Description
Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle is a small, herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the family Moraceae. It is a perennial plant with a short, underground rhizome from which arise a few upright stems. Its leaves are arranged alternate, sessile or subsessile, and elliptic to oblong-lanceolate in shape. The inflorescence is a few-flowered cyme with greenish-yellow flowers. The fruit of this plant is an achene and its seeds are small, black and triangular in shape.
Origin and Distribution
Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle is native to tropical and southern Africa, from Guinea-Bissau and Mali to Namibia, Angola, and Zambia. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and woodlands.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle include Short-tailed Dorstenia, Dwarf Dorstenia, and Kona Moyo.
Uses
The plant has traditional medicinal value and is used in a variety of ways by different ethnic groups. Its roots, leaves, and stem bark are used to treat a range of ailments including backache, stomachache, and kidney diseases. The sap of the plant is also used externally to treat wounds and skin infections.
In addition, Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive leaves and flowers. It is cultivated in gardens and as a potted plant in some parts of the world.
Light Requirements
The Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle plant grows best in bright, indirect light. It does not tolerate direct sunlight and can get burned if exposed to it for extended periods. If placed indoors, it is best to put it next to an east or west-facing window that provides bright, filtered light. Outdoors, it can thrive under the canopy of larger trees or shaded areas that receive dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle plant prefers warm temperatures that range from 18-24°C (65-75°F). It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but not extreme cold. During winter, it is recommended to keep the plant in temperatures above 10°C (50°F) and protect it from frost.
Soil Requirements
The Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant can grow in many different types of soil compositions, including rocky soils and loamy soils. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and plant death.
Cultivation
Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to thrive. It can grow well in both indoor and outdoor conditions. When cultivating, it is important to ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. This plant requires a moderate amount of light exposure, preferably indirect light, for optimum growth.
Watering Needs
Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle has moderate water needs. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Too much water may cause the plant to rot, and too little water may stress the plant. Ensure that the soil is completely dry before the next watering session. As a general rule, water only when the top layer of soil is dry, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized once or twice a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer as specified on the instructions. Stop fertilization during the winter season when the plant goes into dormancy.
Pruning
Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle does not require much pruning but can be trimmed to limit its size and shape. Prune dead or damaged leaves and stems to promote healthy growth and prevent diseases. You can use sharp, clean pruning shears to make the cuts.
Propagation of Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle
Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle can be propagated through various methods, including stem and leaf cuttings, division, and seeds.
Stem Cuttings
To propagate Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle through stem cuttings, take a cutting from the mother plant in the early spring or summer. Take a stem cutting that is about 3-4 inches long and has a few leaves on it. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to root and produce new growth.
Leaf Cuttings
Another method of propagating Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle is through leaf cuttings. Take a healthy leaf from the mother plant and cut it into sections, making sure each section has a vein running through it. Lay the leaf sections on top of well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, new plants should begin to grow from each leaf section.
Division
Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle can also be propagated through division. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes. Each rhizome should have a few leaves and roots attached to it. Plant each rhizome in its own pot with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm, bright location. Water the new plants regularly and they should begin to grow.
Seeds
Finally, Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle can be propagated through seeds. Collect the seeds from mature plants and sow them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, the seeds should germinate and begin to grow. It may take several years for the new plants to mature and produce their own seeds.
Disease Management for Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle
Diseases can attack Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle causing devastating effects on the plant's growth and development. Early detection and management of these diseases are crucial to maintaining the plant's health and productivity. Below are some common diseases that might affect the plant and their management strategies:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the foliage, stems, and flowers of Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle. Infected leaves exhibit small, dark spots that spread and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. To manage anthracnose, prune off the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation to prevent the fungus's spread.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle. The plant's leaves wilt and turn yellow, and the roots become mushy and discolored. To manage root rot, remove the affected plants and their soil. Disinfect the planting container and replace the soil with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Avoid overwatering and ensure adequate drainage to prevent the disease's recurrence.
Pest Management for Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle
Pests can also cause severe damage to Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle leading to stunted growth and even death. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and manage pests on the plant regularly. Below are some common pests that might infest the plant and their management strategies:
Spider Mites
Spider mites feed on the underside of the plant's leaves causing yellowing, browning, and stippling. To manage spider mites, rinse the plant thoroughly with water to dislodge the pests. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony pests that suck plant juices and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the pests from the plant. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control severe infestations.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped, insect pests that attach to the plant's stems and leaves. Scale insects have a protective coating that makes them challenging to manage. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the pests from the plant's surface. Apply insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
By regularly monitoring the plant for pests and diseases and taking swift action when needed, you can maintain the health and beauty of Dorstenia psilurus Welw. var. brevicaudata Rendle.
