Description of Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov.
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov., commonly referred to as African fleabane, is a plant species from the family Asteraceae. The plant originates from Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
General Appearance
African Fleabane is an annual, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.6 meters tall with branching stems that are covered with soft, silky white hairs. The leaves are long, narrow, and grow alternately along the stem, with toothed edges. The plant produces clusters of small daisy-like flowers that are pink, purple, or white in color and have yellow centers. After flowering, the plant produces small, dry fruits that are 2-3 mm in length and have a tuft of hairs on the tip that aids in wind dispersion.
Common Names
African Fleabane is commonly referred to as "devils horsewhip," "horseweed," "giraffe's neck," "goatweed," "Canégalette" in French, and "muabwe" in Shona.
Uses
In traditional African medicine, Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. has been used to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, stomach pains, and pulmonary tuberculosis. The plant also contains antifungal and antibacterial compounds, and studies have shown its potential for use in treating infections caused by bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics. The plant has also been used as a food source for domestic animals, and its seeds have been used to make a type of porridge or flour.
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is considered a weed in many areas, and it can be a problem in fields, roadsides, and waste areas. However, it is also a beneficial plant, providing food and medicinal benefits.
Growth Conditions of Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov.
Light Requirements: Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. grows best in full sun to partial shade. It does not tolerate extreme shade conditions, which can lead to poor growth and thinning of the plant. Therefore, it is best to plant the species in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: This species is native to Ethiopia and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in warm to hot temperatures, ideally between 18 to 32 degrees Celsius. Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is not frost tolerant and can be damaged or killed if exposed to freezing temperatures for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements: Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. prefers sandy loam or loamy soils that are well-draining and rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot and subsequent death of the plant. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimum growth.
Cultivation methods
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is a hardy plant that grows well in most soil types. It requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F to 75°F. The best time to plant this plant is during the fall and spring seasons.
Before planting, prepare the soil by tilling it and adding organic matter such as compost, manure, or peat moss. This will help improve the soil structure and fertility. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Once the plants are established, they do not require high levels of maintenance.
Watering needs
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is drought-tolerant, and therefore, it does not require frequent watering. However, during dry spells, the plant should be watered occasionally to ensure that the soil is moist. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
The frequency of watering will largely depend on the climate and soil type. A general rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply once a week or whenever the topsoil is dry. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. does not require high levels of fertilization. However, during the growing season, some fertilization may be necessary to provide the plant with essential nutrients. A slow-release granular fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied to the soil around the base of the plant.
The frequency of fertilization will depend on the soil type and the age of the plant. Younger plants may require fertilization more frequently than older plants. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is not necessary. However, if the plant becomes too leggy and unkept, pruning can be done to improve its appearance. Dead or damaged stems and branches can be removed at any time throughout the year.
The plant can be pruned in the early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. This can be achieved by cutting back the stems by one-third of their total length. After pruning, water the plant deeply to promote new growth.
Propagation Techniques for Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov.
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov., commonly known as tiger conyza or hairy fleabane, is best propagated through seeds. This plant produces numerous seeds that can be collected and sowed in germination trays or directly in pots.
Seed Collection and Preparation
The seeds of Conyza tigrensis are small and black, and they are usually produced in abundance at the end of summer. The seeds can be easily collected by cutting the dry seed head and shaking it over a container. The collected seeds can then be dried under shade and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time arrives.
Sowing the Seeds
The seeds must be sown in germination trays or directly in pots soon after collecting them. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring, as the temperatures warm and the daylight increases. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, to a depth of 2-3 mm, and covered with a light covering of soil. The trays or pots should be kept moist but not overwatered, and placed in a warm, well-lit area.
Caring for the Seedlings
The seeds of Conyza tigrensis will germinate in 7-10 days, and the seedlings will start to grow fast. As the seedlings grow, it is important to provide them with enough light and a good-quality potting mix. Once the seedlings are well-established, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into their final position in the garden. When transplanting, care must be taken not to disturb the roots too much.
Conclusion
Propagation of Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. can be easily done from seeds. Sowing in the spring, in a well-draining soil, and providing enough light and moisture will ensure proper germination and growth of the seedlings. With proper care, the seedlings will establish fast and grow into healthy, mature plants that can provide beautiful foliage and flowers to any garden.
Disease Management
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease is characterized by small, circular spots on leaves. The spots may be brown, black, or gray and can merge to cause extensive damage. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and improve air circulation and light in the plant to reduce humidity.
- Root Rots: Root rot is caused by various pathogens that destroy the roots, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves, and it can cause leaf curling and distortion. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected leaves and improve air circulation in the plant by spacing plants at the recommended distance.
Pest Management
Conyza tigrensis Oliv. & Hiern var. erythrolepis (Sch.Bip.) Chiov. is also prone to pest infestations, including:
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, leading to leaf yellowing and curling. To manage spider mite infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and increase humidity and reduce heat stress in the plant.
- Scale Insects: These pests are found on the underside of the leaves, and they produce a waxy coating that protects them from insecticidal sprays. To manage scale insects, use a soft brush to remove the pests or apply horticultural oil to suffocate them.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by chewing on the leaves. To manage caterpillar infestations, pick them off by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
