Origin
Convolvulus edulis Thunb is a member of the family Convolvulaceae and is native to Southern Africa. It is mainly found in arid regions of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Bushman’s Potato, Natab (in Namibia), or Nanga (in Botswana).
Uses
The Bushman’s Potato has long been used as a food source by the indigenous people of Southern Africa. The roots are rich in starch and can be cooked and eaten, similar to potatoes. The plant also has medicinal properties, with the roots being used to treat various ailments such as stomach pains and diarrhea. In addition, it is used in traditional African medicine to improve appetite, promote lactation, and as a natural contraceptive.
General Appearance
Convolvulus edulis Thunb is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. The plant has a deep taproot, which stores starch for survival during droughts. The leaves of the plant are small and narrow, with a silvery-green color. The flowers are trumpet-shaped with a pale pink to white color. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that contains numerous black seeds.
Light Requirements:
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. typically grows in full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Lack of sufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth, poor flowering, and reduced fruiting.
Temperature Requirements:
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is a warm-season plant that requires a minimum temperature range of 60-65°F (15-18°C) to germinate and grow. The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures of 70-85°F (21-29°C), and frost can severely damage or kill the plant. The plant can tolerate high temperatures but requires consistent watering during periods of extreme heat or drought.
Soil Requirements:
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. prefers a well-draining soil with good aeration and a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should be enriched with organic matter to enhance plant growth and productivity. The plant requires regular watering, and excess water or poor drainage can lead to root rot and plant death.
Cultivation Methods
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is a pretty resilient plant, naturally found in sandy areas around the world. It can grow in various soil types, whether alkaline or acidic soils, although it prefers loam and sandy soils that drain well. The ideal temperature range for the cultivation of Convolvulus edulis is 10 to 35 degrees Celsius, but it can withstand extreme temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius. As a creeper, it can crawl over large areas if allowed. Thus, to cultivate Convolvulus edulis, plant it in a sunny area where it can creep properly.
Watering Needs
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. requires moderate watering, particularly in the growing season. Water the plant every three days, depending on the weather condition, and the ability of the soil to hold water. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil has proper drainage.
Fertilization
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is a modest plant that doesn't require too much fertilizer. When planting it, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil to boost its initial growth. In the mid-growing season, add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote luxuriant green foliage. However, refrain from using fertilizers high in phosphorus as it can lead to the production of fewer flowers.
Pruning
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. requires minimal pruning. Trim broken, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also prune the plant to restrict its growth. However, do not prune too much as it can harm the growth and bloom of the plant.
Propagation of Convolvulus edulis Thunb.
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is a plant that can propagate via different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the primary propagation methods for Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is through seeds. The seeds are easily accessible from the mature seed pods of the plant. They can be collected and dried out before being sown in seed trays or directly onto beds in the garden. Seed propagation is ideal for planting during the spring season.
Plant Division
Another propagation method for Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is through plant division. To propagate the plant through division, wait for the plant to reach maturity, then dig up the plant and divide the rhizomes and roots into different sections. Replant the smaller sections in different locations to create new plants. This method is best done during the fall season.
Cuttings Propagation
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a stem of the plant that is about six inches long, remove the lower leaves of the stem and place the cutting into a container of suitable rooting hormone. The cutting should be placed in a well-prepared mix of sand and compost and kept moist until new roots start to emerge. This method is best used during the spring season.
Propagation for Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is relatively easy and can be done using different methods to create healthy and robust plants.
Disease Management
Convolvulus edulis Thunb. is susceptible to several diseases that can cause serious damage to the plant. Some of the common diseases include:
- Leaf Spot and Blight: These are fungal diseases that cause brown spots on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. To manage these diseases, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides as per the instructions.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and can be identified by yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and plant wilting. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and ensure that the plant is growing in well-aerated soil. Use fungicides as per the instructions.
- Mildew: This fungal disease can be identified by a white powdery coating on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. To manage mildew, keep the foliage dry by avoiding overhead watering, increase air circulation and reduce humidity, and use fungicides as per the instructions.
- Virus Diseases: The plant is susceptible to various viruses that can cause stunting, yellowing, and distortion of leaves. These diseases are transmitted by insects, so managing the insect population can help prevent the spread of the disease. There is no cure for virus diseases, so remove and destroy infected plants as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Convolvulus edulis Thunb. It is essential to identify and manage these pests to avoid serious damage to the plant. Some common pests include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with soapy water or insecticidal soap. Ensure that the underneath of the leaves is thoroughly covered.
- Cutworms: These are caterpillars that cut young plants at the stem base, causing plant death. To manage cutworms, handpick the caterpillars or place a cardboard collar around the base of the plant.
- Spider Mites: These pests cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, and heavy infestations can cause defoliation of the plant. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, spray it with water regularly, and use insecticidal soap or miticides as per the instructions.
- Snails and Slugs: These pests can chew holes in the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. To manage snails and slugs, handpick these pests, use bait traps, and apply diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant.
