Overview
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. is a perennial herb belonging to the family Commelinaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa and is commonly found in the savannah and forest regions.
Common Names
The plant goes by different common names, including Scabrous Dayflower in English, Kekerakere in Yoruba, and Werekpere in Igbo.
Appearance
The plant has a distinctive appearance with long, creeping stems that can grow up to 90cm in length. It has oblong leaves that are a greyish-green color and are densely covered with hairs, giving them a rough texture. The flowers bloom on small stalks, and each flower has three blue petals, with the center petal often larger than the others.
Uses
The plant has some medicinal uses in Africa, where its leaves are used to treat fever, coughs, and other respiratory problems. The leaves are also used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. Additionally, the plant is used for food, either as a vegetable or as a spice to add flavor to dishes, especially in Nigeria.
Growth Conditions of Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild.
Light: Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. requires full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade but too much shade can lead to stunted growth, decreased flowering, and poor foliage.
Temperature: The plant thrives in warm temperatures between 18 to 26°C (65 to 79°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause frost damage, while temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can lead to heat stress.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for growth. The plant can tolerate some drought conditions, but it performs best in moist soil with good drainage. Inadequate soil drainage can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season.
Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Humidity: The plant prefers moderate humidity levels between 40% to 60%. High humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases, while low humidity can cause the plant to dry out.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or division. Take stem cuttings in the spring or summer and root them in well-draining soil or water. Divide the plant in the spring or fall when it has outgrown its container or when you want to create new plants.
Cultivation Methods for Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild.
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. can be grown in both indoor and outdoor environments, depending on the climatic conditions. They are best grown in humus-rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 - 7.0. The plant prefers moderately shaded locations that receive filtered sunlight, but can also tolerate some direct sunlight.
Watering Needs for Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild.
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. requires moderate watering. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Water the plants about once per week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization of Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild.
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. requires fertilization every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and follow the dosage instructions on the package. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when growth slows down.
Pruning Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild.
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. does not require regular pruning. However, it is advisable to trim back the plant after the blooming period to maintain a compact form and encourage bushier growth. Cut back the stalks to just above a node where new growth is emerging.
Propagation of Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild.
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild., commonly known as Commelina, is a clumping perennial that is native to tropical Africa. The plant is characterized by its showy blue flowers and attractive foliage that makes it an excellent ornamental plant.
Propagation Methods
There are various methods of propagating Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. The most common methods include seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a widely used method to propagate Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. The seeds are sown in a seedbed during early summer. The soil should be moist, well-draining, and rich in nutrients. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the seedbed moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about two weeks. The young seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots and grown further before transplanting into the garden.
Division
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the parent plant into two or more sections and replanting them in separate containers or directly in the garden soil. The best time to divide the plant is during early spring when new growth is starting to emerge.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another propagation method for Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. Select healthy stems and cut them into sections of about 15 cm long, and place them in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Make sure that at least two nodes are below the soil line. Keep the potting mix moist and provide partial shade until new growth appears. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden soil.
Disease Management
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. is relatively disease-resistant. However, the plant is occasionally vulnerable to fungal and viral diseases.
Fungal Diseases: Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. can be prone to several diseases caused by fungi like leaf spots, blights, and powdery mildew. These can lead to leaf discoloration, defoliation, stunted growth, and eventually plant death. To manage fungal diseases, avoid planting the plant in poorly drained or overcrowded areas. Promptly remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. You can also make use of fungicides like copper-based products or neem oil to control the spread of fungal diseases.
Viral Diseases: Viral diseases like mosaic virus and yellow vein streak virus commonly affect Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. They are usually transmitted by sucking insects and lead to yellowing of the leaves, stunting, and death. The affected plant should be removed and destroyed to avoid the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. is also prone to pest infestations. Below are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from the underside of the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow. You can manage spider mites by spraying the affected plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common in indoor environments. They excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and leads to mold growth. Use a soft brush and rubbing alcohol to manage a minor infestation. For larger infestations, consider using an insecticide like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny winged insects that produce honeydew, causing mold growth and leaf drop. To manage whiteflies, use a vacuum to remove the insects from the leaves, or use an insecticide like neem oil or insecticidal soap to control their spread.
Regularly inspecting the Commelina subscabrifolia De Wild. plant for signs of pests or diseases is essential to keep it healthy and thriving. Prompt action is crucial when it comes to managing pest infestations or diseases.
