Overview
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. is a flowering plant species that is part of the Convolvulaceae family. It is also commonly referred to as Kilimanjaro bindweed or Kilimanjaro morning glory.
Origin
This plant is native to the Kilimanjaro area of eastern Africa, specifically in Tanzania and Kenya. It is known to grow in mountainous regions and can often be found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level.
Appearance
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. typically grows as a perennial herb and can reach up to 30 centimeters in height. The plant's leaves are small and thick, ranging in color from green to a grayish-green hue. The flowers are funnel-shaped, with a diameter of around 1-2 centimeters, and come in shades of pink and purple.
Uses
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers. It is commonly planted in rock gardens, as well as in containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds to add color and texture. In addition, this plant is also utilized in traditional medicine for its various therapeutic properties. The roots and leaves of the Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. plant are known to possess an analgesic effect, helping to alleviate pain in the body.
In summary, the Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. plant is native to eastern Africa and is commonly referred to as Kilimanjaro bindweed or Kilimanjaro morning glory. It typically grows as a small perennial herb and is known for its attractive funnel-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink and purple. This plant is primarily utilized for ornamental purposes, but it is also used in traditional medicine for its analgesic properties.Growth Conditions of Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl.
Light Requirements: Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. thrives well in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow healthy and produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements: This plant requires a warm and humid environment to grow properly. It prefers the temperature range between 65°F to 85°F. If the temperature drops below 50°F, it may cause the plant to wither and die.
Soil Requirements: The Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soils from sandy to loamy. However, it requires moist soil to support growth. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 to 7.5.
Water Requirements: The plant requires moderate watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. During the growing season, water the plant whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to touch. Reduce watering during the dormant season to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilizer Requirements: Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season every 4-6 weeks. Avoid using excess fertilizer as it can lead to leggy growth.
Cultivation methods
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. is a hardy plant and can thrive in a range of growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and areas with full sun exposure. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed after the last frost, or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. They should be planted 1/4 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart. Once the plant has established, it can tolerate some drought but also benefits from regular watering.
Watering needs
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. needs moderate watering to thrive. The plant can handle short periods of drought, but it should not be left too dry for too long. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply once a week and check the soil moisture levels between watering. During hot, dry spells, the plant may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. does not require heavy fertilization, but a light feeding can help promote healthy growth and blooms. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring and again in mid-summer at half strength. Too much nitrogen can lead to an overgrowth of foliage and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. does not require much pruning, but deadheading can encourage more blooms. As the flowers fade, simply cut the spent blooms off to promote the growth of new flowers. You can also trim back the plant to shape it after the flowering season is over. Be sure to use sterile pruning tools to avoid spreading disease.
Propagation of Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl.
There are several methods to propagate Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. which includes the following:
Seed Propagation
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. can be propagated by seeds, which can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be thoroughly cleaned before planting to remove any debris. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring when the temperature is consistently above 15?. The seeds should be sown in trays filled with well-draining soil and watered regularly. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual containers or directly into the garden bed.
Cutting Propagation
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 10 cm long and should be taken from the tips of the plant. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid place and watered regularly until they develop roots and can be transplanted to larger containers.
Division Propagation
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. can also be propagated through division. Mature plants can be carefully dug up and divided into several smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few shoots. The divided sections can be transplanted into their individual containers and placed in a warm and sunny location. Regular watering should be done until the plants are well-established.
Disease and Pest Management for Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl.
Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl., also known as Kilimanjaro bindweed or morning glory, is a perennial plant that is native to East Africa. It produces showy, pink or blue funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. Like any other plant, Kilimanjaro bindweed is susceptible to disease and pest infestations. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease manifests in small, round spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots usually start out green, then turn brown or black and may have a yellow halo around them. Fungal leaf spot is caused by fungi such as Cercospora and Phoma. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and ensure proper watering to avoid water retention. Additionally, apply fungicides that contain copper hydroxide, mancozeb, or neem oil to prevent further infection.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium and Pythium, which attack the roots and cause them to turn brown/ black and rot away. Root rot may also cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage this disease, ensure proper soil drainage to avoid water retention. Additionally, apply fungicides that contain thiophanate-methyl, fosetyl-aluminum or azoxystrobin to prevent further infection.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny, pear-shaped insects feed on the sap of the plants, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphid infestations, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to the garden. Additionally, use home-made solutions like soap-water spray or neem oil to control the infestation.
Spider Mites: These insects are too small to see and when infested can be detected by the fine webbing on the underside of leaves and stems. Spider mites feed on the plant tissue, causing leaves to become dry and brittle. To manage spider-mite infestations, minimize dust and keep the plants well-watered. Use water spray to knock off the insect and use insecticides that contains abamectin or bifenazate to reduce their number.
Caterpillars: These pests are the larvae of moths and butterflies which feed on the leaves and flowers of Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. To manage caterpillar infestations, remove them from the plant manually, avoid planting host plants near the garden, and introduce natural predators like birds, lizards or parasitic wasps.
Managing disease and pest infestations in Convolvulus kilimandschari Engl. is crucial to maintaining its overall health and ensuring robust growth and development. By following the above suggestions, gardeners can maintain healthy and disease-free Kilimanjaro bindweed plants.
