Overview of Commelina corbisieri De Wild.
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Commelinaceae. This plant is also commonly known as "Plasei" or "Onoubou lalobi" in the local languages of Cameroon where it is native. Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is a tender plant that grows up to 30 cm tall and features a unique flower that opens for a few hours only in the morning.
Appearance of Commelina corbisieri De Wild.
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. has lance-shaped leaves that are long, narrow and pointed at the tip. The leaves grow alternately along the stem, and are usually bent downwards. The plant has blue or violet-blue flowers that emerge from bracts. The flowers have three petals and two of them are blue, while the other one has a cream color. The flowers bloom for only a few hours, and then wilt.
Origin of Commelina corbisieri De Wild.
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is native to the tropical regions of Cameroon, specifically in the highlands of West-Central Africa. It is commonly found growing in wet soils such as swamps, damp grasslands, and along riverbanks. Commelina corbisieri De Wild. loves hot and humid conditions, and it thrives in temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius.
Uses of Commelina corbisieri De Wild.
In Cameroon, Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is used to prepare local herbal medicine for various ailments such as cough, asthma, bronchitis, and diarrhea. The crushed leaves are mixed with water and consumed orally as a remedy for these ailments. The plant is also used to relieve pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis. In addition, the leaves of Commelina corbisieri De Wild. are used in several traditional dishes as a vegetable and seasoning.
Overall, Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is a plant that is highly valued for its medicinal properties as well as its use as a vegetable. While it is native to Cameroon, its unique characteristics and benefits have led to its cultivation in other parts of Africa and the world.
Growth Conditions for Commelina corbisieri De Wild.
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Commelinaceae. This species is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. It grows in the understory of forests, particularly in areas with high rainfall and humidity.
Light Requirements
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. prefers partial shade to shaded environments. It requires moderate levels of light to thrive, and direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching. The plant can grow in low light conditions, but it may result in slower growth and smaller leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The best growth temperature range for Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is between 18°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate occasional drops in temperature but prefers to grow in warmer locations. It does not do well in extreme heat, and temperatures above 30°C can cause the leaves to wilt and reduce growth rate. In colder temperatures, the plant will enter dormancy and growth will slow down until it becomes warmer.
Soil Requirements
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in soils that are neutral to slightly acidic (pH range 5.5 to 7.0). It does not tolerate waterlogged soils or soils that are too dry. A good potting mix should include loam, peat moss, perlite, and sand to ensure proper drainage. The plant also benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It grows well in a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it has a preference for moist soils that are well-draining. Ideally, the soil should be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth.
When planting Commelina corbisieri De Wild., ensure that you space the plants at least 30-50 cm apart. This spacing will allow the plant to receive enough sunlight, which is crucial for its growth and development. You can propagate the plant using stem cuttings or seeds, depending on your preference.
Watering Needs
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. prefers moist soils, and you should aim to keep the soil consistently moist. However, do not overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. It would be best to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. Additionally, be mindful of rainfall levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Fertilization
The plant grows well with organic fertilizers. You can use a slow-release fertilizer with high nitrogen content to promote foliage growth. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer to encourage healthy growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. requires little pruning. However, you may want to remove any diseased or damaged branches, spent flowers, or leaves to keep the plant healthy and neat. Trim back the foliage in early spring to promote new growth and remove any unwanted runners that may spread the plant too far.
Propagation of Commelina corbisieri De Wild.
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is propagated by two main methods that include division and seeds.
Propagation by Division
The easiest and most common way to propagate Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is by division. This method can be done during springtime, just as the new shoots appear, or in early fall before flowering starts. The steps to follow include:
- Carefully digging out the plant from the soil, trying not to disturb the roots and rhizomes too much.
- Gently separating the rhizomes or tubers with a sharp and clean tool, making sure each dividing section has at least one healthy stem and a good number of roots.
- Planting the divided sections in new soil at the same depth as the original plant. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged and to avoid direct sun exposure or extreme temperatures for a few days.
- Keep watering regularly, providing enough moisture to promote growth and development. After some weeks, the plant should take root and start producing new vegetative growth.
Propagation by Seeds
While less common than division, Commelina corbisieri De Wild. can also be propagated by seeds. This method requires more patience and specific conditions to ensure the seeds' germination, growth, and survival. The steps to follow include:
- Collecting ripe seeds from healthy plants in late summer or early fall, making sure they are fully mature and dry before storage.
- Storing the seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place in a sealed container that prevents moisture and pests from getting in. Commelina corbisieri De Wild. seeds can stay viable for up to two years.
- Preparing a sowing mix consisting of well-draining soil and sand, and filling seed trays or small pots with it.
- Sowing 1-2 seeds per pot, covering them lightly with soil, and moistening the surface gently.
- Placing the pots in a warm, sunny, and humid spot, such as a greenhouse or indoors near a window. The optimal temperature for germination is about 18-24°C, and the soil should not dry out completely, but neither should it be waterlogged.
- Once the seedlings reach a good size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden or in larger pots. Careful handling and gradual acclimatization to the new environment are crucial to prevent transplant shock and ensure success.
Disease and Pest Management for Commelina corbisieri De Wild
Commelina corbisieri De Wild. is a hardy plant that can tolerate pest and disease attacks. However, it is not entirely immune to these problems. The following are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant:
Diseases
The plant is susceptible to root rot and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in wet soils. This disease affects the roots, causing them to become mushy and discolored. On the other hand, leaf spot is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the leaves causing them to have irregular brown spots.
To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and water the plant only when necessary. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves as soon as you notice them. If the disease persists use a fungicide.
Pests
The plant is prone to mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are tiny, soft, white insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth. On the other hand, spider mites are small, spider-like insects that feed on the plant leaves, draining their sap and turning them yellow.
To manage mealybugs and spider mites, you can use a mild insecticide such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil. Alternatively, you can remove the pests manually by spraying them off the plant with a jet of water from a hose.
Regular inspection of the plant and early detection of any pest and disease problems can help prevent significant damage to the plant, keeping it healthy and productive.
