Origin and Common Names
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro belongs to the Geraniaceae family and is native to the eastern regions of Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. It is commonly known as broad-stipuled geranium, wide-leaved geranium, or bacciferous geranium.
General Appearance
The broad-stipuled geranium is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm high. It has a woody base and branching stems covered with fine hair. The leaves are wide, usually lobed, and have a slightly serrated edge. The flowers are small, pink or lilac in color, and bloom in the summer season. The fruit resembles a small beak and contains five carpels.
Uses
The broad-stipuled geranium has several uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. In traditional medicine, the leaves and roots of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fertility problems. The plant is also used in cosmetic products due to its natural astringent properties that help to tighten and soothe the skin. Furthermore, broad-stipuled geranium is widely grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage, making it an excellent choice for gardens and landscaping projects.
Light Requirements
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but too much shade can result in leggy growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can tolerate some drought and heat stress, but extreme hot or cold temperatures can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-draining for best growth and to prevent root rot. Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0-7.5. Adding organic matter such as compost or leaf litter can improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
The Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro is a relatively easy plant to grow and cultivate, making it a suitable choice for beginner gardeners. The plant thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. It also requires a location with full sunlight or partial shade.
Before planting, it is advisable to add organic matter into the soil to improve its structure and nutrient values. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division during early spring or autumn.
While Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro can tolerate drought conditions, it is crucial to note that it prefers moist conditions in its formative stages. Therefore, keeping the soil evenly moist is essential, especially during the summer months.
Watering Needs
The Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro requires moderate watering throughout its growth cycle. The plant prefers to be watered on a routine schedule, rather than on-demand, as it helps the soil retain moisture.
While the plant can survive dry conditions, it is essential to avoid letting the soil become too dry. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid scorching the plant's leaves during the hot daytime temperatures.
Fertilization
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro requires nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth and performance. Incorporating high-quality organic fertilizer into the soil yearly can help provide the necessary nutrients.
During the plant's active growth, fertilization should be done every two weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer. However, during the wintertime when the plant is dormant, fertilization can be done monthly to avoid stressing the plant.
Pruning
The Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro is relatively easy to maintain and typically does not require extensive pruning. However, pruning can be done to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
The best time to prune the plant is in the early spring before the growing season begins. During this time, excess foliage and weak stems can be removed, leaving the plant with only the strongest stems and leaves. Deadheading, which is the removal of spent flowers, can also be done regularly to encourage continued blooming.
Propagation methods for Geranium arabicum subsp. latistipulatum
Geranium arabicum subsp. latistipulatum can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds of this plant can be sown in spring or fall. The seeds should be sown on the surface of well-draining, sterile soil mix and covered with a thin layer of sand. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within two to four weeks. Geranium arabicum subsp. latistipulatum can also self-seed easily in favorable conditions.
Division
The plant can be propagated through division, which involves separating the roots of an existing plant into smaller sections. This method is best carried out in spring when the plant is actively growing and may need to be divided every few years to maintain its health. Each section should have a healthy portion of roots and shoots, and the cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil mix. The plants should be kept moist until established.
Cuttings
Geranium arabicum subsp. latistipulatum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from new growth at the base of the plant in the spring. The cuttings should be around 8-12 cm/3-5 inches long and stripped of their lower leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and warm until it has rooted.
Disease Management
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro is a relatively sturdy plant that can resist many diseases. However, certain environmental conditions may make it prone to certain diseases.
One of the most common diseases that affect geraniums is powdery mildew. This disease appears as white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overhead watering, as the moisture on the leaves and flowers creates a favorable environment for the fungus to grow. In addition, removing and destroying infected plant parts, improving air circulation, and applying fungicides may also be necessary in severe cases.
Bacterial blight is another disease that may affect geraniums. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing of the leaves and the development of black, water-soaked lesions. To manage bacterial blight, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. latistipulatum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Kokwaro may also be prone to pest infestations, such as spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Removing and destroying heavily infested plant parts, applying insecticidal soaps, and introducing predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings may also be helpful.
Whiteflies are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and die. To manage whiteflies, it is important to remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, apply insecticidal soaps, and introduce predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl, wilt, and become yellow. To manage aphids, it is important to remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, apply insecticidal soaps, and introduce predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
