Erlangea Schimperi (oliv. & Hiern Ex Benth.) S.moore

Origin

Erlangea schimperi, also known as Olusatrum schimperi, is a plant species native to eastern and southern Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It grows in grasslands, shrublands, and rocky areas at elevations of up to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Common Names

The plant is commonly known as African celery, mountain celery, African hogweed, and asubia in various African languages.

Uses

Traditionally, Erlangea schimperi is used in African folk medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach problems, diarrhea, and fever. The roots are boiled and consumed as a tea, while the leaves are used as a vegetable in certain African cuisines. The plant is also used as a natural pesticide to protect crops from pests and insects.

General Appearance

Erlangea schimperi is a perennial herb that can grow up to one meter tall. It has a woody stem that branches out into numerous leafy stems. The leaves are deeply lobed and toothed, similar to celery leaves, and have a bitter taste. The plant produces small yellow flowers in clusters at the end of the stems, which later develop into small fruits containing a single seed. Overall, Erlangea schimperi has a distinct appearance and is easily recognizable in its native habitats.

Growth Conditions for Erlangea Schimperi

Erlangea schimperi (Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth.) S.Moore, also known as the Ethiopian perennial, is a plant commonly found in the dry regions of Eastern Africa. Understanding the typical growth conditions is essential to the successful cultivation of this plant. Below are some important elements to consider:

Light

Erlangea schimperi requires full sunlight to grow optimally. As a result, it thrives in areas with high light intensity. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth, poor flowering, and reduced productivity. It is important to ensure that the plant is placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Temperature

The optimal temperature range for the growth of Erlangea schimperi is between 25°C and 32°C. Temperatures below 15°C and above 40°C can adversely affect the growth of the plant. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in regions with moderate temperatures or in an environment where the temperature can be controlled.

Soil Requirements

Erlangea schimperi requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should have good water retention capabilities. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, and as such, it is important to avoid sites with poor drainage. Additionally, regular soil amendment with organic matter helps to improve the quality of the soil and promote optimal growth.

Cultivation

Erlangea schimperi is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of conditions. However, it thrives best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

When growing the plant outside, ensure that it receives full sun exposure. If growing indoors, place the plant in a well-lit area that is away from direct sunlight.

Watering Needs

Erlangea schimperi requires moderate watering, especially during its growing season. However, be careful not to overwater as the plant can rot easily.

Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and allow the topsoil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilization

To ensure that your plant grows healthy and produces vibrant blooms, fertilization is essential.

During the growing season, apply an organic fertilizer every two weeks to promote growth and blooming.

When applying fertilizer, be careful not to use too much as this can burn the roots and damage the plant.

Pruning

Regular pruning of Erlangea schimperi is essential as it helps to maintain the plant's shape and size, promote air circulation, and prevent diseases.

You should prune the plant in the early spring before the growing season starts. This will encourage the plant to grow new shoots.

When pruning, use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears, and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.

Propagation of Erlangea schimperi (Oliv. & Hiern ex Benth.) S.Moore

Erlangea schimperi is a beautiful perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. Below are the procedures for propagating the plant through the different methods.

Propagation by seeds

Propagation by seeds is a popular and easy method for multiplying Erlangea schimperi. The following are the right steps to follow:

1. Collect the seeds from a healthy parent plant when the seed heads are fully mature and dry.
2. Clean the seeds using a sieve to remove any debris or any dead seeds.
3. Sow the seeds in a well-draining seedbed or potting soil.
4. Water the seeds often, keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge, which can take between two to three weeks.
5. Transplant the seedlings into bigger pots or into the ground when they have grown to a certain size.

Propagation by cuttings

Erlangea schimperi can also be propagated by cuttings. This is done as follows:

1. Select a healthy, mature plant that is disease-free for cutting.
2. Take cuttings measuring 4-6 inches in length from the tender top growth.
3. Remove the lower leaves to leave a stem with a couple of leaves at the top.
4. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to help the cuttings root quickly.
5. Fill a container with well-draining soil, make some holes in it, and then plant each cutting in the pot, water the pot and cover it with a plastic bag.
6. Place the container in an area that has bright sunlight and away from direct sunlight.
7. Mist the soil regularly, and once the cuttings develop roots and have grown, transplant them into bigger pots or into the ground.

Propagation by division

Propagation by division is ideal for mature Erlangea schimperi plants. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Dig up an established and well-rooted plant during early spring (before the plants start growing).
2. Use a sharp and sterilized knife to divide the plant into two or more clumps while ensuring each clump has healthy leaves and roots.
3. Plant each clump in a garden bed or potting soil. Ensure that the soil in which they are planted is well-draining.
4. Water the plants regularly until they are fully established.

Disease Management

Erlangea schimperi may be affected by a variety of diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. To manage these diseases, it is important to take preventative measures such as providing adequate airflow and avoiding overhead watering, which can encourage the growth of fungal spores. In addition, ensuring good soil drainage and avoiding overwatering can help prevent root rot. If diseases do occur, fungicides may be used to manage the spread of the disease.

Pest Management

Erlangea schimperi may also be affected by pests such as spider mites and aphids. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, such as webbing or sticky residue on leaves. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used to manage these pests. It is important to follow application directions carefully and to avoid overuse, as this may lead to the development of pesticide-resistant pests. Encouraging natural predators, such as ladybugs, can also help manage pest populations.