Overview of Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild.
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This species is also known as the large-flowered hibiscus, and it originates from the tropical regions of Africa, particularly Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Description and Characteristics
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. is an evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2-4 meters tall. It has a single, unbranched stem with elliptical to ovate, serrated leaves that are about 5-10cm long. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a slightly rough texture.
The flowers of the Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. are large and showy, measuring about 12-15cm in diameter. They have five petals that are bright yellow or orange, with a red center. The flowering period is from December to March.
Common Names
In its native regions, Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. has several common names, including "Lulua," "Kipepeo," "Mufondi," and "Sakalama." In other regions, this plant is also known as the "Large-Flowered Hibiscus."
Cultivation and Uses
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, as well as for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
The flowers and leaves of the Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. contain bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These compounds can be extracted and used for medicinal purposes.
Growth Conditions for Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild.
Light Requirements: Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. requires full to partial sunlight to thrive. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. However, it can also grow in partial shade conditions, but the growth rate may vary accordingly.
Temperature Requirements: This plant species prefers warm to hot temperatures and can tolerate extreme heat as well. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot survive frost or very low temperatures, and in such cases, the plant may die or become dormant.
Soil Requirements: Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH levels between 5.5 to 7.0. The soil must be moist but not waterlogged, and therefore, a well-draining soil is mandatory for proper growth.
Water Requirements: Regular watering is essential for this plant species, especially during the growing season. It requires consistent moisture levels in the soil for active growth. However, excessive watering must be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. It would be best if you let the topsoil dry out slightly between watering cycles.
Nutrition Requirements: Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, excessive fertilization can burn the roots and damage the plant. Hence, it would be best if you followed a fertilization regimen that balances the nutrient requirements of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. requires a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level and moderate to full sunlight exposure. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. During the dormant season, reduce watering frequency.
Fertilization
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning of this plant is recommended to encourage a bushier shape and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Prune after flowering has ceased for the season, making sure to use sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation of Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild.
Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. can be propagated by several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are readily available from the parent plant, and they can be sown during the spring or autumn season. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seed bed with a light covering of soil.
For faster germination, the seeds can be pre-soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. After sowing, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings from the parent plant can also be used for propagation. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The length of the cutting should be about 10-15 cm, and it should be taken from the tip of the stem.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone powder and planted in a rooting medium made of equal parts of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, moist environment, and they should be misted regularly to prevent them from drying out. Rooting should occur in about 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. This method involves dividing the parent plant into several small sections and planting each section separately.
The best time to divide the plant is during the spring, and it should be done carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Once divided, the new plant sections should be planted in a well-prepared soil and kept moist until they are established.
Propagation of Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. through these methods should result in healthy, sturdy plants that produce large, showy flowers.
Disease Management
Several diseases can affect the Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. plant, including:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens that cause spotting on the leaves. The spots can range in size and color and usually have a yellow halo. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Also, ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
- Rust: Rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia sp. that causes rusty colored spots on the underside of the leaves. To manage rust, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and ensure adequate air circulation.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by various soil-borne fungi. It causes yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth of the plant. To manage root rot, remove the infected plants and avoid overwatering. Additionally, ensure adequate drainage in the soil, and apply fungicides before planting.
Pest Management
Various pests can also affect the Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. var. grandiflorus De Wild. plant, including:
- Mites: Mites are small insects that suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage mites, remove infected leaves and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that attack the plant's foliage and flowers, causing yellowing and curling of leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant. Additionally, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the plant to control the aphid populations.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and premature drop of flowers. They also produce honeydew that attracts ants. To manage scale insects, remove infected leaves and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant. Additionally, natural predators such as parasitic wasps can be introduced to control the scale insect populations.
