Origin
Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti (Hochst. & Steud. ex Baker & Rendle) Parmar, also known as Desert bindweed, is native to North Africa and the Middle East.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by a variety of names, including Desert bindweed, Creeping morning glory, and Prostrate bindweed.
Uses
Convolvulus prostratus has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating skin conditions, respiratory issues, and fevers. In addition, the plant is considered to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also used to help treat diarrhea and digestive issues.
Moreover, the plant is known for its ornamental value and is used in landscaping due to its pretty, pinkish-white flowers, and its ability to cover large surfaces quickly.
General Appearance
Convolvulus prostratus is a low-growing, non-woody plant that forms dense mats or carpets on the ground. It has broad leaves that are green, arrow-shaped, and slightly hairy, with each leaf measuring around 2-3cm long and 1-2cm wide.
The flowers grow on short stalks, with each flower being around 1-2cm in diameter. They have a pale pink to pinkish-white hue and are trumpet-shaped, with five petals that come together to form a funnel-like shape. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall, and the flowers' beauty attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The plant's stems are slender, creeping, and reach up to 1m in length. They spread out to cover the ground, forming thick mats that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Light Requirements
The Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti requires full sun exposure to thrive. This plant prefers a location with direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. It does not tolerate shade and may not grow well in areas with dense vegetative cover or high-altitude climates.
Temperature Requirements
The Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti requires warm temperatures to grow and reproduce efficiently. This plant prefers a temperature range of 20 to 32 °C. It can also survive freezing temperatures if placed in well-drained soil. However, frost and cold dampness can damage the roots of this plant.
Soil Requirements
The Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti grows well in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils. It requires a soil pH of 6 to 7 and can tolerate slightly alkaline soils. This plant can also grow in poor soil conditions and needs little to no fertilizer. It requires good drainage to prevent water buildup and root rot.
Cultivation methods
Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti (Hochst. & Steud. ex Baker & Rendle) Parmar is a desert plant that can grow in a range of soil types, such as sandy, loamy, or clayey. It prefers good drainage and full sun exposure. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
If you're propagating from seeds, plant them at a depth of 1 cm and space them 20 cm apart. It's best to sow the seeds in spring or autumn. Cuttings can be taken from the plant during its active growth phase. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Water it well and keep it in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Watering needs
Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti (Hochst. & Steud. ex Baker & Rendle) Parmar is drought-tolerant but still requires some watering. It's best to water the plant once a week during the growing season, which is spring to fall. During the winter season, reduce watering to once a month or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
When watering, do it deeply and allow the soil to dry out before the next watering. Make sure to avoid overwatering or leaving the plant in standing water as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti (Hochst. & Steud. ex Baker & Rendle) Parmar doesn't require much fertilization. A light application of general-purpose fertilizer once a year during the spring season is sufficient. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
If the plant seems stunted or has yellowing leaves, it may be lacking in nutrients. In such cases, apply a balanced fertilizer at half-strength, following the package instructions.
Pruning
Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. var. deserti (Hochst. & Steud. ex Baker & Rendle) Parmar doesn't require much pruning. However, pruning can help control the plant's spread and keep it looking tidy.
If you notice any dead, diseased, or damaged stems or leaves, prune them away immediately to prevent the spread of disease or pests. You can also trim back the plant after flowering to promote bushier growth and encourage more flowers.
Propagation of Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti
Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti (Hochst. & Steud. ex Baker & Rendle) Parmar is a semi-succulent plant that is native to North African countries such as Egypt, Libya and Sudan. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions. Here are some methods of propagation for this plant:
Seed propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti is through seeds. The plant produces small black seeds that can be collected after the flowering season. The seeds can be directly sown into the soil or into containers filled with well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil moderately moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. Seedlings should be regularly watered and fertilized until they reach maturity.
Stem cuttings
Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting that is approximately 4-6 inches in length from a mature plant. The cutting should be taken during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moderately moist until new roots and foliage begin to grow.
Division
Another method of propagating Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti is through division. This method involves carefully digging up the plant and separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some foliage. The divided sections can be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until new growth appears. Division is best done during the plant's dormant season, which is in late fall or early winter.
Disease Management for Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti
Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti is generally a healthy plant when grown under suitable conditions. However, some diseases may infect it, leading to reduced growth and yield. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti. Symptoms of this disease include small, water-soaked spots on the leaves, which gradually enlarge to form circular or irregular brown spots with yellow halos.
To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of infected plant debris, maintain adequate spacing between the plants to promote airflow, and avoid overhead watering. Also, apply a copper-based fungicide to the plants before the onset of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti. Infected plants exhibit severe wilting and yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and dieback.
To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plants, maintain well-drained soil, and apply fungicidal treatments to the soil.
Pest Management for Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti
Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti is susceptible to attack by several pests that can damage the plant and reduce yield. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. Infested plants exhibit yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and leaf curling.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are eco-friendly and do not harm beneficial insects. Additionally, attract natural predators of aphids such as ladybugs to reduce their population.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and leaf drop. They thrive in hot and dry conditions.
To manage spider mites, maintain adequate humidity levels, increase the number of beneficial insects, and spray the plants with a miticide.
With proper management, diseases and pests can be controlled, leading to healthy and productive Convolvulus prostratus var. deserti plants.
