Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens: The African Plant with Medicinal Properties
Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens is a plant species that belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the heart-leaved englerina plant and is native to several African countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia.
The Plant's Appearance
The Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens plant is a small shrub that grows up to a height of 30-60 cm with stem and branches that exhibit a purplish hue. It has small, green leaves that are arranged opposite to each other, and the leaves are heart-shaped with serrated margins, which gives the plant its common name. The plant produces vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in clusters at the end of short branches.
Traditional Uses
The heart-leaved englerina plant is essential to tribal communities living in Tanzania and Kenya. They use it for various medicinal purposes. For instance, the leaves of the plant are boiled and used as a tea to treat malaria, fever, and headaches. Additionally, its roots are used to alleviate stomach pains, while the bark of the plant is used as a natural analgesic.
Modern Uses
The englerina plant has gained the attention of modern-day researchers due to its antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that the plant extracts can inhibit the growth of various bacterial species, including the well-known Escherichia coli. This discovery has opened up doors for further research into the development of new antibiotics.
Furthermore, the plant extracts have been shown to have potential anticancer properties. They exhibit a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, which presents a promising path for the development of new cancer therapies.
Conclusion
The Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens plant is a medicinal plant species from Africa with numerous potential benefits. From its traditional use in treating various ailments to its potential as a source of new antibiotics and anticancer drugs, the heart-leaved englerina plant is undoubtedly an essential plant worth further research.
Light Requirements
Englerina cordata prefers growing under partial shade, where it can receive moderate amounts of sunlight. The plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight for an extended period as it may wilt or die. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the plant away from direct sunlight exposure or in areas with filtered light, such as under the canopy of trees or shrubs.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C during the day and slightly cooler temperatures of 15°C at night. Englerina cordata can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C but cannot survive frost or freezing temperatures. It is vital to protect the plant from extreme temperatures to maintain optimal growth and prevent damage.
Soil Requirements
Englerina cordata requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5, slightly acidic to neutral. The plant does well in loamy soils that are slightly moist but not waterlogged. It is susceptible to root rot if grown in soils that are poorly drained or too wet. Adding peat moss or compost to the soil can improve the soil's fertility and water retention capacity.
Cultivation methods
Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens is a rare plant species that is commonly found in high elevation areas of Kenya and Tanzania. It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall and has a spread of 2-3 meters. The plant prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Propagation is done through seeds or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, it is recommended to soak the seeds in water for several hours before planting. For stem cuttings, it is advisable to take them from the plant's mature stems and plant them in a mixture of soil and sand until they develop roots.
Watering needs
Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens requires moderate watering during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. The plant can withstand some drought, but it is advisable to water it regularly to keep the soil moist. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
During the winter season, the plant should be watered less frequently to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens requires regular fertilizer application to ensure optimal growth. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, during the growing season. Fertilize the plant once every two weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions on the label. During the winter season, it is not necessary to fertilize.
Pruning
Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens requires minimal pruning for proper growth and maintenance. Pruning should be done during the early spring season before new growth starts.
The plant can be pruned to maintain the desired shape and size. Dead or damaged branches should be removed to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning the plant too heavily as it can affect its health and growth.
Propagation of Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens
Englerina cordata Polhill & Wiens, commonly known as the purple-veined Englerina, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to East Africa. It is known for its attractive purple-veined leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. The plant is moderately easy to propagate through two main methods: division and seed propagation.
Division propagation
The division method is the easiest and quickest way to propagate Englerina cordata. It involves dividing the parent plant into smaller pieces. This method is ideal for established plants that have outgrown their containers or garden beds. To carry out the division, carefully dig out the plant from its pot or garden bed, then use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the plant into smaller portions. Each section should have a minimum of two growing points and a decent root system. Replant each division in a new pot or garden bed and water thoroughly.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a reliable method of propagating Englerina cordata. To propagate the plant using seeds, start by collecting ripe seeds from the parent plant when the seed pods are visibly dry and brown. Sow the seeds immediately in a well-draining soil mix in seed trays or small pots. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist by misting it regularly. It takes about two weeks for the seeds to germinate, after which you can gradually reduce the humidity levels and provide the seedlings with bright but indirect light. Transplant the seedlings to larger individual pots or garden bed when they are large enough to handle and have developed good root systems.
Disease Management
Englerina cordata is generally a hardy species and is not susceptible to many diseases. However, being a plant, it is still prone to some diseases that can weaken or kill it if left untreated.
One of the most common diseases that affect Englerina cordata is root rot. This disease is caused by over-watering and poor drainage, which results in the plant's roots getting suffocated and eventually dying. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not over-watered. If root rot does occur, the plant should be immediately removed from the soil and its roots should be trimmed. The plant should then be replanted in fresh soil after being thoroughly dried.
Another disease that can affect Englerina cordata is leaf spot. This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in moist conditions. To prevent leaf spot, it is important to avoid watering the plant late in the evening or at night and to avoid getting water on the leaves. If leaf spot does occur, it can be treated with fungicides.
Pest Management
Englerina cordata is not prone to many pests. However, some pests can still cause damage to the plant if left uncontrolled.
One of the most common pests that affect Englerina cordata is aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the plant's leaves, causing them to wilt and die. To control aphids, it is important to keep the plant clean and free of debris, as aphids tend to feed on plants that are weak or stressed. Additionally, beneficial insects such as ladybugs can be introduced to the plant, as they feed on aphids and other pests.
Another pest that can affect Englerina cordata is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, web-spinning pests that can quickly multiply and cause significant damage to the plant's leaves. To control spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-hydrated and to regularly spray it with water to discourage mites from setting up webs. In severe cases, insecticidal soap can be used to kill the mites.
Overall, Englerina cordata is a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases or pests. However, as with any plant, it is important to maintain proper care and monitoring to prevent any potential issues from arising.
