. plant is susceptible to a variety of diseases. Here are some common diseases and how to manage them:
- Leaf spots: This is a common fungal disease that causes small brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove affected leaves, ensure proper air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: This is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots, causing them to rot. To manage it, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use a fungicide if necessary.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves. To manage it, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use a fungicide if necessary.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and stems. To manage it, remove affected leaves and use a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Several pests can damage the Clerodendrum taborense Verdc. var. latifolium Verdc. plant. Here are some common pests and how to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of the plants. To manage them, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or use an insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage them, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, increase humidity around the plant, or use miticides if necessary.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew holes in leaves and stems. To manage them, handpick the caterpillars off the plant, introduce natural predators like birds or parasitic wasps, or use a biological insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis if necessary.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that produce a waxy coating on the leaves and stems. To manage them, wipe the plant down with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or use an insecticidal soap if necessary.
