Overview
Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. is a species of morning glory native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is known by several common names, including bush morning glory, desert morning glory, and shrubby bindweed.
Description
The plant is a woody perennial, growing up to 3 meters tall. It has a thick, gnarled stem with numerous branches. The leaves are lance-shaped and about 3-5 cm long. The flowers are pale pink to white, funnel-shaped, and about 2-3 cm in diameter. They are produced in clusters at the ends of the stems. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.
Uses
The plant has a number of traditional medicinal uses across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been used to treat a range of ailments, including diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. Additionally, the roots of the plant have been used as a soap substitute for washing clothes.
In modern times, Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. has also been used in landscaping and horticulture. It is particularly well-suited for arid and semi-arid regions due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements.
Conclusion
Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. is a woody perennial with pale pink to white funnel-shaped flowers. It is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and is known by several common names, including bush morning glory and desert morning glory. Besides its traditional medicinal uses, it is also used in landscaping and horticulture as it is well-suited for arid regions.
Light Requirements
The Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. is a plant species that requires a lot of sunlight. They require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow healthily. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in areas where they can get maximum sunlight.
Soil Requirements
The Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. prefers a well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. They can grow in poor soil conditions but grow better in nutrient-rich soil.
Temperature Requirements
The Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 35°C. However, they grow best in warm temperatures of 15°C to 25°C during the day and 10°C to 20°C at night. Temperatures below 10°C can slow down the growth rate while high temperatures above 35°C can cause stress to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
The Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. plant grows optimally in warm regions with sandy and well-draining soil. The plant should be grown in adequately drained soil, avoiding waterlogging at all times. The seedlings should be planted in the garden once they reach a height of 10 cm, and planting should be done during the spring season. The plant requires plenty of sunlight, and the optimal temperature should range between 25-30 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. plants require moderate watering during the growing season. The plants should never be overwatered as they are highly susceptible to root rot. Watering should be done in the early morning or late evening, taking care not to wet the foliage. In areas with high humidity, the frequency of watering can be reduced.
Fertilization
The Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. plant requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. The soil should be enriched with organic matter and fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A balanced NPK fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Application should be done in the early morning or the late evening to prevent burning of the foliage.
Pruning
The Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. plant requires regular pruning to maintain its shape, promote bushiness, and prevent legginess. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, and the plant should be pruned back to one-third of its height. Deadheading should be done regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
Propagation of Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc.
Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. can be propagated through seeds and cuttings. The plant's propagation method depends on the grower's desired outcome.
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. is through seeds. Seeds should be collected when the plant's flowers have dried and the seeds have matured. The seeds can be sown into a seed tray or directly into the soil during the spring or autumn season. It is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the seeds are not sown too deeply. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist but not soaked. The seeds will typically germinate within two weeks.
Propagation through cuttings
Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc. can also be propagated through cuttings. This method is ideal for growers who want to clone an exact replica of the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken during the plant's active growth phase, typically during the early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems that have not flowered yet. The cutting should be at least 4 inches long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area to prevent dehydration. The cutting will typically develop roots within three weeks.
Disease Management
Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc is susceptible to various diseases that can damage the plant's health and yield. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Leaf spot
Leaf spot is caused by a fungal pathogen and leads to the development of black or brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage leaf spot, spray the plant with a fungicide and remove any infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering, as this can spread the spores.
2. Root rot
Root rot is caused by waterlogging and the development of soil-borne pathogens. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure good soil drainage, and remove any infected plants or plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Convolvulus capituliferus Franch. var. foliaceus Verdc is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can damage the plant's growth and yield. The following are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil and remove any heavily infested plant parts. Monitor the plant regularly for any signs of spider mite infestation.
2. Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied pests that feed on the plant's sap and secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and causes sooty mold development. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong blast of water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings. Remove any heavily infested plant parts to prevent the spread of the pest.
