Overview
Elynanthus viscosus (Schrad.) Nees is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is commonly known as the sticky Elynanthus, sticky purple bamboo, or kantai.
Origin
Elynanthus viscosus is native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. It grows in forest clearings, open hillsides, and along roadsides at an altitude of up to 1,500 meters above sea level.
Appearance
Elynanthus viscosus can reach a height of 1 to 2 meters and produces woody stems that grow densely and upright. The stems are purple or red and are covered with small white hairs. The leaves are simple, oblong to ovate in shape, and can grow up to 12 cm long and 5 cm wide. The flowers are white, pink, or purple in color, grow in long spikes, and are surrounded by prominent, sticky bracts. The fruits are brown capsules that contain numerous small, black seeds.
Uses
Elynanthus viscosus has several medicinal properties and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, asthma, rheumatism, and arthritis. The plant contains several bioactive compounds like iridoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids that possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. The plant's sticky bracts are also used to prepare glue and paste for bookbinding, handicrafts, and other applications.
Despite its value as a medicinal plant, Elynanthus viscosus is considered an invasive species in some regions like Australia, where it was introduced as an ornamental plant. It has the potential to spread rapidly and displace native vegetation.
Light Requirements
Elynanthus viscosus requires high levels of light to grow optimally. This species thrives in direct sunlight and needs at least 6 hours of full, direct sunlight per day. Lack of light can result in stunted growth, reduced flowering, and leaf yellowing.
Temperature Requirements
Elynanthus viscosus is a warm weather plant and prefers temperatures between 18°C to 25°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30°C can lead to heat stress and reduced growth. In cooler temperatures, the plant may still survive but growth will be significantly slowed down.
Soil Requirements
Elynanthus viscosus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. This species requires a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5 to thrive. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy loam, loam, and clay loam.
Cultivation of Elynanthus Viscosus
Elynanthus viscosus (Schrad.) Nees, commonly known as the Sticky Elynanthus or Lama Sulcha is a tropical plant that requires certain conditions and care to thrive. It is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height and spreads up to 2 meters in width. It is a woody plant that usually grows in the undergrowth of tropical forests, and it requires specific conditions that mimic its natural habitat to grow well.
Watering Needs
Elynanthus viscosus requires adequate water to thrive, during the dry season, it is essential to water the plant regularly. Water the plant deeply and allow the water to soak into the soil, then wait until the soil dries out slightly before watering again. Try not to let the soil become waterlogged as this could cause root rot.
Fertilization
Elynanthus viscosus requires regular fertilization to grow well. Fertilize the plant every six weeks with a good quality, slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water it in thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use a balanced liquid fertilizer biweekly to ensure the plant receives all essential nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Elynanthus viscosus is essential to keep it in good shape and encourage healthy growth. Prune the plant after flowering by cutting back any new growth to about one-third of its original length. Pinch back any new shoots during the growing season to encourage bushy growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems regularly to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Elynanthus viscosus (Schrad.) Nees
Elynanthus viscosus (Schrad.) Nees is an evergreen shrub native to South America. The plant is commonly known as "Sticky Elynanthus" due to its sticky leaves. Propagation of this plant is usually done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Elynanthus viscosus can be done by sowing seeds in a well-draining potting mix during spring or summer. To increase the germination rate, you can soak the seeds in warm water overnight before sowing. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm, bright place. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Elynanthus viscosus by cuttings is an easier and faster method than propagation by seeds. Take stem cuttings 10-12 cm long from a healthy plant in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and water it thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in indirect sunlight. After four to six weeks, the cuttings should develop roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Elynanthus viscosus
Elynanthus viscosus (Schrad.) Nees, commonly known as Sticky Elynanthus, is a plant that is native to India and the Himalayas. It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain, but it is also susceptible to certain diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Elynanthus viscosus is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that's easy to spot due to powdery spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease can easily spread to other plants, so it's crucial to remove affected areas as soon as possible. Another disease that affects the plant is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. The disease causes leaves to turn yellow and fall off, leading to defoliation.
Disease Management
The best way to manage these diseases is to maintain plant health. Keep the plant well-watered and ensure it's getting enough sunlight. Also, improve air circulation by trimming and pruning to prevent the accumulation of moisture. Remove any affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease. Furthermore, apply fungicides such as neem oil or copper fungicide to prevent further infestation.
Common Pests
Elynanthus viscosus is also susceptible to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of leaves and tender stems. Whiteflies are small, white insects that cause direct damage by sucking sap and can also act as a vector for viruses. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that cause damage by sucking sap and leave a fine webbing on the plant.
Pest Management
The best way to manage pests is to keep the plant healthy and regularly inspect for symptoms such as curled leaves or discoloration. Natural predators can be an effective way to control pests. For instance, ladybirds are natural predators of aphids and can help control infestations. Additionally, insecticidal soaps and neem oil are effective insecticides that can be applied to manage pests. Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne pests.
Overall, maintaining the health of the Elynanthus viscosus is key to preventing and managing diseases and pests. Non-chemical control methods and the use of organic pesticides are also essential for the safety of the plant, environment, and people.
