Overview:
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. commonly known as Bush morning glory or Ndundulu in Swahili is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. The plant is native to East Africa, particularly in the highlands of Tanzania.
Appearance:
The plant has slender stems that can reach up to 1 meter in length. The leaves are dark green and lanceolate in shape with pointed tips and can grow up to 10 cm long. The flowers of Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. are pink or white, trumpet-shaped, and can grow up to 3 cm in diameter. They bloom in clusters from spring to fall.
Uses:
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In some African cultures, the plant is used to make a medicinal tea to treat fever, coughs, and other respiratory diseases.
Light Requirements
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. requires full sun to grow healthily. This plant species thrives in bright light with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. is a warm-season plant that requires warm and dry conditions to grow. This species needs a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) to germinate and 21°C (70°F) to sprout. The ideal temperature range for the growth and development of this plant is around 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Soil Requirements
This species can grow in a range of soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range for Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. is between 6.0-7.5. It is also important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated through seed or by taking cuttings from a mature plant. Seeds should be sown in the spring when soil temperatures have warmed to about 18°C.
For optimum growth, Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. requires full sunlight. However, it can tolerate partial shade. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide, so spacing of around 30 cm is recommended between plants.
Watering Needs
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought conditions. It is essential to avoid overwatering to prevent the plant from developing root rot, which can kill the plant. Watering once or twice a week should suffice, but more frequent watering may be necessary in hot and dry conditions.
Fertilization
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can be applied every four to six weeks. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth, and the plant may become leggy and floppy.
Pruning
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. does not require frequent pruning, but it can be done to shape the plant or keep it to a manageable size. Pruning should be done in early spring before the growing season begins. It is advisable to remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl.
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl., commonly known as Ndorobouli, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to West Africa and is known for its attractive purple flowers. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, some of which are discussed below:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest methods to propagate Convolvulus ndorensis is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the mature pods, which are usually available in the fall season. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is in the early spring, once the soil has warmed up.
The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5, and kept moist but not wet. It is advisable to cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite to aid germination. The seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks, and the young plants can be transplanted to larger pots or the garden once they have grown their first true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Convolvulus ndorensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings, preferably during the summer season. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of healthy, non-flowering stems that are at least six inches long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm, semi-shaded area, and the soil kept moist but not wet until they have formed roots. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to larger pots or the garden.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Convolvulus ndorensis through division is another easy method, usually done during the spring season. The mature plant should be dug out carefully, and the root system can be separated into smaller sections, each with at least two to three stems and a healthy root system.
The divided sections should be replanted in a well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5, and kept moist but not wet until they have established themselves. Once the plants have established themselves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl.
Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. is a hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, when conditions are unfavorable or cultural practices are not optimized, the plant may become susceptible to pests or diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent and manage the potential problems as needed.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. are fungal diseases such as gray mold and powdery mildew. Gray mold is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, which thrives in humid and damp environments. Powdery mildew is caused by different fungal species such as Podosphaera xanthii and Erysiphe cichoracearum. It forms white, powdery patches on the leaves, which later turn brown and fall off.
To prevent and manage these diseases, it is necessary to create an environment that is unsuitable for fungal growth. This can be achieved by avoiding wetting the leaves frequently, watering the plant at the base, and providing adequate air circulation and sunlight. To control the diseases, spray the plant with copper-based fungicides or use organic fungicides such as neem oil, essential oils, or sulfur-based products.
Common Pests
The most common pests for Convolvulus ndorensis Schweinf. ex Engl. are spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves, sucking out the sap and leaving speckled marks. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck on the sap of the plants, causing yellowing and curling of leaves. Mealybugs are small, white, and fluffy pests that often attach themselves to the underside of leaves or stems, secreting a waxy substance.
To prevent and manage these pests, it is necessary to keep the plant healthy and strong by paying attention to the cultural practices such as irrigation, fertilization, and pruning. To control the pests, you can use homemade or commercial insecticidal soaps, neem oil, garlic or chili sprays, or biological control agents such as ladybugs or lacewings. It is also important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation and take appropriate measures as needed.
