Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi
Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi, also known as yellow-flowered Geophila, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to tropical West Africa, including countries such as Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The plant has a variety of common names, including yellow velvet leaf, yellow Geophila, and Geophila à fleurs jaunes.
Uses
Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is widely used in traditional African medicine for treating various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Additionally, the roots of the plant are used to treat snakebites, and the leaves are used to dress wounds.
Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is also used for its culinary purposes. The leaves of the plant are cooked as a vegetable and used as a seasoning for soup in some West African countries.
General Appearance
Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm in height. The plant has a creeping habit and forms dense mats on the forest floor. The leaves of the plant are elliptical and have a velvety texture. The flowers of the plant are bright yellow and have a tubular shape. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule, which contains numerous seeds.
Overall, Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is a versatile and useful plant that is valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. It has a striking appearance and is an important component of the tropical West African ecosystem.
Light Requirements
Geophila flaviflora prefers growing in partial to full shade conditions. Direct sunlight for extended periods can be detrimental to the plant’s growth. The plant can be cultivated indoors as long as there is adequate diffused light in the area. Adequate shading is necessary to protect the plant from scorching heat, which can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Geophila flaviflora is between 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius for a short duration. The plant should be protected from frost as it cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Geophila flaviflora prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic soils as well. The soil should not be waterlogged or too dry as it can affect the plant’s growth. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve its quality and nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods
The Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi plant thrives well in well-drained loamy soils with moderate moisture. It grows best under partial shade to full sunlight. It is recommended to plant them in early spring to early summer.
Watering Needs
The plant needs moderate watering during the initial stages but should have low to moderate watering once established. Allow the soil to be slightly dry before watering the plant again. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires organic fertilizers like compost or manure to enrich the soil. Applying slow-release fertilizers to the soil also aids in the plant's growth and health. Fertilize the plant once during the growing season, preferably during early spring.
Pruning
The Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi plant requires little to no pruning. Remove the yellow and withered leaves as they appear and deadhead the flowers to encourage new blooms. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Propagation of Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi
Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is a shrub that can reproduce vegetatively or by seed.
Vegetative propagation
One of the most used vegetative propagation methods for this plant is the stem cutting technique.
First, the gardener should take cuttings of 4 to 6 inches long from branches without flowers or buds. Then, they must remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only the two upper leaves. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a container with a well-draining mixture of soil and sand.
The container should be kept in a warm, humid place with indirect sunlight. After two to three weeks, roots should begin to form, and after six weeks, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or garden bed.
Seed propagation
To propagate Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi by seed, the gardener should collect the seeds after the plant has finished flowering and the seed heads have fully matured.
The seeds should then be patted dry, and the wings on each seed should be removed. The seeds can be planted in pots or seed trays filled with soil and sand. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in a warm, humid place with indirect sunlight.
After two weeks, the seeds should start to germinate, and seedlings should emerge. These seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or garden beds once they have enough leaf growth.
It is important to note that propagating Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi from seed may take longer to reach maturity than vegetative propagation methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi
Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is generally a hardy plant that doesn't suffer from many diseases or pests. However, when it is not growing in its natural habitat, it may be susceptible to some problems.
Common diseases that might affect Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi
Some common diseases that might affect Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Root rot is caused by over-watering, poor drainage, or a fungus that affects the roots of the plant. Leaf spot, on the other hand, is caused by a fungus that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to become yellow or brown and eventually fall off. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on the leaves of the plant.
Ways to manage diseases
The best way to prevent diseases in Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is to ensure that it is growing in well-draining soil and not over-watered. If root rot occurs, remove affected roots, repot the plant in fresh soil, and reduce the frequency of watering. For leaf spot and powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Ensure to follow the instructions on the fungicide carefully, as some can damage the plant if misused.
Common pests that might affect Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi
The most common pests that might affect Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi are spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Spider mites are tiny pests that can be identified by the fine webs they leave behind on the leaves of the plant. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that usually nest in the nooks and crannies of the plant, while whiteflies are small, white, winged insects that fly around the plant.
Ways to manage pests
The best way to manage pests in Geophila flaviflora Aké Assi is to prevent infestations in the first place. Regularly examine the plant for signs of pests and take necessary actions when found. You can wipe them off with a damp cloth, spray them with a diluted solution of neem oil or insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs. If the infestation is severe, you may need to use a stronger pesticide, but again, use with care and according to instructions.
