Origin and Common Names
Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae) and is native to southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. This plant is also known by various common names such as the Elephant Root, Wildeals, and Gifwortel.General Appearance
The Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips is a rhizomatous perennial herb that grows up to 2 meters tall. The plant has a shallow and spreading root system with a woody cluster of roots resembling elephant's feet which are a common sight in African landscapes. The foliage of this plant is dark green and oblong, with each leaflet measuring up to 80 mm long and 50 mm wide. The flowers of this plant are pinkish-purple in color, shaped like a pea flower, and are borne on long stems above the foliage.Uses
The Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips has several uses, primarily in traditional medicine but also in the horticulture industry. The roots of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments such as digestive problems, skin conditions, and respiratory issues. The root is also an analgesic or pain reliever and has antibacterial properties. In the horticulture industry, the Elephant Root is an attractive plant to grow for its unique elephant-foot-like root clusters and showy pinkish-purple flowers. It is also used in erosion control and landscaping projects.Growth Conditions for Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips
Light: Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate brief periods of direct sunlight, but it grows best in shaded conditions with fertile soil that retains moisture.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to warm climates and prefers temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius). It can tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), but frost may damage this plant.
Soil: Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they have good drainage. Soil moisture is crucial for this plant, and it requires regular watering to prevent drought stress.
In conclusion, to successfully grow Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips, it is best to provide it with partial shade, temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and well-drained, fertile soil that retains moisture. Regular watering is also essential for this plant's growth and survival.
Cultivation
Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips thrives in well-draining soils. It is best to plant this species during the spring or fall seasons, before or after the scorching temperatures of summer. Dig a hole twice the size of the plant's root ball and place it into the soil. Ensure that the top of the root ball sits level or slightly above ground. Water the plant after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Watering Needs
Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips only needs occasional watering when established. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil has dried out. Use a hose set to a slow trickle and water at the base of the plant, keeping the leaves dry.
Fertilization
This plant does not need frequent fertilization. Apply slow-release fertilizer in the spring, or use a weak liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as the plant goes dormant and does not require nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips. However, dead or damaged leaves should be removed to encourage healthy growth. The plant can be trimmed to maintain the preferred size and shape. Prune during the growing season.
Propagation of Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips
Propagation of Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips can be done through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds after flowering. These seeds can be collected and sowed in soil. In their natural habitat, Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips seeds undergo a dormancy period, which is broken by the presence of smoke. So, to break this dormancy, the seeds can be treated with smoke water before sowing in soil. Once the seeds germinate, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division, where the clumps can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location. Division propagation is typically done when the plant is mature and has grown larger. This method is useful to create new plants in a shorter time.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method to propagate Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips. Stem cuttings from the plant can be taken and planted in a growing medium. It is important to make sure that the cutting is properly watered and exposed to the right amount of light. Rooting hormone can be used to enhance the chances of the cutting developing roots. Once roots appear, the cutting can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management for Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips
Just like any other plant species, Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips can also be affected by various diseases that can cause harm to the plant. Here are some common diseases that affect the plant and their management:
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the root system of the plant. It is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or the presence of a fungus in the soil. To manage root rot, it's essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and the plant is not overwatered. If the disease has already affected the plant, remove the affected parts and replant the healthy ones.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips. It appears as white powdery patches on the leaves, stem, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected parts and apply a fungicide to the plant.
Pest Management for Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips
Aside from diseases, Elephantorrhiza obliqua Burtt Davy var. glabra E.Phillips can also be affected by pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that affect the plant and their management:
Mites
Mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage mites, regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. Apply a miticide to the plant and remove the affected parts.
Thrips
Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They cause damage by scratching the surface of the leaves, making them silver or brown. To manage thrips, inspect the plant regularly and apply an insecticide to the plant.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage to the foliage. To manage caterpillars, remove them manually or apply an insecticide to the plant.
