Overview
Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. is a perennial plant species of the Cymbopogon genus and the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as Bequaert's lemongrass and originates from Central Africa, specifically from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Nigeria.
General Appearance
The Bequaert's lemongrass plant has a bushy appearance and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring around 1.5 cm wide and 60 cm long. They are green and slightly hairy, with a pointed tip and margins that curve downwards. The plant's stems are green, fibrous, and have a characteristic lemon-like fragrance.
Uses
The Bequaert's lemongrass plant is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Its leaves and stems contain essential oils that are rich in citral, which gives it a lemon-like scent and flavor. In some African cultures, the plant is used to make tea or added as a flavoring in soups, stews, and sauces. Its essential oils are also used in perfumes, body lotions, and insect repellents. Medicinally, the plant is believed to have antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and headaches.
Light Requirements
Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. thrives in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and can withstand up to 12 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. is native to Angola, a country located in the tropics. Thus, it thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot withstand frost and should be protected from temperatures below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. is sandy loam with good drainage. It should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 5.5-7.0. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions but does not thrive in heavy clay soils. The soil should be moderately fertile, with the addition of organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
Cultivation methods
Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild., also known as African lemon grass, can be propagated by planting seedlings or stem cuttings. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It requires full sun to grow properly and can tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions.
Watering needs
African lemon grass requires regular watering to thrive. It should be watered deeply and infrequently to avoid overwatering and waterlogging. Watering should be done once or twice a week during the growing season and reduced to once a week during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. responds well to fertilization. It requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied every six weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can also be used to supplement the soil nutrients.
Pruning
African lemon grass requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done once or twice a year, preferably during the dormant season. The plant should be cut back to about 6 inches from the ground. Dead leaves and stems should also be removed to prevent the accumulation of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild.
Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated through sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Propagation of C. bequaertii through sexual methods involves sowing seeds in well-drained soil in a nursery. The seeds are usually sown at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered lightly with soil. A layer of mulch can also be applied to retain moisture and prevent the soil from drying out. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 4-6 weeks of growth.
Asexual propagation
C. bequaertii can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The stems should be collected from healthy plants and cut into sections of about 15 cm in length. The lower leaves should be removed to expose nodes where roots will emerge. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in well-drained potting soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a warm place with filtered light. Roots will emerge after about 2-3 weeks and the cuttings can be transplanted into the field after 2-3 months of growth.
Disease Management
Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. is generally considered a hardy plant and not susceptible to many diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot or rust. These diseases can be managed by removing and destroying any infected plant material and ensuring proper plant spacing for good air circulation. It is also recommended to avoid overhead watering and instead water at the base of the plant to prevent standing water on the leaves.
Pest Management
The most common pest that affects Cymbopogon bequaertii De Wild. is the grasshopper. Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. To manage these pests, it is recommended to use physical barriers such as netting or row covers to prevent them from accessing the plants. Another option is to use a natural pesticide such as neem oil or garlic spray.
