Overview of Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum.
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is a woody perennial shrub native to Africa and can be found in Cameroon and Nigeria, particularly within the tropical rainforests of the region.
Common Names
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is commonly referred to as yellow-flowered exechostylus, due to the bright yellow color of its flowers. In Nigeria, it is also known by the local name "ohalicha".
Uses
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is primarily used for medicinal purposes by local communities in Nigeria and Cameroon. The leaves, bark, and roots are dried and boiled to make a decoction, which is used to treat various ailments including diarrhea, fever, and coughs. The plant is also believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Appearance
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is a sprawling shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, and alternate, measuring up to 12 cm in length. The flowers are large and showy, measuring up to 3 cm in diameter. They are bright yellow in color and have a sweet fragrance. The fruits of the plant are oblong and contain numerous seeds.
In summary, Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is a rare and important medicinal plant native to tropical regions of Africa. It is valued for its striking appearance, sweet fragrance, and healing properties.
Light Requirements
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is a plant that requires bright but indirect light to grow properly. It should not be placed in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. A spot near a window with filtered light is suitable for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. thrives in warm temperatures ranging between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15-30 °C). It is a tropical plant and cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the leaves or cause them to fall off.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Sandy and loamy soils are the best for Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. as they provide good drainage and aeration to the roots. It is important to avoid soil that has a high clay content as it can lead to poor drainage and the plant’s roots may rot.
Cultivation methods
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is a plant species that grows well in a warm and humid environment. It can be cultivated in pots and is ideal for indoor cultivation. The plant thrives in well-draining soil that has good water retention ability.
It is recommended to use peat-containing soil that is mixed with perlite or sand. This will provide proper aeration to the plant's roots. Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. requires a lot of light for proper growth, but it should be protected from direct sunlight. Therefore, it is best to place the pot near a sunny window where the plant will receive sufficient light but not be directly exposed to the sun's rays.
Watering needs
Proper watering is an essential aspect of Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. cultivation. The plant requires moderate watering, with a preference for moist soil, especially during the growing season. However, caution must be taken not to overwater the plant, which can lead to root rot.
Avoid watering the plant's leaves or flowers directly. Instead, water the soil around its base, and drain any excess water that collects on the saucer. To check if the plant needs watering, touch the soil surface with your finger. Water the plant if the soil is dry beyond the first inch, but if not, check again in two or three days. Over time, you will learn your plant's watering needs.
Fertilization
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. benefits from regular feeding using balanced fertilizer enriched with micronutrients. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, once every two to three weeks.
Before fertilizing, ensure that the soil is moist, and avoid over-fertilizing, which may cause root burn. The plant can also benefit from occasional supplements of compost tea or worm casting tea, which enrich the soil with nutrients while also promoting beneficial microbes.
Pruning
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and ensure proper growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season after the plant has finished blooming. It is best to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or stems.
Regular pruning can also encourage the plant to have more blooms. If the plant has grown too tall, it can be pruned closer to the base, where new growth can sprout. Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and avoid tearing the stem or leaf. Remember, the plant's blooms are stunning, and care should be taken not to damage them during pruning.
Propagation of Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum.
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum., commonly known as Yellow Flowered Exechostylus, is a plant belonging to the Orchidaceae family and is native to West Africa. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy, and it can be propagated through the following methods:
Division
The easiest and most common method of propagating Exechostylus flaviflorus is through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections while ensuring that each section has enough healthy roots to support it.
The best time to undertake division is during the repotting season in the early spring. The plant should be gently lifted from its container, and the roots and rhizome should be carefully inspected before separating it into smaller sections, using a sharp and sterilized knife.
Seed Propagation
Exechostylus flaviflorus can also be propagated through seeds, but this method is significantly more complicated and requires more time and effort. Additionally, the plant may not produce seeds regularly or abundantly.
The best time to propagate Exechostylus flaviflorus from seeds is during the late spring or early summer. The seeds need to be sown immediately after harvesting while they are still fresh, as they tend to lose viability very quickly.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a warm and humid environment. The seedlings may take anywhere from three to six months to emerge.
Kiki or Offsets Division
Exechostylus flaviflorus produces Kiki or Offsets or small plantlets on the side of the parent plant, which can be used for propagation purposes. These small plantlets can be gently removed from the parent plant, preferably during repotting and ensuring that they have healthy roots.
The small plantlets should be potted separately in a well-draining potting mix, and they will grow into mature plants in a year or two.
Disease Management
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. is susceptible to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases that can cause plant damage or death. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and their management:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases such as leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot are common in Exechostylus flaviflorus. They can be managed by ensuring proper drainage, good air circulation, and avoiding overwatering. If the disease is severe, you can apply fungicides such as neem oil, copper-based fungicides, or sulfur-based fungicides as a preventive or curative measure.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases such as leaf spot, root rot, and blight can infect the plant. To avoid infecting your plant with bacteria, practice good hygiene, such as disinfecting your gardening tools and sanitizing your gardening area. Bacterial diseases can be treated with copper-based bactericides, but in severe cases, affected parts should be removed, and the plant should be destroyed.
Viral Diseases
Viral diseases such as mosaic viruses can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and other symptoms that can weaken your plant. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases; removing and destroying the infected plant is the only option to prevent it from spreading to other plants.
Pest Management
Exechostylus flaviflorus K.Schum. can be affected by a wide range of pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips. Here are some common pests and their management:
Spider Mites
Spider mites can suck the sap of the plant, which can cause yellowing and death of leaves. They can be managed by spraying your plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be removed by spraying your plant with water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects
Scale insects can be identified by small, round bumps on the stems or leaves of the plant. They can be managed by using rubbing alcohol or neem oil to suffocate and kill them. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to physically remove them from your plant.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing deformation and discoloration. They can be managed by spraying your plant with water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control their population.
