Overview
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. It is widely distributed in West Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant is highly valued in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. It is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as "Awin" by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is also known as "Ogada" by the Efik-Ibibio people of Nigeria, "Akume" by the Boki people of Nigeria, and "Esian" by the Edo people of Nigeria.
Uses
The plant has been reported to possess several medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-malaria effects. The leaves and roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, stomach ache, wounds, and respiratory infections. The plant is also believed to possess aphrodisiac properties and is used to enhance sexual performance. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers.
General Appearance
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. is a climbing plant that can reach up to 10 meters in length. Its leaves are heart-shaped and pointed at the tip, with a length of 5-15 cm and a width of 4-12 cm. The leaves are bright green in color and have a smooth surface. The plant produces flowers that are funnel-shaped and 3-5 cm in length, with a diameter of 4-7 cm. The flowers are typically purple or pink in color and are produced in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains several seeds.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. This plant cannot tolerate prolonged shade or low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. grows well in warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 22°C to 30°C. It cannot withstand frost or extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils but cannot thrive in highly alkaline soils. In addition, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. is a perennial plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant requires full sunlight and grows well in well-drained soils with moderate fertility levels. It is recommended to plant the seeds in early spring when the temperature begins to rise, and there is no more danger of frost. It is essential to prepare the soil well before planting the seeds. The soil should be loosened to enable the plant's root system to penetrate and grow well. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 inch, and the planting distance should be about 6 inches. When planting, care should be taken to avoid damaging the plant's roots.Watering Needs
Like most plants, Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. requires adequate water to grow well. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry seasons. The frequency of watering should, however, be reduced during the rainy season to avoid waterlogging and root rot. It is recommended to water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water loss due to evaporation. Care should be taken not to splash water on the plant's leaves, as this could increase the plant's risk of contracting fungal diseases.Fertilization
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. is a moderate feeder and requires regular fertilization to grow well. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are suitable for the plant, as they provide the plant with both macro and micronutrients. The fertilizer should be applied at least once a month during the growing season, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Over-fertilization can lead to the plant's lush growth, making it more susceptible to pest and disease attacks.Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the plant's desired shape and promoting its growth. It is recommended to prune the plant early in the growing season before the new growth begins. Pruning should be done selectively, removing only dead, diseased, or damaged stems and leaves. It is also essential to remove any stem that might be rubbing against another stem to prevent injury and disease. When pruning, sterilization of the pruning tools is essential to avoid the spread of diseases from one plant to another.Propagation of Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f.
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. can be propagated through different methods. These include:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. is by seeds. The seeds should be collected from the mature plant, and then they should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Before planting, seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance germination. The planting depth of seeds should be about 0.5 cm deep, and the tray should be placed in a warm, humid, and brightly lit location for successful germination. Once the seeds start to sprout, they should be transplanted into individual pots with potting soil and fertilizer.
Cutting propagation
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, and then plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist. The stem cuttings will develop roots in about 2-3 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division propagation
Another method of propagating Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. is through division. To do this, carefully dig up the mature plant and separate it into smaller sections, each with roots and some stem attached. The divided plant should then be replanted in individual pots with potting soil and fertilizer. This method is useful for obtaining plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. is susceptible to various diseases that include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, water-soaked spots on leaves and stems. The affected areas dry up and crack, leading to the death of the plant. You can manage anthracnose by removing and destroying infected plant debris, watering at the base of the plant, and applying fungicides.
- Root rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by fungi that attack the plant's roots, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death. It thrives in poorly drained soils and overwatered plants. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides.
- Mosaic virus: Mosaic virus causes yellowing and mottling of leaves, which reduces photosynthesis and weakens the plant. It is spread by insects, and so preventing insect infestations can help manage the virus.
Pest Management
Common pests that affect Ipomoea barteri Baker var. subsericea Hallier f. include:
- Spider mites: These pests suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry up. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plants with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the leaves and flowers, causing extensive damage. You can manage caterpillars by handpicking them and destroying them or by using Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a natural insecticide.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white, winged insects that suck sap from leaves, leading to wilting and yellowing. You can manage whiteflies by using yellow sticky traps or neem oil insecticides.
