Overview
Geissaspis welwitschii, also known as Welwitsch’s Gecko Plant, is a rare plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is indigenous to the tropical regions of central and southern Africa, particularly in Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The plant is named after its discoverer Friedrich Welwitsch, a prominent Austrian botanist who explored Angola in the 1850s.
Description
Geissaspis welwitschii is a small, erect shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a woody stem, which is typically branched and covered with rough, scaly bark. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape, measuring between 2 and 8 cm long. The flowers are small and white with five petals, clustered in umbels at the end of the branches. The plant produces small, fleshy, bright red berries, which contain a single seed and ripen in late summer.
Common Names
Aside from Welwitsch's Gecko Plant, Geissaspis welwitschii is also known by its common names, including African Strawberry Bush and Wild Raspberry. The plant gets its name from the bright red berries it produces, which look similar to strawberries and raspberries.
Uses
Traditionally, the bark and leaves of Geissaspis welwitschii have been used for medicinal purposes in Africa. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat malaria, diarrhea, and stomach problems. The berries are edible and can be eaten fresh or cooked.
Today, Geissaspis welwitschii is also valued as an ornamental plant, particularly in botanical gardens and as a houseplant. However, due to its rarity in the wild, the plant is legally protected from commercial exploitation or over-harvesting.
Light Requirements
Geissaspis welwitschii requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It is best to place the plant near a window that faces east or west to allow it to receive sufficient light but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Geissaspis welwitschii is between 18°C to 25°C. It is essential to keep the plant away from cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can damage the leaves and hinder growth.
Soil Requirements
Geissaspis welwitschii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well for this plant. It is important to water the plant only when the topsoil is dry and avoid letting it sit in water as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Geissaspis welwitschii thrives in bright, filtered sunlight and well-draining soil. The ideal temperature for its growth is between 18-22°C. It's best to cultivate this plant in large containers or pots with ample room for root growth, as the plant can grow up to 90 cm tall.
Watering Needs
It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering twice a week is sufficient for this plant. Ensure that the water drains freely from the pot or container and doesn't accumulate around the roots. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering to once a week.
Fertilization
Geissaspis welwitschii requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and growth. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season from spring to fall. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as the plant is dormant and not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning helps to promote new growth and maintain the shape of the plant. This plant typically benefits from pruning every six months. Use sterilized pruning shears to trim away dead and diseased stems, and remove any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves. Ensure that the plant has access to bright, filtered sunlight after pruning to stimulate new growth.
Propagation of Geissaspis welwitschii
Geissaspis welwitschii can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Geissaspis welwitschii can be collected from the fruit when they are ripe. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before they are stored in a cool, dry and dark place until the planting season.
Before planting, the seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer layer of the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix with good water retention. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and may take up to six months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Geissaspis welwitschii can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the growing season from late spring to early autumn, when the plant is actively growing.
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants with mature stems. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mix with good water retention and kept in a warm and humid environment. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until roots have formed. Root development can take up to four weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.
Disease and Pest Management for Geissaspis welwitschii
Geissaspis welwitschii (Taub.) Baker f., commonly known as the African wild potato, is a hardy plant that is typically resistant to most pests and diseases. However, certain environmental conditions or stress factors can weaken the plant's immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections.
Common Diseases that Affect Geissaspis welwitschii
One of the common diseases that affect the African wild potato is root rot. This condition is caused by pathogens such as Phytophthora and Pythium, which thrive in waterlogged soil and can quickly kill the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Another disease that can affect Geissaspis welwitschii is leaf spot. This fungal disease manifests as dark spots on the plant's leaves, which can cause them to wither and die. To prevent leaf spot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-ventilated conditions and avoid overcrowding.
Finally, Geissaspis welwitschii can also be affected by bacterial wilt, which is a severe disease that can cause the entire plant to wilt and die. Once infected, there is no known cure for bacterial wilt, and the only solution is to remove and destroy the affected plant to prevent the spread of the infection.
Common Pests that Affect Geissaspis welwitschii
The African wild potato is typically resistant to most pests. However, certain insects can still be a problem, such as spider mites and aphids. These insects can cause damage to the leaves, leading to stunted growth or yellowing of the plant.
To control pests, regularly check the plant for infestations and remove any affected leaves or stems. You can also use organic insecticides, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to deter pests and protect the plant from future infestations.
Overall, Geissaspis welwitschii is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it is still essential to monitor the plant's growth and health regularly to prevent any potential problems and ensure its long-term survival.
