Overview
Dichilus microphyllus (L.f.) E.Mey. is a medicinal plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It is native to southern Africa and can be found in regions such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The plant has several common names such as Wild five-veined pepper, Damba, and uNdulela.
Appearance
Dichilus microphyllus is a shrub that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant has small, dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and measure about 6 mm in length. The leaves are arranged opposite each other along the stem. The flowers of the plant are small and white with pink or purple spots. These flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of branches and bloom from spring to summer.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal properties and has been traditionally used by indigenous communities for various purposes. The leaves of the plant have been used to treat stomach ailments such as diarrhea and dysentery. They have also been used as a remedy for skin infections, wounds, and snakebites. The plant is also known for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. In addition, some communities use D. microphyllus as a spice for food.
Studies have shown that D. microphyllus contains several secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have contributed to its many medicinal properties. The plant extracts have also been tested for their antitumor and antioxidant activities.
In recent times, the plant has gained attention from the cosmetic industry due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The extracts are now being used in cosmetic products such as creams and lotions.
Light Requirements
Dichilus microphyllus is a shade-loving plant, and it thrives well under partial shade or full shade. The plant is sensitive to direct sunlight, which may cause it to wilt and eventually die. When grown indoors, the plant can be placed in rooms with low to moderate light intensity to ensure proper growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate extreme cold. The ideal temperature range for Dichilus microphyllus is between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F), with a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F). Temperatures below 10°C can cause irreparable damage to the plant, while high temperatures may lead to leaf wilting.
Soil Requirements
Dichilus microphyllus requires well-draining soil with good water retention capacity. The ideal soil pH range for the plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the addition of compost or manure can significantly improve the soil quality. The plant is adapted to a wide variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy and clayey soils, as well as rocky soils.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Dichilus microphyllus (L.f.) E.Mey. belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is commonly known as the mosaic plant. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soil. For cultivation, it is recommended to use well-draining soil mixtures and keep the plant in a partially shaded area. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges from 15°C to 25°C, and it can also tolerate slightly lower temperatures.
Watering Needs
The mosaic plant requires moderate watering, and the soil around the plant should be kept moist. It is important not to overwater the plant or let the soil become waterlogged as it can lead to the root rot. It is recommended to water the plants once every two to three days and ensure that the top layer of soil remains slightly moist. However, the watering frequency may vary depending on the climate and the humidity levels in the surrounding environment.
Fertilization
The mosaic plant requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is best to fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is typically from spring to early autumn. Over-fertilization should also be avoided as it can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Dichilus microphyllus (L.f.) E.Mey. care as it helps to promote healthy growth and maintain the plant's shape. It is recommended to prune the plant during the early spring season before the start of the growing season. The dead or faded leaves should be removed, and the stems should be pruned to maintain an even shape. It is also important to remove any damaged or diseased parts of the plant to prevent the spread of infection.
Propagation of Dichilus microphyllus
Dichilus microphyllus (L.f.) E.Mey., commonly known as the African broom, is a plant species that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is a shrub that can grow up to two meters tall and has green, lance-shaped leaves. This plant is native to the African continent and is often used for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Propagation of Dichilus microphyllus can occur through seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation through seeds can be done during the rainy season. The seeds can be collected and planted in a well-draining growing medium, with a depth of around 1 cm. The seedlings can be transplanted to bigger containers once they reach around 5 cm in height. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, during the propagation process.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is the most common method used for Dichilus microphyllus. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 15-20 cm long and should be planted in a well-draining growing medium after removing the lower leaves. The cuttings should be covered with a plastic bag or placed inside a propagator to maintain high humidity levels. Rooting should occur in around four to six weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into containers once they have established roots.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another method that can be used for Dichilus microphyllus. This method involves bending a low lying stem into the soil and then covering it with a layer of soil. The stem should be wounded slightly to encourage the growth of roots. The original plant should continue to receive water and nutrients while the new plant is forming roots. After four to six weeks, the layer can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into containers. This method is slower than propagation by stem cuttings, but it does produce a larger plant in a shorter amount of time.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichilus microphyllus (L.f.) E.Mey.
Dichilus microphyllus is a shrub that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is a drought-resistant plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Although it is relatively hardy, it is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Therefore, proactive management is necessary to keep Dichilus microphyllus healthy.
Common Diseases
Dichilus microphyllus is prone to fungal infection, which includes leaf spot and stem rot. Leaf spots are a result of fungal pathogens, which cause round or irregular lesions on leaves. The infected leaves eventually turn yellow, dry out, and fall off, leading to defoliation. Stem rots are another common fungal disease affecting Dichilus microphyllus. Infected stems begin with soft spots, followed by rotting and eventually breaking off at the base.
Pest Management
Dichilus microphyllus is vulnerable to pest attacks like mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, soft, white insects that thrive on the plant's sap, leading to wilting and stunted growth. Apart from sap-sucking, they also excrete a sticky substance which promotes fungal growth. Spider mites also feed on the sap, causing weakening of the plant's tissues with distinctive yellowing on the leaves. The spider mites' easy identification by the web-like film under the leaves of the plant.
Management Strategies
To prevent fungal diseases, it is essential to avoid wetting the leaves of Dichilus microphyllus, as wet foliage leads to favorable conditions for fungal growth. Additionally, providing enough spacing between plants allow plenty of air movement which reduces the growth and spread of fungal infection.
In the case of pests, it is best to use insecticides like neem oil to manage mealybugs and spider mites infestations. Horticultural oils like neem oil coats the sap-sucking insect's body, thereby smothering them. Insecticidal soap is another means of controlling mealybug infestation.
Proper sanitation of infected plants will also help reduce the spread of diseases. Regularly checking and treating Dichilus microphyllus against pests and diseases is essential to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
