General Description
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze is a species of flowering plants in the family Balsaminaceae, native to Tanzania in East Africa. The plant is an annual or short-lived perennial that can reach up to a height of 60 cm.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names, including soda impatiens, mountain impatiens, and the East African spotted impatiens.
Uses
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The plant has been used to treat ailments such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and skin infections. The plant's leaves are also used in cooking as a vegetable in Tanzania. Moreover, the flowers are used for ornamental purposes due to their vibrant colors and attractive appearance.
General Appearance
The plant has green stems that are smooth and straight. The leaves are alternately arranged, oval-shaped, and have serrated edges. The flowers are five-petaled and range in color from white to pink or purple. The plant's fruits are elongated capsules that contain several seeds. Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze prefers to grow in moist or damp soil, making it common near water sources such as streams and rivers.
Light Requirements
The Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze plant requires predominantly shaded areas in order to thrive. Direct sunlight may cause damage to the plant and stunt its growth. Medium to low light conditions promote healthy and vibrant foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions. Temperatures between 20-30°C are ideal. Cool temperatures below 15°C may cause the plant to go dormant and it may take a couple of weeks to recover from the stress.
Soil Requirements
The Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze plant requires well-draining and moist soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic with a range between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant may suffer if the soil is too alkaline or too acidic. The addition of compost or organic matter can help maintain the soil structure and nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze is a plant species that thrives in a warm and humid environment with adequate shade. It grows well at altitudes of up to 2000 m and prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The best method of cultivation is through the use of seedlings. Start by preparing a seedbed with a mixture of soil and compost, and then sow the seeds sparingly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and keep the soil moist.
Transplant the seedlings when they are about 10 cm tall, spacing them about 30-40 cm apart. Continue watering and maintaining the soil moisture levels until they are well established.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze depend on the weather conditions and the type of soil. It requires adequate moisture to ensure that the soil remains damp. During the dry season, ensure that you water the plants at least twice a week to provide ample moisture for growth and development. However, during the rainy season, reduce the watering frequency to avoid over-watering, which may cause root rot.
Fertilization
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze requires regular fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients that stimulate growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 to ensure that the plant gets adequate nutrients. Apply the fertilizer at least once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to the build-up of harmful salts in the soil.
Pruning
Pruning Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze is necessary to encourage bushier growth. Prune the plants once they have become well established and reach a height of about 15-20 cm. Use a pair of sharp pruning shears to remove the top 1/3 of the stem. Pruning the plant will also promote the production of more branches and flowers, resulting in a more compact and fuller plant.
Propagation of Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze can be propagated through various methods such as seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze can be propagated from fresh seeds which are usually sown directly into the desired location. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Germination of the seeds usually takes between 14 to 21 days, and the temperature should be maintained between 20-25°C.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another widely used method for Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze. Steps for propagation through stem cuttings are as follows:
- Cut a healthy stem of the plant with a clean, sharp knife.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few near the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the stem in a pot with well-draining soil.
- Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a shaded area.
- Roots should develop within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through stem cuttings is a reliable method, and it ensures that the newly propagated plant possesses the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease Management:
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze is susceptible to a range of fungal and viral diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some of the most common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease causes yellowing of leaves and wilting of stems. The flowers may also become deformed and discoloured. To manage downy mildew, it's important to remove and destroy all infected plants, avoid overhead watering, and provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Gray Mold: This fungal disease causes grayish mould to grow on the leaves and stems of plants. The affected parts of the plant may start to rot and die back. To manage gray mold, it's important to remove and destroy all infected plants, avoid overhead watering, and provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Bacterial Wilt: This bacterial disease causes wilting and death of the plant. There is no cure for bacterial wilt, so it's important to remove and destroy all infected plants and avoid planting susceptible plants in the same location in the future.
Pest Management:
Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some of the most common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of plants, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage aphids, it's important to remove them by hand or with a strong blast of water, or to use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can quickly spread from plant to plant and cause leaves to become mottled and stippled. To manage spider mites, it's important to remove and destroy infected plants, avoid overhead watering, and provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the sap of plants and cause leaves to become distorted and discoloured. To manage thrips, it's important to remove and destroy infected plants, or to use an insecticidal soap.
By being vigilant about disease and pest management, it's possible to keep Impatiens exellii G.M.Schulze healthy and thriving. By removing infected or infested plants, providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering, it's possible to prevent and manage many common problems that affect this beautiful plant.
