Overview of Lankesteria hispida
Lankesteria hispida (Willd.) T.Anderson is an evergreen tree often found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, India, Polynesia, and the Pacific Islands. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is commonly known by the names "Wild Chrysanthemum" or "Spider Tangle."
Appearance of Lankesteria hispida
Lankesteria hispida can grow up to a height of 12 meters and has an attractive look with a sparsely branched trunk that is often crooked or gnarled. The bark is rough and grayish-brown. The leaves are elliptical in shape, smooth, and glossy with entire margins and can grow up to 15cm long.
The flowers of Lankesteria hispida are shaped like a tangle of spiderwebs, which give it one of its common names. They appear in terminal clusters and have a creamy white color with long, filamentous corolla tubes. The fruits are small, globular, and fleshy, with a yellow to orange color, containing many seeds that are equipped with long, silky hairs, which are widely dispersed by the wind.
Uses of Lankesteria hispida
The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat many ailments such as cough, fever, and respiratory issues. The roots and leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and glycosides that have shown the potential to be used in pharmacological applications. The bark of the plant is used for making ropes and cordage, and the wood is said to be durable and is used in construction purposes. The plant is also used in the making of perfumes and cosmetics due to its intense and pleasant aroma.
Overall, Lankesteria hispida is a unique and useful plant with a range of traditional and medicinal uses. Its attractive features make it a desirable ornamental plant, while its many beneficial properties make it a valuable resource for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
Light Requirements
Lankesteria hispida thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce flowers and fruits. However, too much sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt, while insufficient light can lead to poor growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F) and is intolerant of frost. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and above 38°C (100°F). The ideal temperatures for germination and growth are 24 to 27°C (75 to 81°F).
Soil Requirements
L. hispida grows well in well-draining, fertile soils. The ideal soil pH range is 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soils. It prefers loam or sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.
Cultivation
Lankesteria hispida is a subshrub species that can grow up to 1 meter tall and 1.5 meters wide. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining acidic soil. It is best to place them in an area where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
You can cultivate Lankesteria hispida by sowing its seeds in a well-draining soil mix during the spring season. Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches, you can transplant them into individual pots. After a few months, move them to larger pots or outdoors permanently if the temperature and environmental conditions allow.
Watering Needs
Lankesteria hispida is moderately drought-tolerant, but it prefers consistent moisture levels. Water your plants once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Be careful not to overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Ensure the soil mix is well-draining to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization
These plants are light feeders, and they can do well without regular fertilization. However, supplementing with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year can enhance their growth and blooming.
Apply the fertilizer during the spring season before new growth appears. Follow the instructions on the package to avoid overfeeding as it can damage the plant roots.
Pruning
It is advisable to prune Lankesteria hispida to maintain a compact shape and to promote blooming. Prune the plant after flowering has ended to avoid cutting off the budding branches.
Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead branches from the plant. Cutting back overgrown branches to two-thirds of their length can help give the plant a balanced look. Additionally, you can pinch off the tips of young shoots to encourage branching and bushy growth.
Propagation of Lankesteria hispida
Lankesteria hispida, commonly known as Willd. and T.Anderson, is a tropical plant with attractive foliage and stunning flowers. Propagation methods for this plant include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most convenient and practical method of propagating Lankesteria hispida. The seeds should be collected from fresh, ripe fruit, and sown immediately. The recommended growing medium for the seeds is peat-based mixtures with sand or vermiculite.
Seeds that are sown during spring and summer will yield the best results. Seedlings should be transferred to individual pots once they have formed their first true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is possible with Lankesteria hispida, but it requires some experience and skill. Cuttings should be taken from vigorous growth during the early summer months. The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm in length and should be taken from healthy shoots.
The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce water loss. Place the cuttings in a growing medium composed of peat, sand, and vermiculite. The cuttings should be kept under moist and shaded conditions until new shoots have formed.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another effective method for propagating Lankesteria hispida. The plant should be carefully removed from its pot and the root ball should be gently separated into two or three clumps, using a sharp knife. Each clump should have a portion of the stem and an extensive root system.
The divided plants should be potted in a peat-based mixture and kept moist until new growth appears. Division of the plant should be done during the early spring months, just before the growing season begins.
Whichever method you choose to propagate your Lankesteria hispida, following best growing practices such as the provision of sufficient and appropriate moisture, light, and nutrients will ensure successful growth and cultivation.
Disease and Pest Management for Lankesteria hispida (Willd.) T.Anderson
Lankesteria hispida is a tropical ornamental plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. Although it is a hardy plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Lankesteria hispida and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots and fruit rot in Lankesteria hispida. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray the remaining parts with a fungicide. To prevent its onset, maintain proper ventilation and avoid overcrowding the plants.
Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a whitish-gray powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers of Lankesteria hispida. To manage mildew, remove the infected parts and spray the remaining parts of the plant with a fungicide. Furthermore, avoid overcrowding the plants, provide proper ventilation, and practice a regular watering schedule.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that attach themselves to the underside of leaves and release a sticky substance that can attract ants and grow sooty mold. To manage aphids, use a forceful spray of water on the underside of leaves to dislodge them. As an additional method, use insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray to kill the aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that are barely visible to the naked eye. They can cause leaves to become stippled or yellowed. To manage spider mites, keep the humidity levels high by misting the plant regularly. Furthermore, use insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray to control spider mite infestations.
In summary, by knowing these preventive methods, the gardener can manage the Lankesteria hispida effortlessly against diseases and pests.
