Origin and Common Names
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard, is a species of hibiscus native to West Africa and is commonly known as white hibiscus, roselle hibiscus or sorrel.
General Appearance
The plant is an annual plant that grows up to 8 feet tall and has large, deeply lobed leaves that can measure up to 6 inches in length. The plant produces white flowers that have a yellow center with red veins. The fruit is a bright red, fleshy calyx that is about one inch in diameter when mature. The calyx is also known as a pod or a fruit capsule and contains numerous small seeds.
Uses
Hibiscus sabdariffa var. albus has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat numerous ailments such as hypertension, liver diseases, fever, and bacterial infections. The calyx of the plant is used to make herbal tea or cold drink and is also a popular flavoring agent in various food dishes. The plant is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is added to several dietary supplements.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used for its fiber, which is used to make rope, paper, and clothing. The leaves and stems of the plant can also be used as livestock feed due to their high protein content. The plant is commercially cultivated in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, for its numerous benefits.
Growth Conditions for Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard, commonly known as white roselle, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to Angola but is now widely cultivated throughout the tropics. It is primarily cultivated for its edible calyx, which is used to make a tart and refreshing drink.
Light Requirements
White roselle requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. It should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to poor growth, reduced flowering, and diminished fruit yield.
Soil Requirements
The soil for white roselle should be well-draining and fertile. It should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also retain moisture well, as white roselle requires regular watering to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
White roselle thrives in warm and humid environments. It requires temperatures ranging from 60 to 90°F (16 to 32°C) to grow optimally. Temperatures below 55°F (12°C) can damage the plant or even kill it. In areas with cooler temperatures, white roselle should be planted in a greenhouse or grown as an annual crop.
Water Requirements
White roselle requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. The plant is sensitive to drought, so it is important to ensure that the soil never dries out completely. Overwatering, however, can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. White roselle should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilizer Requirements
To promote optimal growth and fruit production, white roselle should be fertilized regularly. A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 5-10-10 or 5-20-20 is ideal. Fertilizer should be applied monthly during the growing season, starting one month after planting.
Cultivation of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard, commonly known as white roselle, is a tropical plant native to West Africa. It is grown for its edible calyxes which are used to make tea, jams, and other food products.
White roselle is a sun-loving plant and requires a warm, humid climate. It can be grown in well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
White roselle requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and waterlogged soil. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilization of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
Fertilizing white roselle is important for healthy growth and optimal fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
Pruning is essential for shaping the plant and promoting new growth. White roselle can be pruned annually during the dormant season. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant to a desired size and shape. Pinch off the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
The Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard is a perennial plant capable of producing flowers and seeds annually under favorable environmental conditions. It is a versatile plant that propagates either through vegetative or sexual methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a common method of multiplying plants that preserves the characteristics of the parent plant in the offspring. This method is widely used to propagate Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard due to its favorable characteristics. Techniques used include cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Cuttings: This is the most common method used for propagating Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard. The cuttings are taken from the parent plant, treated with rooting hormones, and planted in a mixture of soil and manure. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with a diameter of 1.5-2.0 cm at a length of 25-30 cm. Cuttings are best obtained during the early stages of growth.
Layering: In this method, the branches of the parent plant are bent and buried in the soil while still attached to the parent plant. The parent plant provides all the necessary nutrients required for growth, and once roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Grafting: Grafting involves joining a shoot or bud from the Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard onto a related species or rootstock. As the plants grow together, the cambium layer of the two plants joins, resulting in one plant with characteristics of both plants.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation, also known as seed propagation, is a method of propagating plants through seeds. It involves the production of seeds through pollination of flowers, followed by germination and seedling establishment. Sexual propagation ensures genetic diversity, and seedlings produced are more tolerant of environmental changes. Sexual propagation is recommended where large scale propagation is required.
Seeds can be obtained from dried flowers, either from open pollination or artificial pollination. Undried flower buds can be hand-pollinated by transferring pollen from the anther to the stigma using a brush. Seeds can be planted in soil, and seedlings should be transplanted into larger containers as they grow. They can also be directly sown in the field.
In conclusion, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard can be propagated through both vegetative and sexual methods. Vegetative propagation is preferred when the propagation of specific characteristics of the parent plant is required, and sexual propagation is preferred where large scale propagation is required.
Disease and Pest Management for Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard, a white-colored variety of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, is susceptible to several diseases and pests. As a gardener or farmer, it is crucial to learn how to manage these problems to increase yields and ensure the plants' well-being.
Common Diseases Affecting Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
One of the common diseases that affect Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard is anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum hibisci. This disease is characterized by dark, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems, which eventually lead to plant death. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice crop rotation, and avoid overhead watering.
Another common disease is bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae. Infected plants display water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which eventually turn dark and necrotic. The disease spreads easily through infected seedlings or tools. To manage bacterial blight, use pathogen-free seeds, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests Affecting Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard
One of the common pests affecting Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard is the Hibiscus sawfly larvae, also known as Atomacera decepta. The larvae feed on the plant's leaves, causing skeletonization, defoliation, and stunted growth. To manage Hibiscus sawfly larvae, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, handpick the larvae, and use row covers to protect the plants.
The hibiscus whitefly, Trialeurodes abutiloneus, is another pest that affects Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard. This pest attacks the plants' leaves, causing chlorosis and leaf drop. Early detection is crucial to managing the whitefly. Physical removal by shaking the branches or using a vacuum cleaner is a simple method. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the whitefly.
Overall, proper disease and pest management are crucial to the health and yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. albus A.Howard & G.Howard. It is essential to identify the problems early and use the appropriate control methods to manage and prevent them.
