Engleria Africana O.Hoffm. var. Radiata Oliv.: A Description
Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. is a perennial plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to tropical Africa and can be found in different parts of the continent, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, and Gabon.
Common Names
The plant is known by different common names depending on the locality. In Cameroon, it is called "Fakou" or "Fokou," while in Gabon, it is referred to as "Lemba." It can also be called "Bush Daisy" or "Summer Chrysanthemum".
Appearance
Engleria africana has thick leaves and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are dark green and shiny. They have a wavy or serrated margin and can grow up to 15 cm long and 7 cm wide. The plant produces yellow flowers with a dark center and has a radiate flower head. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the plant and typically bloom from June to September.
Uses
Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. has various medicinal uses. The leaves and stems are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including headaches, fever, and stomachache. The plant is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be used to relieve pain and inflammation.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Engleria africana is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant is known for its attractive flowers and is often used in flower arrangements. Due to its high tolerance to drought, the plant is ideal for planting in dry regions in Africa.
Conclusion
Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. is a versatile plant that has both medicinal and ornamental uses. Its high tolerance for drought makes it an ideal plant for planting in dry regions in Africa. Although the plant is not well-known outside of Africa, it has immense potential as a valuable medicinal plant due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Light requirements
Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. typically grows best in an area that receives partial to full sunlight. The plant can tolerate some shade. However, placing the plant in direct sunlight for extended periods can cause damage to its leaves. Balancing the exposure of sunlight to the plant can help it grow healthier.
Temperature requirements
The plant can thrive in warm temperatures and cannot survive in areas that experience frost. The optimal temperature range required for the plant's growth ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. A temperature below 10 degrees Celsius could be harmful to the plant, leading to its death.
Soil requirements
Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. requires well-drained soils. The plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types ranging from sandy to loamy. Consistently wet soils are not suitable for the plant, and it can quickly perish in such conditions. A soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 is conducive to the plant's growth. Addition of organic materials enhances soil nutrients and aeration.
Cultivation
The Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. is commonly grown as a houseplant and requires a warm, humid environment to thrive. It can be grown in a pot or hanging basket, and it is essential to ensure that the roots do not stay wet.
This plant prefers bright but indirect light, and it is advisable to keep it away from direct sunlight as it can lead to burning on the leaves.
It is a slow-growing plant and produces yellow flowers in the spring and summer.
Watering Needs
When watering Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv., it is advisable to let the soil dry out slightly between watering and avoid waterlogging the roots. This can be achieved by watering the plant every seven to ten days or when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.
To ensure proper drainage, grow them in a container with a drainage hole at the bottom, and it is essential to make sure that the potting mix is suitable for aroids and porous enough.
Fertilization
To support the growth and health of the plant, fertilize it once every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer can be mixed with the potting soil or applied as a liquid fertilizer.
It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and instructions provided by the manufacturer to prevent over-fertilization, which can cause harm to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. It is advisable to prune this plant in the early spring before new growth emerges.
The pruning process involves removing any damaged, diseased, or yellow leaves to promote healthy growth and enhance the plant's appearance. It is also essential to remove spent flowers to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production.
When pruning, it is advisable to use sterilized pruning tools to prevent disease transmission and to make clean cuts on the stems and leaves.
Propagation of Engleria Africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv.
Engleria Africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division of rhizomes or rootstock.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Engleria Africana should be collected when they are fully mature. The collected seeds are then dried before sowing. Before sowing, the seed coat should be scarified for easier germination. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil. The container should be covered with a transparent lid or plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Germination should occur within 3-4 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Engleria Africana can also be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems, preferably in the early morning. The cuttings should be 5-8 cm long with two to three nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before inserting them into a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the container should be covered with a transparent lid or plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Rooting should occur within 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Division of Rhizomes or Rootstock
Propagation by division is an easy way to propagate Engleria Africana. The plant should be dug up and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has roots attached. Each section should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and watered. The plant should be kept in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv.
Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. is a beautiful and hardy plant that can tolerate diverse environmental conditions. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to several diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management are crucial for the survival and growth of this stunning plant.
Common diseases affecting Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv.
The most common diseases that can affect Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. include root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. Root rot is caused by fungi in the soil and is typically due to overwatering and poor drainage. Leaf spot is often caused by bacterial or fungal infections, and powdery mildew is due to fungi. Anthracnose can be caused by several types of fungi that affect the plant's leaves and stems.
Disease management
Prevention is key for managing diseases in Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. Ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and water it infrequently. When watering, ensure that the soil dries a bit between each watering. Prune the plant regularly to maintain proper airflow, and remove any infected parts promptly. Treating the plant with fungicides or bactericides can prevent or cure several diseases.
Common pests affecting Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv.
Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. can also be affected by pests such as spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny pests that make the leaves look yellow or bronze and produce spider-like webs. Whiteflies are also small insects that damage the plant's leaves and produce a white powder when disturbed. Mealybugs attack the plant's new growth, and scale insects leave a sticky residue on the leaves, making them appear shiny or black.
Pest management
To manage pests, inspect Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. regularly and remove any pests manually or with a strong blast of water. Applying neem oil or soapy water can also repel pests. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings can also control pests and prevent infestations.
Proper disease and pest management through preventive measures and prompt action can ensure the healthy growth of Engleria africana O.Hoffm. var. radiata Oliv. It is essential to monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures to protect it from diseases and pests.
