Overview
Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. is a species of flowering plant in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. It is a perennial herb native to Africa, specifically in the countries of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Ngeruongerua" in the Kikuyu language of Kenya, and "Adin-Sar" in Somali.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. has been used to treat various ailments such as wounds, dysentery, and respiratory diseases. The plant contains alkaloids and flavonoids which are believed to have therapeutic properties. In addition, the root of the plant is known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
The plant is also used in agroforestry systems, as it is a suitable component in windbreaks and live fences due to its fast-growing nature. It can also help in soil conservation and erosion control.
General Appearance
Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. is a climbing or trailing herb that can grow up to 2 meters in length. Its leaves are simple, broad, and hairy with pointed tips. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a capsule containing 4 seeds that are dark brown and triangular in shape. The plant prefers moist to wet soils in sunny or partially shaded areas.
Light Requirements:
The Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. requires full sunlight exposure in order to thrive and reach its full growth potential. It is not recommended to plant it in shaded areas or areas with partial sunlight as it may lead to stunted growth or poor development.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant prefers warm to hot temperatures with a minimum temperature of 15°C. It can still survive in temperatures below 15°C, but growth may slow down or eventually stop. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements:
The Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. This plant prefers soils that are moderately fertile and well-aerated. Additionally, it should be watered regularly but not to the point of overwatering as it may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant the seeds is in the spring when the temperature is warmer. The plant prefers warm, well-draining soil and full sunlight. However, it can also grow in partially shaded areas.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers moist soil, but make sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Once established, the plant is somewhat drought tolerant and can survive extended periods with little water. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. to ensure optimal growth and blooming. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Prune the plant after blooming if necessary to maintain its shape. Remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches. Cut back the plant by one-third to encourage new growth and more blooms. Pruning can also help control the plant's size and prevent it from becoming too large for its growing area.
Propagation of Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich.
Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of this plant can be sown directly in the soil during spring or summer. The seeds must be soaked in warm water overnight before sowing. This breaks their dormancy and allows them to germinate faster and more uniformly. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 cm and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes around 1-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have produced two pairs of leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Cuttings Propagation
Ipomoea coscinosperma can also be propagated by cuttings. Take 15-20 cm cuttings from mature plants during late spring or early summer. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings and dip the cuttings' tips in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a soil mix of peat and sand and keep them in a warm, bright location. Roots will take a couple of weeks to develop. Once the roots have formed, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. In early spring or at the start of the growing season, lift the plant and separate the roots into several sections, making sure that each section has a good number of roots and vigorous shoots. Transplant the divisions to their permanent locations and water them well.
Disease Management
Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. can be affected by various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust can cause damage to the plant. To manage these diseases, it's important to keep the plant dry and avoid overhead watering. If the disease is severe, fungicides can be used to control it.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases like bacterial blight and crown gall can cause wilting of the plant. The best control measures are to use pathogen-free planting material, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based fungicides.
Viral Diseases
Viral diseases are mostly transmitted by insects and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and yield loss. The best control measures are to use disease-free planting material and control the insect vectors.
Pest Management
Ipomoea coscinosperma Hochst. ex Choisy var. hirsuta A.Rich. can be affected by various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some of the common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. It's also important to remove weeds from the field and avoid over-fertilization.
Cutworms
Cutworms can be controlled by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad-based insecticides. Crop rotation and soil tillage can also reduce cutworm populations.
Trips
Thrips can be controlled by using yellow sticky traps. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also be used to control them. Placing reflective mulch around the plants can also help repel the insects.
By implementing these pest and disease management practices, growers can prevent significant yield loss and keep the plant healthy.
