Overview
Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. is a tropical plant that belongs to the Oleaceae family, which is commonly known as the jasmine or olive family. This plant is native to East Africa, specifically found in Kenya and Tanzania.
Common names
The plant has several common names in its native regions including Maachu in Kenya and Mkilifi in Tanzania. It is also known as the Woolly Jasmine or Felted-leaved Jasmine due to the dense covering of white hairs on its leaves.
Appearance
The plant is a woody climber with small, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are covered in white hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The plant produces fragrant white flowers in clusters, which are small and star-shaped. The flowers bloom in summer and fall, and are followed by small black berries that contain seeds. The plant's stems are slender and can grow up to 3 meters long, making it ideal for use in trellises and arbors as a climbing vine.
Uses
Jasminum lanatum is primarily used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes. It is a popular choice due to its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. In traditional medicine, the plant's flowers are used to treat headaches and fevers. The leaves are used to make a tea that is believed to have therapeutic effects on the respiratory system. The plant's wood is also used for carving and making small wooden items such as utensils and figurines.
Light Conditions
Jasminum lanatum prefers bright and indirect light. It grows well under partial sun exposure, with at least 3-4 hours of sunlight per day. Direct sunlight may damage the foliage, so it is better to keep it in a shaded but well-lit area.
Temperature Conditions
The plant thrives well in warm and humid climatic conditions. It can tolerate temperatures between 15-30°C but prefers a temperature range of 18-25°C during the growing season. Cold drafts and frost can damage the plant and should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Jasminum lanatum grows well in well-draining and fertile soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be waterlogged. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio is suitable for the plant.
Cultivation of Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. is a relatively hardy plant and is relatively easy to cultivate. It is native to Africa and can grow to be a small shrub or a large vine. It is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soils.
For optimal growth, it is recommended to grow Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. in a well-lit area with full sun or partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not require heavy watering. In areas with poor drainage, it is best to add gravel or sand to the soil to improve drainage.
Watering Needs for Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. does not require frequent watering. When watering, it is important to water the soil around the plant and not the leaves or flowers to avoid fungal diseases. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil has dried out, especially during the growing season. During periods of drought, it is important to water the plant to keep it hydrated.
Fertilization of Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. requires minimal fertilization. If the plant shows signs of slow growth or yellowing leaves, it may benefit from a general-purpose fertilizer. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant which can cause damage to its roots. Fertilization should be done sparingly, once a month during the growing season.
Pruning of Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Pruning is an essential part of Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. care. It is recommended to prune the plant after it has finished flowering to promote new growth and maintain the plants' shape. Dead or diseased stems should be removed throughout the growing season. Hard pruning can be done during the dormant season to keep the plant in shape or control its size.
Propagation of Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb., commonly known as woolly jasmine, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Oleaceae.
The plant is native to Tanzania and is often cultivated for its aromatic flowers, which are used in perfumes and as a herbal remedy for various ailments.
Propagation methods
Jasminum lanatum can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings, although cuttings are the preferred method because they produce more consistent results.
To propagate through cuttings, select a mature, healthy branch and cut a section of it that is about 6 inches long. Remove any leaves or flowers from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting, leaving only a few pairs of leaves at the top.
Place the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix and water it thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a humid environment, which will help the cutting to root.
Keep the cutting in a warm, brightly-lit place, but avoid direct sunlight. Mist the cutting with water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. After four to six weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Propagation through seeds is also possible, but it is a more time-consuming process. Collect the seeds from ripe fruit that has fallen from the plant, and soak them in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and the pot in a warm, brightly-lit place. The seedlings should emerge in two to three weeks, and they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground when they are large enough to handle.
Disease Management for Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. is prone to fungal infections, including Powdery mildew and Leaf spot. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the surface of leaves, while Leaf spot results in the formation of irregular, brownish lesions. To manage these diseases, maintain good ventilation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove and dispose of any infected plant debris. Additionally, fungicides like sulfur or copper can be sprayed on the plant.
Pest Management for Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Some common pests that attack Jasminum lanatum Gilg & G.Schellenb. include scales, mealybugs, and spider mites. Scales appear as small bumps on the stems and leaves, while mealybugs look like white, cottony masses. Spider mites are tiny insects that cause webbing to appear on the plant. To manage these pests, you can wash the plant with insecticidal soap or spray it with neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control these pests.
