Overview
Commelina critica De Wild. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Commelinaceae family. It is also known as the spiderwort or dayflower. The plant is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Appearance
Commelina critica De Wild. is an herbaceous plant that grows up to 40 centimeters tall. The stem is succulent, cylindrical, and simple or branched from the base. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lanceolate to oblong in shape, with a length of up to 10 centimeters. The leaf margin is entire or sparsely serrate. The flowers are small, blue or purple in color, and bisexual. The inflorescence is a raceme or panicle, with up to six flowers per branch. The fruit is a capsule with three valves, containing three seeds each.
Uses
Commelina critica De Wild. has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The leaves are used to treat fever, headache, and stomach problems. They are also said to have anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties. The plant is also used as a traditional remedy for rheumatism and as a diuretic. Additionally, the plant is used as a vegetable in some African countries, such as Angola and Cameroon. The leaves and stem are cooked and eaten as a side dish or added to stews.
In conclusion, Commelina critica De Wild. is a versatile plant that serves both medicinal and culinary purposes in African communities. Its beautiful blue or purple flowers also make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscaping.
Growth Conditions for Commelina critica De Wild.
The Commelina critica De Wild. plant is native to tropical West Africa and is known for its bright blue flowers and unique leaves. Here are the typical growth conditions required for this plant:
Light
Commelina critica De Wild. plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They should be placed in a spot that receives at least six hours of filtered light each day.
Temperature
These plants require warm temperatures to grow properly. They should be kept in an area that is consistently between 60-80°F (15-26°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can harm the plant, so it should not be placed near a draft or an air conditioner.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5 is ideal for Commelina critica De Wild. plants. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and allowed to partially dry out between watering. Fertilizing the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season can also help it thrive.
With these requirements met, the beautiful blue flowers and unique leaves of Commelina critica De Wild. can flourish in any tropical environment.
Cultivation Methods
Commelina critica De Wild. thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH. Well-drained soil is vital as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Planting should be done in an area that receives full sunlight. Though the plant can tolerate partial shade, full sunlight encourages its growth and enhances its beautiful color.
The plant is usually propagated by seeds or through division. When planting, ensure the plants are placed at a distance of at least 12 inches apart. This spacing allows enough room for growth and avoids overcrowding that may lead to competition for nutrients.
Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of caring for Commelina critica De Wild. Regular watering will help the plant thrive, but overwatering must be avoided as it can cause root rot. The plants should be watered regularly, especially during sunny and dry conditions.
Watering should be done when the topsoil becomes dry. However, the watering regime must be adjusted during winter when the plants become dormant. The frequency of watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging or extreme dryness.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential to developing strong and healthy plants. Fertilizing should be done at least twice during the growing season, once in early spring and again in late summer. The best fertilizer for Commelina critica De Wild. is balanced fertilizer, and it should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Over-fertilizing can burn the plant roots, so it is best to stick to the recommended amounts. Also, avoid fertilizing newly planted seedlings until they have developed a strong root system.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Commelina critica De Wild. However, deadheading spent flowers and stems is recommended to encourage further blooming and maintain the plant's appearance. Deadheading also helps to prevent seed production and excessive self-seeding.
Cut back any yellow or damaged leaves or stems to maintain a healthy appearance for the plant. Pruning should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Commelina Critica De Wild.
The plant Commelina critica De Wild. can be propagated using different methods including division, seeds, and stem cuttings.
Division
The recommended time for division is in spring, before the plant’s new growth begins. Gently dig out the clump and separate the rhizomes. Make sure that each division has both roots and shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth as they were before, and water well.
Seeds
Seeds of Commelina critica De Wild. can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or they can be sown directly outdoors after the last frost. The seeds are very small and should be lightly covered with soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should germinate in 10-15 days. Transplant the seedlings into their permanent location once they are large enough to handle.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants during spring or early summer, and should be about 4-6 inches long. Cut the stem 1 inch below a node and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then place it in moist soil, and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Roots should develop in about 3-4 weeks. Remove the bag and acclimatize the plant to outdoor conditions for a week before planting in its permanent location.
Disease Management:
The plant Commelina critica De Wild. is susceptible to a number of diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. One common fungal disease that affects this plant is leaf spot, which presents itself as small, brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide. Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect this plant and can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation around the plant.
Bacterial wilt is a bacterial disease that can cause wilting and death of the entire plant. To prevent this disease, it's crucial to avoid over-watering and to ensure that the soil has good drainage. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Viral diseases can also affect Commelina critica De Wild. and can cause symptoms such as stunted growth and mottled leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management:
Commelina critica De Wild. is susceptible to several pests that can damage the plant's leaves and flowers. One common pest is the spider mite, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and stippled. To manage spider mites, it's important to keep the plant hydrated and to spray it with neem oil regularly.
Another common pest is the aphid, which can cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, it's important to keep the plant clean and free of debris, and to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to the area. Additionally, spraying the plant with a neem oil solution can help to control aphid populations.
Finally, thrips are another pest that can affect Commelina critica De Wild. and can cause the leaves to become distorted and discolored. To manage thrips, it's important to prune and remove infested leaves, and to introduce natural predators such as lacewings to the area.
