Commelina Africana L. Var. Barberae (c.b.clarke) C.b.clarke

Overview

Commelina africana L. var. barberae (C.B.Clarke) C.B.Clarke is a herbaceous flowering plant species that belongs to the family Commelinaceae. It is known for its versatility, charming flowers, and medicinal properties.

Origin and Distribution

The plant is native to Africa, particularly in South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. It grows in damp places, including riverbanks, wet meadows, and marshes.

Common Names

The plant is commonly called "African dayflower" or "Blue Aphid." In Swahili, it is known as "Mtuluma," which means slipper, referring to the shape of the petals.

General Appearance

Commelina africana var. barberae is a perennial plant that reaches a height of 40-60 cm. It has long and narrow leaves that are 10-23 cm long and 1.2-3 cm wide. The plant produces an inflorescence of bright blue flowers that have three petals, two of which are highly modified and fused, forming a boat-shaped structure that holds the third petal, which is hairy and bright blue. Flowering occurs from April to November.

Uses

The African dayflower has a long history of medicinal use in traditional African medicine. The root and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, abdominal pain, and inflammation. The plant contains valuable alkaloids and flavonoids that have potential medical applications.

Commelina africana var. barberae is also cultivated as an ornamental plant because of its attractive blue flowers. It is an easy plant to grow and can be grown in pots or used to make borders in flower gardens.

Light Requirements

Commelina africana L. var. barberae thrives well under bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade conditions. Direct sunlight for prolonged hours can cause harm to the plant. It is advisable to provide the plant with a minimum of four hours of indirect sunlight each day.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature for Commelina africana L. var. barberae is between 18°C and 27°C. The plant can withstand temperatures slightly below and above this range, but it is not advisable to expose it to extreme temperatures.

Soil Requirements

The plant requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The soil should be acidic to slightly alkaline with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. An equal soil mixture of loam, peat moss, and sand is ideal for achieving good drainage while still retaining enough moisture.

Water Requirements

Commelina africana L. var. barberae loves a consistently moist growing medium. The plant needs regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged as that can cause root rot. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, but ensure to avoid inundating the plant with water.

Cultivation methods for Commelina africana L. var. barberae:

Commelina africana L. var. barberae is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most regions. The plant grows well in a variety of soils, including sandy and loamy soils, but it needs fertile soil with good drainage to thrive. You can grow the plant outdoors, in a garden bed, or in a container. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers some shade in hot and dry climates.

Watering needs for Commelina africana L. var. barberae:

Commelina africana L. var. barberae requires moderate watering. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as this may cause root rot. The plant tolerates drought to some extent, but it performs best with consistent moisture. To determine whether to water, place your finger in the soil, and if it feels dry, then it's time to water.

Fertilization of Commelina africana L. var. barberae:

You can fertilize Commelina africana L. var. barberae sparingly with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and flowering. Apply the fertilizer in the spring and summer months, as this is the plant's growing season. Avoid using too much nitrogen, as this may promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning of Commelina africana L. var. barberae:

Commelina africana L. var. barberae does not require much pruning. However, you can pinch the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth. You can also deadhead the plant to remove spent flowers and promote new growth. Cut the stem just below the flower head after it has faded. This will encourage the plant to produce new flowers.

Propagation of Commelina africana L. var. barberae

Commelina africana L. var. barberae (C.B.Clarke) C.B.Clarke can be propagated vegetatively or from seeds.

Propagation from seeds

The seeds of Commelina africana L. var. barberae can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in seed trays. Here are the steps to follow when propagating from seeds:

1. Start by filling a seed tray with a well-draining potting mix or soil.
2. Water the soil to make it moist, but not overly wet.
3. Sow the seeds evenly on the soil surface and then gently press them down into the soil to ensure good soil contact.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil to prevent drying out.
5. Place the seed tray in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
6. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist. Germination should occur in 1-2 weeks.
7. Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with adequate light and gradually introduce them to direct sunlight.
8. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location outdoors when they are approximately 4-6 inches tall and have developed a strong root system.

Propagation from stem cuttings

Propagation of Commelina africana L. var. barberae can also be done by stem cuttings. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Identify a healthy and mature stem that has at least 2-3 nodes.
2. Cut the stem with a sharp and clean knife just below a node.
3. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and trim the remaining leaves to reduce transpiration.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth.
5. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining potting mix or soil and water it well.
6. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or dome to maintain high humidity.
7. Place the cutting in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
8. Keep the soil moist and mist the cutting regularly to maintain high humidity.
9. After 4-6 weeks, roots should have developed and the cutting can be transplanted to a more permanent location outdoors.

Disease Management:

Commelina africana L. var. barberae is susceptible to a few diseases. The most common diseases include fungal leaf spots, rust, and powdery mildew. Fungal leaf spots are usually characterized by small, black, or brown spots on the leaves. Rust appears as yellow, orange, or brown spores on the leaves and stems. Powdery mildew shows up as a white, powdery substance on the leaves.

To manage these diseases, it is best to keep the plant clean and dry. Ensure that no standing water is around the plant, as the fungi tend to thrive in humid, moist environments. Avoid overhead watering, and instead, water at the plant’s base. Regularly pruning or removing infected leaves and stems will also help manage the disease.

Pest Management:

Commelina africana L. var. barberae is also susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites tend to be the most common pest affecting the plant. They appear as tiny, red, or black dots on the underside of leaves, and can quickly multiply.

To manage these pests, physical removal is the best strategy. Using a forceful stream of water to wash off the plant can help remove these pests. For heavier infestations, using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils may be necessary. Be sure to follow instructions carefully and use a protective mask and gloves when handling these products.