General description
Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc. is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is a low-growing plant that typically grows up to 15 cm in height. The plant forms dense mats of creeping stems and is known for its small, round, and glossy leaves.
Origin and common names
Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc. is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is commonly known as creeping coffee or roundleaf velvetseed in English. In Africa, it has many local names, including "ensubiza" in Uganda and "omunyanya" in Tanzania.
Uses
Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc. is used in traditional medicine for various ailments. It has been reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The leaves and stems are also used in herbal teas and are believed to have a calming effect.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc. is used as a groundcover in landscaping due to its attractive leaves and ability to spread quickly. It is a popular choice for rock gardens and other areas where low-growing plants are desired.
Appearance
Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc. has small, round leaves that are glossy and dark green in color. The leaves are about 1 cm in diameter and are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The flowers are small and pink and are also arranged in pairs opposite each other. The plant forms a dense mat of creeping stems that can spread several meters.
Growth Conditions of Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc.
Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc. is a small, creeping herb that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is native to tropical Africa and is commonly found in open grasslands, savannas, and forest floors.
Light Requirements
Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides prefers bright, indirect light and can also tolerate partial shade. It is not recommended to expose the plant to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf scorching and damage to its delicate foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius but may require more water and attention to maintain optimal growth conditions. If temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius, the plant may suffer from leaf drop, and growth may slow down or even stop.
Soil Requirements
Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides can thrive in a range of soil types, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. However, it requires a well-draining soil mix that can hold moisture but not become waterlogged. A soil mix consisting of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is an excellent choice for this plant.
The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, with a range between 5.5 to 6.0, and it should be rich in organic matter. To maintain a healthy growth rate, the soil must be kept moist but not wet, and the plant should be watered regularly without letting the soil dry out completely between watering intervals.
With proper care and attention to its growth conditions, Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides can be grown successfully and make a beautiful addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.
Cultivation of Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc.
Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides is a low-growing plant that thrives in tropical environments. It is native to African countries and requires warm temperatures and high humidity to grow well. If you want to cultivate this plant, you'll need to create the ideal environment.
The best soil for Geophila obvallata is a nutrient-rich substrate that is slightly acidic. A blend of peat, perlite, and vermiculite provides the ideal growing medium. The plant requires good drainage and aeration, so make sure to create holes in the bottom of the container or use a well-drained soil mix.
Watering Needs of Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc.
Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides needs to be kept moist at all times. Watering should be done regularly but not in excess, as soaking the soil can cause root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the ambient temperature and humidity levels. During hot spells, the soil might dry out faster, and you may need to water more often. In contrast, during the cold season, the soil will take longer to dry out, and watering should be moderated.
Fertilization of Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc.
To keep Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides healthy, apply a balanced fertilizer every six weeks during the growing season. A 10-10-10 mix is suitable for most houseplants. Dilute the fertilizer to half its strength and apply it directly to the soil. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormancy period, which typically occurs in winter.
Pruning Geophila obvallata (Schumach.) Didr. subsp. ioides (K.Schum.) Verdc.
Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides is a relatively low maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. Trim off any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant looking neat. If the plant becomes too bushy, you can pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and bushiness. Avoid pruning the plant during the dormancy period, as this can weaken it.
Propagation of Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides
Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides can be propagated through both seed and vegetative propagation methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides can be collected and stored in a cool, dry place until ready to be sown. They should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination, which can take up to two weeks. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted in a mix of peat and sand. Bottom heat and a humidity dome can aid in rooting. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
The Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides plant can be affected by several diseases that can cause varying degrees of damage. One common disease is fungal leaf spot, which is characterized by the appearance of small, circular spots on the plant's leaves. Another disease is root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage conditions.
To manage fungal leaf spot, affected leaves should be promptly removed and discarded. Additionally, the use of fungicides can be quite effective in preventing the spread of the disease. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant has adequate drainage and is not overwatered. Soil mixtures can be amended with sand or perlite to increase drainage, and watering schedules should be adjusted to prevent the soil from becoming too saturated.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Geophila obvallata subsp. ioides plants can also be affected by pests. Common pests include mites, scale insects, and mealybugs, all of which can cause varying degrees of damage to the plant.
To manage these pests, it is important to first identify the specific pest and then choose an appropriate course of action. For example, mites can be controlled through the use of insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs into the growing area. Scale insects and mealybugs can also be controlled through the use of insecticides and by removing heavily infested parts of the plant. Additionally, maintaining a clean and well-ventilated growing area can help prevent pest infestations from occurring in the first place.
