Overview of Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl.
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to the West-Central tropical Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. It is commonly known as the Wild Sunflower or “Mokokolobe” in Congo.
Appearance of Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl.
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 30-50 cm. The leaves are alternate and arranged spirally around the stem, with blades that are elliptical to ovate. The flowers are hermaphrodite, and the petals are yellow, arranged in a composite inflorescence with a diameter of about 2 cm. The plant’s root is fibrous.
Uses of Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl.
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. has some traditional medicinal value in the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. The leaves and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, stomach aches, constipation, and fever. The plant is also used in traditional rituals by the Bantu tribes of Congo, where it is believed to possess supernatural powers and its use is associated with rainmaking and fertility.
In addition, Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. is sometimes used for ornamental purposes. The plant’s bright yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to gardens and borders. Its low-growing habit also makes it suitable for use as groundcover.
Light Requirements
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. requires bright sunlight to grow. It needs at least six hours of sunlight each day to thrive. Lack of sunlight can inhibit photosynthesis and stunt the growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures to grow. It cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 86°F). Extreme temperatures can cause damage or death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter to support healthy growth. A sandy loam soil is ideal for this plant. Overwatering or waterlogging can cause root rot, so the soil should be well-drained.
Cultivation Methods for Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl.
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow from seeds. The plant is drought-resistant and requires minimal attention. The best time to start the seeds is in the spring when the weather is warm.
Before sowing the seeds, make sure the soil is well-draining and fertile. You can also mix in some coarse sand or perlite to improve the drainage. Sow the seeds directly in the soil, or you can start them in pots and transplant them when they have a few sets of true leaves.
Watering Needs of Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl.
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. is a drought-resistant plant that can survive without water for weeks. However, to keep the plant healthy and encourage blooming, water it regularly during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if the soil dries out quickly. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization of Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl.
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can add some compost or slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to supply the plant with essential nutrients. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and inhibit blooming.
Pruning Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl.
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. & Muschl. does not require frequent pruning, but you can prune back the spent flower stalks and dead stems during the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy. Prune back the entire plant by about one-third in the fall, before the winter sets in. This will encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms in the following season.
Propagation of Erlangea chevalieri
Erlangea chevalieri, commonly known as 'Ruwari hemp' is a useful medicinal plant that can be propagated using several methods. The propagation methods of Erlangea chevalieri are as follows -
Seed propagation
Erlangea chevalieri can be propagated using seeds. The seeds can be collected from the matured plants. The collected seeds should be dried and cleaned before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and the seedlings should be transplanted into pots once they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative propagation
Erlangea chevalieri can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. A stem cutting of around 10-15 cm with several nodes can be taken from a healthy plant. The cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in prepared soil. Adequate moisture and humidity should be provided to help the cutting take root.
Division
Erlangea chevalieri can also be propagated through division. The plant can be divided into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots. The divided sections should be planted in well-prepared soil, with regular watering until they become established.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Erlangea chevalieri. An incision can be made on the stem at a node, and moss wrapped around the wound. The moss should be kept moist until roots form, it can then be cut from the parent plant and planted in well-prepared soil.
The propagation of Erlangea chevalieri requires attention to detail and adequate care, but it is a simple process that can be done at home by any gardener or plant enthusiast.
Disease Management
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. and Muschl. is a relatively hardy plant, but a number of diseases can affect it, with some of the common ones being:
- Anthracnose: This disease is characterized by brownish-black lesions on the plant leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage it, remove and dispose of any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is characterized by dark spots on the leaves that may appear water-soaked and may eventually cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage it, remove and dispose of any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering and is characterized by the plant leaves turning yellow and falling off. To manage it, reduce watering frequency and apply a fungicide to the soil.
Pest Management
Erlangea chevalieri O.Hoffm. and Muschl. can also be affected by a number of pests, with some of the common ones being:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on the underside of the leaves, sucking out sap and causing stunted growth. To manage them, remove them by hand or apply an insecticidal soap or oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that suck sap from the plant leaves, causing a fine webbing to appear. To manage them, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or apply an insecticidal soap or oil.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, moth-like insects that cluster on the underside of the leaves, sucking out sap and causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage them, remove them by hand or apply an insecticidal soap or oil.
