Evolvulus Agrestis Hochst. Ex Schweinf.

Overview

Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf., commonly known as the Field Dwarf Morning-glory, is a species of flowering plant in the Convolvulaceae family, native to Africa. It is an annual herb which is commonly found in sandy soils and disturbed areas such as fallow fields, pastures, and gardens. This plant is known for its medicinal and ornamental properties and is often cultivated in gardens and greenhouses.

Appearance

The Field Dwarf Morning-glory has slender stems that grow up to 20cm in length. The leaves are green, alternate, oval-shaped, and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small, blue, and trumpet-shaped with five petals that are fused into a tube. They are borne singly or in clusters at the end of the stems.

Common names

The Field Dwarf Morning-glory is known by several common names such as Dwarf Morning-glory, Plains Dwarf Morning-glory, and Field Evolvulus.

Uses

Evolvulus agrestis has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The roots are used to treat diarrhea, fever, and respiratory infections. The whole plant is also used as a laxative and as a treatment for snake bites. The plant is also commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its blue flowers. It is easy to grow and care for, and it attracts bees and butterflies. Furthermore, the plant is used for erosion control and is planted on slopes to prevent soil erosion.

Light Requirements

Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf. is a sun-loving plant that requires direct exposure to sunlight for optimal growth. It requires at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight every day. Therefore, it is best to grow it outdoors or in a location with unobstructed sunlight.

Temperature Requirements

The plant is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures and is not frost-hardy. It requires temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) for optimal growth. At temperatures below 60°F (15°C), the plant growth slows down or may stop altogether. Therefore, it is best to grow the plant indoors if temperatures drop too low outdoors or if the temperatures outside fluctuate too much.

Soil Requirements

Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf. grows well in most soils as long as the soil is well-drained. The plant has low tolerance to water-logged soils, so it is important to provide good drainage. It prefers sandy loam to sandy soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5. Organic matter can be added to the soil to enhance the soil quality and drainage.

Cultivation Methods

Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf. is a warm-weather plant that grows well in full sunlight, making it an excellent option for outdoor cultivation. The plant is drought-resistant and can thrive in loamy sand, chalk, or clay soil types. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it can be grown in pots or as a ground cover.

Watering Needs

The Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf. plant is drought-resistant and does not require frequent watering. The plant should be watered once a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Water it deeply to allow the water to reach the roots. In the hot summer months, the plant may need to be watered more frequently, especially if it is grown in pots.

Fertilization

The Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf. plant is not a heavy feeder and may not need frequent fertilization. A balanced fertilizer should be applied once every three months, during the growing season. Do not fertilize the plant during the winter months. Over-fertilizing the plant may lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Pruning

Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf. rarely needs pruning, as it is a low-growing plant that typically does not exceed a height of 18-24 inches. However, if necessary, pruning should be done just after the blooming season. Cut back any damaged or dead stems, and trim back any overgrown shoots to the desired size. Pruning the plant will encourage bushy growth and promote the growth of new blooms.

Propagation of Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf.

Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf., commonly known as the Evolvulus, is a plant species that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a small, subshrub species that is native to eastern and southern Africa.

Propagation Methods

Evolvulus agrestis can easily be propagated by using either seeds or stem cuttings. The following methods can be used for propagating this plant:

Seed Propagation

The use of seeds is an easy and reliable method of propagating Evolvulus agrestis. The following steps should be taken to ensure successful seed germination:

1. Collect mature seeds from the parent plant and store them in a dry place.
2. Prepare a seedbed by mixing soil and sand in equal proportions.
3. Sow the seeds on the seedbed and cover them lightly with soil.
4. Water the seedbed regularly, taking care not to overwater to prevent the seeds from rotting.
5. The seeds should germinate within 7-14 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their final location after 4-6 weeks.

Stem Cutting Propagation

Propagation by stem cuttings is another reliable method of propagating Evolvulus agrestis. This method involves the following steps:

1. Select a healthy shoot from the parent plant and cut a stem that is about 10-15cm long.
2. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
3. Prepare a potting mix by mixing equal parts of soil and sand.
4. Insert the stem cutting into the potting mix and water it thoroughly.
5. Place the pot in a shaded area and water the cutting regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
6. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to its final location after 8-12 weeks.

Propagation of Evolvulus agrestis is an easy process that can be done using either seed or stem cuttings. Following the outlined propagation methods will ensure a successful outcome.

Disease and Pest Management for Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf.

Evolvulus agrestis Hochst. ex Schweinf., commonly known as the small morning glory, is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. However, like all plants, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and beauty. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Evolvulus agrestis and suggest ways to manage them.

Common Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Evolvulus agrestis. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and provide good air circulation. Also, avoid wetting the foliage when watering the plant.

2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects Evolvulus agrestis. It appears as small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant, and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is not over-watered or overcrowded.

Common Pests

1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that thrive in hot and dry weather conditions. They are usually found on the underside of the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, lightly spray the plant with water to increase humidity and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the population.

2. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the plant's leaves and stems. They can cause the leaves to curl and the plant to become weak. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your Evolvulus agrestis plant healthy and beautiful.