Overview
Commelina acutispatha De Wild., commonly known as Sword Commelina, is a species of flowering plant in the Commelinaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Description
The Sword Commelina is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has an erect stem with lance-shaped, green leaves that grow up to 35 centimeters in length. The leaves are asymmetrical at the base with the upper portion narrower than the lower portion. The plant produces blue, purple, or white flowers with three petals that are asymmetrical, with the lower petal being larger and boat-shaped. The flowers are borne on long stalks that arise from the axils of the leaves.
Common Names
The Sword Commelina goes by various common names, including Angola Commelina, Acute-Flowered Dayflower, and Gabon Commelina.
Uses
The Sword Commelina is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. In Cameroon, the leaves are used to treat gonorrhea, while in Nigeria, the plant is used to treat stomachache and wounds. The plant is also used as a vegetable in some parts of West Africa. The leaves and young stems are cooked as a side dish or added to soups and stews. The plant is also grown as an ornamental in gardens and as a groundcover in landscaping projects.
Light Requirements
The plant Commelina acutispatha De Wild. requires moderate to full sunlight for proper growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may not bloom as well as it would in full sunlight. A location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Commelina acutispatha De Wild. thrives in temperatures between 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but may struggle to survive in temperatures below 15°C (59°F) for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
The plant Commelina acutispatha De Wild. requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and it should be rich in organic matter. Adding compost or peat moss to the soil before planting can help improve the soil’s quality and structure.
Cultivation Methods
Commelina acutispatha De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid climate. It can be cultivated both outdoors and indoors. When planting outdoors, choose a spot with partial shade, moist soil, and good drainage. The soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. In indoor cultivation, place the plant in a pot with well-draining soil and adequate humidity.
Watering Needs
Watering is an essential aspect of Commelina acutispatha De Wild.’s care routine. The plant requires regular watering but does not tolerate flooding. It is essential to keep the soil moist without letting it become waterlogged. When watering, avoid pouring water on the leaves or flowers to protect them from rot.
Fertilization
Commelina acutispatha De Wild. requires regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season, i.e., spring and summer. Fertilize once every two weeks. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce the frequency to once a month.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the health and appearance of Commelina acutispatha De Wild. Cut off wilted flowers and yellow leaves regularly to promote the growth of new buds. Remove damaged and diseased parts of the plant as they appear. Pruning helps to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.
Propagation of Commelina acutispatha De Wild.
Commelina acutispatha De Wild. is a perennial plant that is propagated by division, seeds and cuttings. Here are the details about each propagation method:
Division
Division is the easiest way to propagate Commelina acutispatha De Wild. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring when new growth starts to emerge. To divide the plant, dig up the entire root system and carefully separate the roots into several sections. Make sure that each section has several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mixture and keep them moist until new growth appears.
Seeds
Commelina acutispatha De Wild. can also be propagated from seeds. Collect the seeds from the plant after the flowers have faded and the seed pods have dried. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture that is kept moist. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the container in a warm and bright location and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have grown and the roots are well-established, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Cuttings
Commelina acutispatha De Wild. can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the tips of the stems during the active growing season and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture that is kept moist. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the container in a bright location that receives indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist until new growth appears. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cuttings into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Commelina acutispatha De Wild.
Commelina acutispatha De Wild. can be affected by several diseases and pests, which can cause damage and reduce its productivity. Proper disease and pest management practices can help prevent and control these issues.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Commelina acutispatha De Wild. is the fungal disease leaf spot, which leads to the formation of small round spots with yellow edges that eventually turn brown and enlarge. This disease can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering, removing infected leaves, and applying fungicides.
Another common disease is root rot, which is caused by soil-borne fungi that multiply in wet and poorly-drained soils. This disease leads to stunted growth, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is essential to improve soil drainage, avoid over-watering, and remove infected plants.
Common Pests
Several pests can affect Commelina acutispatha De Wild. and reduce its productivity. One of the most common pests is the aphid, which sucks the sap and damages the plant. Aphids can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, or by applying insecticides.
Caterpillars, mealybugs, and spider mites are other pests that can affect Commelina acutispatha De Wild. and cause damage. Caterpillars can be controlled by handpicking, while mealybugs and spider mites can be managed by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Disease and Pest Management Strategies
The following strategies can help prevent and control diseases and pests in Commelina acutispatha De Wild.:
- Practice good sanitation by removing infected plants and pruning infected leaves.
- Improve soil drainage by adding organic matter and avoiding over-watering.
- Avoid overhead watering and keep the leaves dry.
- Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pests.
- Apply fungicides and insecticides as a last resort and according to label instructions.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can keep your Commelina acutispatha De Wild. healthy and productive.
