Overview
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. is a plant species in the family Convolvulaceae. It is a trailing vine that is native to eastern Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Common names for Convolvulus steudneri Engl. include Steudner's Bindweed, Smallflower Bindweed, and Convolvulus vine.
Appearance
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. is a vine that can grow up to 2 meters long. The leaves of the plant are green and slender, with dimensions of about 2-5 cm length and 0.3-0.5 cm width. The flowers are white or pink in color, and they bloom from September to November. The plant produces fruit in the form of small capsules containing brown seeds.
Uses
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. has some medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The roots of the plant are boiled and used to treat toothaches, fever, and stomach problems. The leaves are also crushed and used to treat wounds and snakebites. Additionally, the plant is used as a forage plant for livestock in Ethiopia.
Growth Conditions for Convolvulus steudneri Engl.
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. commonly known as Steudner's bindweed is a plant species that is native to Eastern and Southern Africa. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 35-45 cm in height and produces thin stems with alternate leaves that are arrow or heart-shaped.
Light Requirements
The plant prefers growing in full sun or partial shade. If grown in full sun, it should be watered frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. Convolvulus steudneri grows well in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm conditions. The optimal temperature range for Convolvulus steudneri growth is between 20 to 28°C. At low temperatures, the growth is slow, and the plant may exhibit some signs of stress.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in most soil types, but prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and moist but not waterlogged. Convolvulus steudneri is tolerant of drought conditions but cannot survive in waterlogged soils as the roots may rot.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant does not require much fertilizer as it can grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, if necessary, you can add some organic fertilizers like compost, or bone meal in the soil as it breaks down slowly, providing a steady stream of nutrients to the plant. Over-fertilization may lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of the flowers.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering, and watering must be done when the top layer of the soil dries out. Over-watering may lead to root rot and may also cause waterlogging in the soil which is unsuitable for the plant. Watering should be reduced during the winter dormancy period.
By following the growth conditions mentioned above, you can grow a healthy and beautiful Convolvulus steudneri plant in your garden.
Cultivation
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix during the spring. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Cuttings can be taken in the summer.
The plant prefers full sun but can also thrive in partial shade. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but well-draining soil is a prerequisite. Prior to planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12-14 inches. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil if it is poor in nutrients.
Watering Needs
While Convolvulus steudneri Engl. is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering. Water the plant once a week during the growing season. During hot and dry spells, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
Water deeply and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before the next watering. In the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Fertilization
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. does not require heavy fertilization to thrive. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season to provide nutrients to the plant. Alternatively, you can add a liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter when it is dormant. Instead, add a layer of organic matter or compost to the soil to improve its fertility and structure.
Pruning
Pruning Convolvulus steudneri Engl. is not necessary, but it can help keep the plant neat and tidy. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems as soon as you notice them. This will prevent the spread of disease and improve the overall appearance of the plant.
To promote bushier growth and more flowers, pinch back the tips of the stems once or twice during the growing season. This will encourage the plant to produce more lateral shoots. Avoid pruning the plant heavily, as this can reduce the number of flowers it produces.
Propagation of Convolvulus steudneri Engl.
Convolvulus steudneri Engl., commonly known as Bush Morning Glory, can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Convolvulus steudneri Engl. can be obtained from the dried flowers of the plant. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a seed tray or pot, preferably in late spring or early summer when the temperature is warm. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which should take about 2-3 weeks. Once germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden or a larger pot.
Propagation through Cuttings
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. can also be propagated through cuttings, preferably in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of young, healthy shoots. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be stripped of their leaves on the lower half of the stem. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings root, which should take about 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to the garden or a larger pot.
Propagation through Division
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant, but can also be done in summer. The plant should be dug up and the root ball should be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots. The sections can be replanted in the garden or in separate pots.
Disease Management
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. is susceptible to various diseases that could affect its health and productivity. Some common diseases that could affect this plant are:
- Rust: This fungal disease causes reddish-brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, it is best to remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. Applying a fungicide could also help control the spread of rust.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves that could eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them. Applying a fungicide could also help to reduce the disease's spread.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the roots, leading to the plant's death. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering it.
Pest Management
Convolvulus steudneri Engl. is also susceptible to pest infestations, which could cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that could affect this plant are:
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Managing them entails spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap to reduce their numbers.
- Thrips: These pests cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These pests feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed by removing them manually and spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
Regular inspection of the plant is essential in identifying early signs of pests and diseases. It is recommended to use organic pest and disease control methods whenever possible to avoid harmful chemicals that could harm beneficial insects or contaminate the environment.
