Origin
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle is a species of flowering plant in the genus Elatostema and the family Urticaceae. It is native to Cameroon, a country in Central Africa.
Common Names
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle is commonly known as "Cameroon Elatostema," "Welwitsch's Elatostema," and "Nettle."
Uses
There are no known specific uses for Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle. However, it is widely grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and interesting texture.
General Appearance
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle is a compact and spreading perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are thin, oval-shaped, and have an asymmetrical base, with a pointed apex and serrated edges. The leaves can reach up to 6 cm in length and are glossy and green in color. The plant's stems are green and smooth. Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle produces small, greenish-white flowers that are inconspicuous and are borne singly or in clusters on the plant.
Light Requirements
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle prefers bright, filtered sunlight. A location with partial shade and indirect sunlight should be chosen if grown indoors. Direct sunlight in the afternoon can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle is between 20-27°C (68-80°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night, but temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can damage the leaves and slow down growth.
Soil Requirements
The proper soil mixture for Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle should be well-draining to prevent root rot. A mixture of peat and perlite or vermiculite is recommended. It is important to maintain a soil pH level between 5.5 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic.
Cultivation Methods
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle is a plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant needs protection from strong winds, and it is best cultivated in warm and humid climates with a temperature range of 20 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle vary depending on the season and the climate. During the dry season, it is essential to water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. However, care must be taken to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle requires regular fertilization to grow and thrive. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 is recommended for this plant. Fertilizer applications should be done every two weeks during the growing season and reduced in the winter season.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle healthy and bushy. It is advisable to prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and improve its appearance. Pinching off the tops of the stems during the growing season is also effective in promoting bushiness.
Propagation of Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle is a tropical plant that belongs to the nettle family. It is commonly propagated through stem cuttings and seeds.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is a very effective method for Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle. Cuttings are usually taken during the summer months when the plant is actively growing, and the stems are in good condition. Cuttings should be at least 10–12 cm long and should be taken from the stem tips. The cutting should be stripped of leaves, leaving only two or three at the top, and should be inserted into a potting mixture of peat and sand. A small plastic bag can be placed over the pot to create a humid environment for the cutting. They should be watered regularly, but not allowed to dry out, and placed in bright, indirect light. The cutting will root in about four to six weeks.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is also possible, but it is not as common as stem cuttings. The seeds of Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle are tiny and should be sown on the surface of a well-draining potting mixture of peat and sand. They should then be lightly covered with the same mixture and watered gently. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds should germinate in about two to four weeks.
Disease and Pest Management of Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle
Elatostema welwitschii Engl. var. cameroonense Rendle, commonly known as Cameroon nettle or scorpion sting nettle, is a member of the Urticaceae family. This plant is native to West and Central Africa. Although it is not commonly grown as an ornamental, it is sometimes raised in greenhouses for its interesting leaf shapes and textures. Cameroon nettle is also used in traditional medicine, as it is believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties (1).
Common Diseases
Cameroon nettle is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including anthracnose, rust, and leaf spots. Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., can lead to defoliation and stunted growth. Rust, caused by Puccinia elatostemi, often appears as yellowish-orange spots on the undersides of leaves. Leaf spots, caused by Cercospora spp., are typically brownish and circular.
Pest Management
Cameroon nettle is prone to infestations by spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Spider mites, which are tiny arachnids, can cause yellowing, stippling, and premature leaf drop. Mealybugs are small, scale-like insects that produce a white, waxy coating on leaves and stems. They can weaken plants by feeding on sap and transmitting viruses. Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck sap from leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
Disease Management
To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and use fungicides as needed. To prevent rust, avoid overhead irrigation and promote good air circulation around plants. Fungicides may also be used. Leaf spots can be managed by removing infected leaves and practicing good sanitation. Fungicides can also be helpful.
Pest Management
To control spider mites, wash plants regularly, remove infested leaves, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mealybugs may be removed by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used. Whiteflies can be managed by washing plants, removing infested leaves, and using sticky traps or beneficial insects like ladybugs.
It is important to monitor Cameroon nettle regularly for signs of disease or pest problems and take appropriate action as soon as possible. By practicing good sanitation, using preventive measures, and promptly addressing issues, growers can help keep Cameroon nettle healthy and thriving.
Reference:
1. Arbonnier, M. (2004). Trees, shrubs, and lianas of West African dry zones. CIRAD.
