Plant Description:
Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock is a woody vine that belongs to the family Celastraceae. This plant is a subspecies of Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. that is native to Africa.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Newala vines, and in Swahili, it is referred to as 'Mkindo.'
Uses:
Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock has various medicinal uses. The plant's leaves and roots are known to be effective in treating malaria and intestinal worms. The vine is also used in the treatment of respiratory problems, coughs, and bronchitis. The roots are used as an aphrodisiac and are particularly popular in traditional African medicine. Additionally, the vine's bark is used for building of houses and fences, while the leaves are used as animal fodder.
General Appearance:
The Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock plant has slender and long stems that can grow up to 20 meters long. Its leaves are thin, elongated, and green with a glossy texture. The plant produces inconspicuous flowers that are yellow-green in color and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit produced is a small, round capsule that contains small seeds. The plant's bark is smooth and gray, and its roots are woody.
Growth Conditions for Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock
Native to Africa, the Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock is a tropical plant species that thrives in warm, humid, and shaded environments. Here are the growth conditions that are ideal for this plant to thrive:
Light Requirements
Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock grows well under shaded conditions. Direct sun exposure leads to leaf scorching and reduced growth. The plant requires moderate to low levels of light to thrive. Therefore, it should be placed in areas with filtered light or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in tropical climates with warm and humid temperatures. It cannot tolerate frosty conditions. Low temperatures may lead to leaf dropping, while excessively high temperatures and hot winds can cause leaf scorching. The ideal temperature range is between 20?C to 30?C.
Soil Requirements
The Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH should range between 6 and 7.5. The plant species cannot tolerate waterlogged soil; hence it requires periodic watering to maintain soil moisture levels. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium are essential for the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation:
The Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock is an exotic and beautiful plant with large leaves and vibrant flowers that can grow up to 10 meters tall. This species is indigenous to tropical Africa and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world. In cultivation, it prefers a warm and humid environment, with partial shade to full sun exposure.
Watering:
The Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock requires a regular and consistent watering schedule to thrive. During the warm summer months, it needs frequent watering to keep the soil moist. However, in the winter months, it should be watered sparingly since overwatering can cause root rot.
Fertilization:
This plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and produce vibrant and large flowers. During the growing season, it's recommended to fertilize every two to four weeks using a balanced organic fertilizer.
Pruning:
To maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth, it's recommended to prune the Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock regularly. The best time to prune is during the dormant winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Pruning should focus on removing damaged or diseased branches and shaping the plant by cutting back excessive growth.
Propagation of Hippocratea Graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. Subsp. Newalensis Blakelock
Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock, commonly known as the Newala poison rope, can be propagated by various methods:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is usually the easiest way to propagate Hippocratea graciliflora. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits of the plant. The fruits should be left on the plant until they have matured completely and the outer layer has turned brown. The seeds can be then be collected and cleaned before sowing.
The cleaned seeds can be sowed in a mixture of sand and soil and kept in a warm, moist location for germination. The seeds will usually germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Hippocratea graciliflora can also be propagated by cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season. A cutting should be taken from new growth and should be around 10-15 cm long. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone.
The cutting can then be planted in a pot containing a mixture of sand and soil, and kept in a shaded location to prevent wilting. The cutting should be kept moist until it has formed roots, which usually takes around 4-6 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering can be used to propagate Hippocratea graciliflora. Air layering involves creating a wound on a stem and then encouraging roots to grow from that wound while the stem is still attached to the parent plant.
To air layer a stem of Hippocratea graciliflora, a small cut should be made in the stem and treated with rooting hormone. A mixture of sand and soil should be wrapped around the cut, and the entire area should be wrapped in plastic. Roots will usually form within 4-6 weeks. The rooted stem can then be cut from the parent plant and planted in a potting mixture.
Disease Management
The plant Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock is generally quite resistant to diseases, however, it is susceptible to fungal infections. One of the most common fungal infections is powdery mildew, which can be identified by a white powdery coating on leaves. To manage this, it is important to maintain good air circulation by trimming any overcrowded branches and leaves. Infected leaves and debris should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungus. Fungicidal sprays may also be used as a preventative measure.
Another fungal infection that can affect Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not kept constantly moist. Infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the fungus to healthy plants.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that can affect Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock is spider mites. These small pests can be identified by the fine webs they spin on leaves and the speckled appearance of the leaves. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly hose down the plant with water to remove the mites and their webs. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be applied to the leaves to kill the pests.
The plant may also be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids. To manage caterpillars, hand-picking and removing them from the plant is the most effective method. For aphids, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings can help to control their population. Alternatively, a solution of water and dish soap may be applied to the leaves which can suffocate the aphids.
Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of pests or disease and taking quick action to manage them can help maintain a healthy and thriving Hippocratea graciliflora Welw. ex Oliv. subsp. newalensis Blakelock plant.
