Commelina thomasii Hutch.: An Overview
Commelina thomasii Hutch., also known as Thomas' dayflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Commelinaceae. The plant is native to eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is an herbaceous perennial that grows to a height of 25 to 70 cm.
Appearance
The stem of Commelina thomasii Hutch. is erect and slightly hairy. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 5-16 cm long, and 2-5 cm wide, with a pointed tip. The flowers are small and blue, blooming from July to September. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds, which are dispersed by wind or water.
Common Names
Commelina thomasii Hutch. is commonly known as Thomas' dayflower, named after the English botanist David Don Thomas who collected the type specimen in 1839. In Kenya, it is known as “Mbudzamutuku” in Kikamba and “Muvea” in Kamba.
Uses
Commelina thomasii Hutch. has several uses. The leaves are edible, and they are used to make a delicious vegetable soup, especially in Tanzania. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments, including stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. The juice of the fresh stem is used to treat ear infections, and the plant extract is used to treat skin disorders.
Furthermore, Commelina thomasii Hutch. is an ornamental plant that is grown for its attractive blue flowers and foliage. It is suitable for container gardening, rock gardens, and as a ground cover. It is also used to prevent soil erosion in some regions of Africa.
Light Requirements
The Commelina thomasii Hutch. plant typically requires partial to full sunlight exposure; however, it can also grow in shaded areas under trees. When exposed to full sunlight, the leaves of the plant may wilt and require regular watering to maintain hydration. In partial to full sunlight, the plant grows vigorously and produces more flowers compared to those grown in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The Commelina thomasii Hutch. plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). The plant is not frost-resistant; therefore, it is typically grown in areas with a warmer climate. Extreme cold temperatures can damage the plant's leaves and reduce its productivity.
Soil Requirements
The Commelina thomasii Hutch. plant thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 5.5 and 7.0. High acidity or alkalinity in the soil can hamper the plant's growth. Ideally, the soil should be loamy and moist, which enhances the plant's root development and protects it from drying out. Overwatering can lead to root rot and reduce the plant's vitality.
Cultivation of Commelina thomasii Hutch.
Commelina thomasii Hutch. is a tropical plant that is grown primarily for its ornamental foliage with vibrant colors. To successfully cultivate this plant, you should first select the right location.
The ideal spot is a partially shaded location with dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch and damage the plant, so avoid exposing it to the sun's harsh rays. The soil should be moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
Propagation of Commelina thomasii Hutch. can be done through stem cuttings or by dividing the root ball. The best months to propagate the plant are between February and March.
Watering Needs for Commelina thomasii Hutch.
Commelina thomasii Hutch. prefers evenly moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering the plant again. The frequency of watering will depend on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil quality.
During hot summers, you may need to water the plant more frequently than in the rainy season. If the leaves start to wilt or turn yellow, it could be a sign of over or under-watering.
Fertilization of Commelina thomasii Hutch.
Commelina thomasii Hutch. requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer with a 10:10:10 ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A slow-release fertilizer is ideal, and you should apply it every two months during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can cause damage to the foliage. Always water the plant after applying fertilizer to avoid damage to the roots.
Pruning Commelina thomasii Hutch.
Commelina thomasii Hutch. requires minimal pruning. You should remove any dead or damaged foliage as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. You can also remove any spent flowers to encourage new growth and enhance the plant's overall appearance.
Never prune more than one-third of the plant's foliage at any time. Cut the stems just above a leaf node with a sterile pruning tool to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Commelina thomasii Hutch.
Commelina thomasii Hutch. is a herbaceous perennial that can be propagated through different methods. These methods include:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Commelina thomasii Hutch. can be collected from mature fruits after they have turned brown and dry. The seeds must be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season arrives.
The best time for planting Commelina thomasii Hutch. seeds is during the spring season. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in pots. If starting indoors, the seeds must be soaked for 24 hours before planting to enhance germination.
When planting, make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Sow the seeds at a depth of ¼ inch (6mm) and gently water them.
Division
Commelina thomasii Hutch. can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them as individual plants. It is best done during the spring season when the plant is actively growing.
To divide the plant, carefully remove it from the soil and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section must have healthy roots and a few stems. Plant the sections immediately in well-draining soil and water them well.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also possible with Commelina thomasii Hutch. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in soil to form new plants.
The best time for taking cuttings is during the spring or summer season. Cut a section of stem that is at least four inches long and has a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Water the cutting well and keep it in a warm and humid place until new growth appears.
Overall, Commelina thomasii Hutch. can be easily propagated through seeds, division, and cuttings. With the right care and attention, these propagation methods can help increase the number of plants in your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Commelina thomasii Hutch.
Commelina thomasii Hutch. is tolerant of various environmental conditions and does not suffer from severe pest or disease issues. However, pests and diseases can still affect the plant, and it is essential to manage them promptly to avoid significant damage or death of the plant.
Common Pests Affecting Commelina thomasii Hutch.
Some of the common pests that may affect Commelina thomasii Hutch. include:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and deformed leaves. To manage aphids, blast them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause the leaves to become ragged and full of holes. Use a suitable insecticide or pick them off with your hands.
- Spider mites: Spider mites feed on the plant sap and leave behind small, yellow dots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and drop off. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water or use insecticidal soap.
Common Diseases Affecting Commelina thomasii Hutch.
The plant is generally healthy and free of major diseases. However, some of the common diseases that may affect Commelina thomasii Hutch. include:
- Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases, such as root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot, can occur due to overwatering or poor drainage. To manage fungal diseases, avoid overwatering and provide good drainage, remove any affected leaves or parts of the plant and use a suitable fungicide.
- Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases, such as bacterial wilt, can cause yellowing, wilting, and eventually death of the plant. To manage bacterial diseases, remove and dispose of any affected plant parts and use a suitable bactericide.
In conclusion, Commelina thomasii Hutch. is generally healthy and does not suffer from major pest and disease issues. However, pest and disease management practices such as using insecticides, fungicides, and bactericides, providing good drainage, and avoiding overwatering are crucial in keeping the plant healthy and thriving.
