Commelina Africana L. Forma Glabrata Chiov.

Overview

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov., commonly known as Smooth Commelina or White Mouth Dayflower, is a tropical, herbaceous plant that belongs to the dayflower family, Commelinaceae. It is a wild plant that grows naturally in various parts of the world, including tropical Africa and Madagascar.

Description

The Smooth Commelina is a small, creeping plant that grows up to 1 meter in length. It is characterized by its succulent, lance-shaped leaves that are green in color and about 2-8 cm long. The plant produces delicate, tri-petaled, light blue flowers with white centers that bloom all year round. The plant's stem and leaves appear hairless and are generally herbaceous.

Uses

Traditionally, Smooth Commelina plants have been used as medicinal plants to treat various ailments such as toothaches, respiratory problems, snakebites, and menstrual cramps. It is considered to have diuretic, laxative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, some indigenous communities use it as a vegetable in their diets. Smooth Commelina is also used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and blooms.

Cultivation

Smooth Commelina can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It requires moderate to high levels of moisture and well-drained soils to thrive. It grows best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. The plant is hardy and resilient, making it easy to grow in a home garden setting. It should be watered regularly and fertilized every two to three months to produce healthy growth. Care should be taken to control pests and diseases that are known to affect the plant.

Light Requirements:

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. requires bright, indirect light for growth. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves. Placing the plant in a slightly shaded area with bright, filtered light is ideal.

Temperature Requirements:

The ideal temperature range for the growth of Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. is between 18 to 27 degrees Celsius. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature range and to protect the plant from sudden temperature drops. Exposure to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can cause damage to the plant.

Soil Requirements:

The plant requires well-draining soil that can retain moisture. A mixture of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss is recommended for optimum growth. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. Adding a layer of mulch to the soil can help to retain moisture and protect the roots from heat and cold.

Cultivation

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

The best way to start seeds is to soak them in warm water for several hours before sowing them in a seed tray. The seed should be kept moist, and the seed tray should be placed in a warm spot with plenty of light until germination.

Once the seedlings have grown, they can be transplanted into their permanent location with a spacing of 30 to 45 cm apart.

Watering Needs

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. requires consistent moisture to grow well. The plants should be watered regularly, especially in hot and dry weather. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause waterlogging and lead to root rot.

During the growing season, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Fertilization

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer every four to six weeks. Alternatively, add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using chemical fertilizers to avoid overfeeding the plant, which can cause burning of the foliage.

Pruning

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. does not require extensive pruning. However, it's a good idea to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems regularly to keep the plant healthy.

To promote bushier growth, pinch back the tips of young plants when they reach a height of about 15 cm. This will encourage the plant to branch out and produce more flowers.

Propagation of Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov.

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. can be propagated through various methods. The most common methods include:

1. Seed propagation

Propagation through seeds is a popular method for Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. Seeds are sown in prepared soil in a pot or tray, and the tray is kept moist until the seeds germinate. After germination, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots or directly planted in the ground.

2. Cutting propagation

Cutting propagation is another effective method of propagating Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a rooting medium, such as sand or peat moss. Once roots form, the cutting can be transplanted into a pot or directly planted in the ground.

3. Division propagation

Division propagation involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This method is best done during early spring. The parent plant is removed from the ground, and the root ball is divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade. Each section is then replanted into prepared soil in a pot or directly in the ground.

Propagation of Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. can be a simple process as long as the appropriate techniques are used. It is essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule, provide adequate sunlight, and ensure proper drainage for successful plant propagation.

Disease Management

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. is susceptible to a range of diseases, including:

• Leaf spot diseases: Leaf spots are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to the formation of yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot diseases, remove and destroy affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
• Root rot: Root rot is caused by fungal pathogens, leading to wilting, yellowing, and decay of the roots. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides containing active ingredients such as azoxystrobin or fludioxonil.
• Viral diseases: Viral diseases, such as tomato spotted wilt virus, cause yellowing, stunting, and distorted growth of the plant. To manage viral diseases, remove and destroy infected plants, use disease-free planting material, and control thrips, which are the primary vectors of the disease.

Pest Management

Commelina africana L. forma glabrata Chiov. is also susceptible to various pests, including:

• Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing silvery stippling on the leaves and deformed flowers. To manage thrips, use sticky traps, prune and remove infested plant parts, and apply insecticides containing active ingredients such as spinosad or imidacloprid.
• Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves, leading to defoliation of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant, use biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis, or apply insecticides containing active ingredients such as pyrethrin.
• Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant, use biological control agents such as ladybugs, or apply insecticides containing active ingredients such as neem oil or imidacloprid.