Origin
Englerina kagehensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to southern Africa, particularly found in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Common names
Englerina kagehensis is commonly known as the Kagehenoog in Afrikaans and Pink Trumpet in English.
Uses
The Pink Trumpet serves several purposes. Some indigenous African communities use the bark for medicinal purposes, while others extract tannins from the bark for leather tanning. Game reserves plant the tree around waterholes to attract birds and animals that feed on the flowers
General Appearance
The Pink Trumpet has a rounded crown, reaching up to 7 meters in height. The trunk is thick and up to 1 meter in diameter, with a rough and deeply fissured bark. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and compound, often measuring up to 20 cm long with 6 to 10 pairs of leaflets. The Pink Trumpet has pink to mauve flower clusters arranged to form a trumpet-shaped flower, which makes it a popular ornamental plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Englerina kagehensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens thrives best in bright to moderate shade. This plant prefers a shaded environment with filtered light rather than direct sunlight. Too much light exposure can stress and damage the leaves of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Englerina kagehensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens prefers a warm to hot climate with temperatures ranging between 20 to 30°C. It cannot tolerate extreme cold conditions and should be grown in a sheltered location away from frost and strong winds.
Soil Requirements
The soil where Englerina kagehensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens is grown should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. This plant prefers a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Avoid soils that are waterlogged or have poor drainage as this can lead to root rot and decay. It is recommended to add compost or organic matter to the soil before planting to enhance its fertility and moisture retention capacity.
Cultivation of Englerina kagehensis
Englerina kagehensis is a sun-loving plant that thrives in well-draining soil. It grows best in warm temperatures and can be cultivated outdoors in areas with a Mediterranean climate. When planting, ensure that the soil is loosened to a depth of at least 15 cm to allow for the roots to spread quickly. The plant should be located in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering Needs
Englerina Kagehensis requires moderate watering but is drought-tolerant. The soil should not be soggy and should be allowed to dry before watering. During the hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, but caution should be taken to avoid overwatering. Overwatering may cause root rot and fungal diseases that may affect the plant's health.
Fertilization
This plant does not require much fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring is sufficient to support the plant's growth. Side dressing with compost or mulching with organic matter may also be done to improve soil nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing as it may lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Englerina Kagehensis. However, it may be done to maintain a particular size or shape or to remove damaged or dying branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging any new growth. Clean, sharp pruning tools should be used to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Englerina Kagehensis
Englerina kagehensis, commonly known as the African violet, is a popular houseplant. It is highly valued for its attractive foliage and delicate, soft flowers. The plant can be propagated through different methods. The following are the most common methods used to propagate Englerina kagehensis:
Propagation by Division
Division is a simple and straightforward method of propagating Englerina kagehensis. The technique is mostly applicable when the plant has grown out of its container or is too large for its current pot. To propagate the plant by division:
- Remove the plant from its container and gently remove any excess soil from the roots.
- Identify natural divisions in the root ball where stems or leaves originate and separate them carefully.
- Place each division in a pot filled with a suitable potting mix.
- Water the newly potted plants and place them in a well-lit area.
Propagation by Leaf Cutting
Leaf cutting is an efficient and simple method of propagating Englerina kagehensis. The process involves taking a single leaf cutting and propagating it to form a new plant. To propagate the plant by leaf cutting:
- Choose a healthy leaf from the plant and make a clean cut below the base where it attaches to the stem.
- Place the leaf cutting in a suitable potting mix, leaving only the stem in the soil.
- Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and well-lit area, but away from direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, the cutting will form new roots and leaves and can be transplanted to a larger container or pot.
Propagation by Stem Cutting
Englerina kagehensis can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method is more suitable for plants that have become leggy and require a trim. To propagate the plant by stem cutting:
- Select a healthy stem with a few leaves and make a clean cut just below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves and any flowers or buds from the stem.
- Place the stem cutting in a small pot filled with a suitable potting mix.
- Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a well-lit area, but away from direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, the cutting will form new roots and can be transplanted to a larger container or pot.
Disease management for Englerina kagehensis
Englerina kagehensis is a hardy plant but may still be susceptible to some diseases such as fungal and bacterial infections.
It is important to keep the surrounding soil free of debris such as fallen leaves and dead plant material to prevent the growth of fungal infections. In cases of severe fungal infection, chemical fungicides may be used but it is advisable to consult an expert before using them.
Bacterial infections, on the other hand, can be prevented by avoiding waterlogged soils and overwatering. Crop rotation and good sanitation practices are also beneficial in preventing the spread of bacteria.
Pest management for Englerina kagehensis
The most common pests that may affect Englerina kagehensis are mealybugs and spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that are primarily found under leaves and on the stems. They suck sap from the plant, which can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Mealybugs can be controlled using insecticidal soaps, rubbing alcohol, or neem oil.
Spider mites are tiny pests that spin webs on the leaves of plants and suck sap from them. They thrive in hot and dry conditions, making it important to keep the plant well hydrated. Spider mites can be controlled using insecticidal soap sprays or neem oil.
Regular inspection of plants can help in early detection and prevention of pest infestations. It is also advisable to quarantine new plants before introducing them to the garden to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
