Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f.
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f., also known as the Abyssinian morning glory, is a flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to Ethiopia and other parts of East Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Abyssinian morning glory, darkcentred morning-glory, morning glory, and African morning glory.
Uses
Ipomoea obscura is used for various medicinal purposes, including treatment for a variety of illnesses such as respiratory and stomach problems. The plant’s leaves are also used as a vegetable in Ethiopia and other East African countries. The seeds of this variety are also traditionally used in Hindu medicine to treat anxiety and depression.
General Appearance
Ipomoea obscura is a fast-growing perennial twining plant with a cylindrical, hairy stem that grows up to two meters long. The leaves are heart-shaped, slightly hairy, and shiny green, and the plant produces funnel-shaped flowers that are about 3 cm in diameter. The flowers are purplish-blue in color with a dark center, and they bloom from mid-summer to autumn. The fruit is a capsule that contains four seeds which are black in color.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea obscura var. abyssinica prefers to grow in a location with partial shade. It can tolerate full sun exposure in the morning or late afternoon, but during the hottest part of the day, shade is required.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for the growth of Ipomoea obscura var. abyssinica is between 20°C to 30°C. During the winter season, temperatures below 15°C should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5 to 7. It can tolerate various soil types, but it grows best in sandy or loamy soil. The soil should be rich in nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f. is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of soil types. It prefers well-draining soil and areas with partial to full sun exposure. The plant thrives in warm weather conditions, with optimal growth temperatures ranging from 18°C to 35°C.
It can be propagated through stem cuttings or from seeds. If starting from seeds, it's recommended to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting them in the soil. Plant the seeds 1-2 cm deep into the soil and maintain moist soil until germination occurs, which takes about two to three weeks.
Watering needs
During the growing season, Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply about once a week or more frequently if the soil dries out quickly. A watering schedule should be created based on the temperature and humidity levels in the area.
It's important not to overwater the plant, as too much water can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions, and avoid watering the plant's leaves.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer can help keep Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f. healthy and blooming. Feed the plant with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season.
Alternatively, apply a liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, every two weeks. Be careful not to exceed the recommended fertilizer requirements, as too much fertilizer can damage the plant.
Pruning
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f. benefits from periodic pruning to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning also helps to remove any damaged or diseased parts of the plant, which can aid in preventing the spread of plant diseases.
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back branches to a third of their length, and remove any dead or diseased wood. During the growing season, remove any spent flowers and shape the plant as desired to maintain its appearance.
Propagation of Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f.
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f. can be propagated through various methods, depending on availability of resources and purpose.
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds which can be used for propagation. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and dry. They should be cleaned and stored in a dry place. The seeds can be directly sown in the field or in pots. It is best to sow the seeds during the rainy season. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm. Germination usually occurs within 4-5 days after sowing.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can be taken from the stem of a healthy plant. The cutting should be about 10-15 cm long and with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a pot filled with vermiculite or a mixture of sand and peat moss. The pot should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly. After a month, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly in the field.
Division propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. This is best done during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up and the roots should be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and some roots. The sections can be planted directly in the field or in pots filled with well-drained soil. The plants should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until they are established.
With careful attention to the chosen propagation method, Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f. is a plant that can be successfully propagated by growers wishing to cultivate it.
Disease and Pest Management for Ipomoea Obscura
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. var. abyssinica Hallier f. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Proper management of these diseases and pests is necessary for the plant to grow to its full potential.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew can attack Ipomoea obscura. Leaf spot causes small spots on leaves, which can merge together and lead to defoliation. Rust causes yellow-orange pustules on the underside of leaves, and powdery mildew causes a white powdery coating on leaves and flowers.
Pest Infestations
The most common pests that can infest Ipomoea obscura are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and deform. Spider mites also feed on sap and cause yellowing of leaves. Whiteflies cause yellowing of leaves and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold.
Disease and Pest Management Methods
The following methods can be used to manage diseases and pests in Ipomoea obscura:
- Cultural control: This involves maintaining proper plant nutrition, pruning, and sanitation. This can help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Chemical control: Fungicides and insecticides can be used to control diseases and pests respectively. However, care must be taken to follow label instructions and use appropriate protective equipment.
- Biological control: This involves using natural enemies of pests such as predators and parasitoids to reduce their populations. For instance, ladybugs can be introduced to the garden to control aphids.
- Integrated pest management (IPM): This involves combining cultural, chemical, and biological control methods to manage diseases and pests.
Using a combination of these methods can help to effectively manage diseases and pests in Ipomoea obscura and promote healthy growth and development of the plant.
