Origin
Diplolophium buchananii (Benth. ex Oliv.) C.Norman subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Cannon is a plant species that belongs to the family of Iridaceae. The plant is native to eastern Africa, specifically found in Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Buchanan's double-lobed Diplolophium or Swynnerton's double-lobed Diplolophium.
Uses
The plant is grown for its ornamental value. The plant's flowers are a beautiful shade of purple, making it a popular addition to gardens and parks. This plant has also been used as a traditional medicinal plant in East Africa to treat ailments such as fever, headache, and stomach problems.
General Appearance
Diplolophium buchananii (Benth. ex Oliv.) C.Norman subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Cannon is a perennial herb, growing up to 50 cm tall. The plant has dark green narrow leaves, around 2-3 cm long, clustered at the base of the plant. The flowers are small and tubular, in shades of purple and blue, and are arranged on a long thin stalk that rises above the foliage. The plant blooms from early to late summer.
Typical Growth Conditions for Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii
Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii, commonly known as Swynnerton's bushwillow, is a deciduous tree that is native to Southern and East Africa. This plant typically grows in open woodlands, scrub, and thickets. Here are the typical growth conditions for Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii:
Light
Swynnerton's bushwillow requires full sun exposure to thrive. The tree cannot grow in shade or semi-shade conditions where it will struggle. Planting it in a location that receives full sunlight, or at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, will help it thrive.
Temperature
Swynnerton's bushwillow thrives in warm temperatures, and it's not suitable for areas that experience frost. The plant can grow in most soils, even in the poor ones, as long as they meet the temperature requirements. The ideal temperature for Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii growth is between 15°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant is not too picky about the soil in which it grows; Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Ensure you plant your tree in well-drained soil, not compacted or waterlogged. The pH range in which the tree thrives is between 6-7.5. Adding organic material such as compost, and mulching under the tree with leaves, straw, and other organic matter, can help maintain soil moisture to enhance growth.
Cultivation Methods
Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii is a fairly easy plant to cultivate and care for. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. The plant can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. When grown in pots, use a good quality potting mix. The soil should be well-draining to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii prefers to grow in a location that receives full sunlight.Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. During the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks. Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii is sensitive to water-logging, and overwatering can cause the roots to rot. It's essential to ensure proper drainage.Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and development, it is recommended to fertilize Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii every four weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should have an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio of 2:1:1. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter season.Pruning
Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii is a low maintenance plant and does not require too much pruning. Only prune the plant to remove any damaged stems or at the end of the growing season to remove any dead leaves. Prune away any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Always ensure to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid spreading any bacteria or disease that could harm the plant.Propagation Methods of Diplolophium buchananii (Benth. ex Oliv.) C.Norman subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Cannon
Diplolophium buchananii (Benth. ex Oliv.) C.Norman subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Cannon, also known as the Swynnerton's African milk bush, is a succulent plant found in East Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods.
Division
The division method of propagation involves separating the offsets from the main plant and planting them in separate containers. The offsets should be separated during the active growing season, preferably in spring or early summer. The plant should be watered lightly before dividing.
Leaf Cuttings
Another propagation method for Diplolophium buchananii is through leaf cuttings. Take a healthy leaf cutting and let it dry for a day or two before planting it in well-draining soil. Water the soil lightly and place it in a shaded area. The cutting should root within six weeks.
Stem Cuttings
Using stem cuttings is one of the easiest ways of propagating Diplolophium buchananii. During the growing period, cut a stem from the plant using a sharp, sterilized knife. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves of the stem cutting, leaving two to three leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Place it in a shaded area and water it lightly. The cutting should root within four to six weeks.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases to affect Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii is root rot, which is caused by fungi such as Pythium and Phytophthora. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and root decay. To manage root rot, it is best to prevent it by planting the plant in well-draining soil and avoiding over-watering. If the disease has already manifested, the affected plant should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungi to other plants in the vicinity.
Another disease to watch out for is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the plant leaves. This disease occurs when the humidity is high and air circulation is poor. To prevent powdery mildew from developing, ensure that the plant has good air circulation, avoid overcrowding in the plant bed, and prune the plant to allow sunlight to penetrate. If powdery mildew has already infected the plant, spray it with a fungicide to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Diplolophium buchananii subsp. swynnertonii is susceptible to insect pests such as aphids and spider mites. These pests typically feed on the plant sap, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are organic and do not harm other beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs. Encourage natural predators of these pests such as the praying mantis or lacewing by planting companion plants such as yarrow, dill, or cilantro.
Caterpillars are another insect pest that can feed on the plant foliage, leaving holes and causing the leaves to turn brown. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which is a natural bacteria that can kill caterpillars. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of insect pests and manage them promptly to prevent severe infestation that can damage the plant.
