Origin
Lantana africana L. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Verbenaceae. It is native to southern Africa, specifically in South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as African lantana or wild sage in English. In Africa, it is known by different names like umvumanzi (Zulu), morana (Tswana and Sotho), and ityamyezi (Xhosa).
Uses
Lantana africana L. is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, coughs, and colds. Its leaves are crushed and applied topically to relieve headaches and nausea. The plant also has insecticidal properties, and its leaves are burned to repel insects like mosquitoes and flies. In addition, African lantana is used as a culinary herb in some African countries.
General Appearance
The African lantana is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has dark-green leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along its stems. The leaves are simple, ovate, and slightly serrate. The plant produces small, tubular, and fragrant flowers that are grouped in compact clusters. The flowers can be red, orange, yellow, or pink. The fruits are small, fleshy, and black when ripe.
Light Requirements
Lantana africana L. plants require full sun exposure for optimal growth. They can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect their flowering and fruiting abilities. Therefore, it is advisable to plant them in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Lantana africana L. plants is between 20? to 30?. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 5? and as high as 38?. However, frost and prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lantana africana L. plants require well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. They can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant is drought-tolerant but grows better in soils that are evenly moist. Overwatering or waterlogged soils can cause root rot.
Cultivation of Lantana africana L.
Lantana africana L. can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. For stem cuttings, select healthy stems from mature plants and plant them in moist soil with good drainage. To grow from seeds, plant them in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until germination. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20-25°C.
Watering Needs
Lantana africana L. requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure that the soil has good drainage. During the winter months, reduce the watering frequency to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, fertilize Lantana africana L. once a month during the growing season (spring to fall). A slow-release fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus can be used. Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers, so avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
Pruning
Pruning should be done after the plant has finished flowering in the fall season. This will encourage the growth of new shoots and lead to more flowers. Remove any weak or diseased stems and cut back to the healthy part of the stem. Cut back the plant by one-third of its size to maintain the desired shape.
Propagation of Lantana africana L.
Lantana africana L. is a hardy shrub that can be propagated in various ways, including by seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Lantana africana L. can be collected from mature fruits, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season. Before sowing, the seeds must be scarified or soaked in warm water for several hours to encourage germination. The best time to plant the seeds is during spring or summer in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge, which can take up to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Lantana africana L. can also be propagated by cuttings, preferably from mature, healthy plants. Cuttings of 4 to 6 inches long with 2 to 3 nodes are taken from the softwood or semi-hardwood stems during late spring or summer. Dip the lower part of the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix, making sure that at least one node is buried under the soil. Place the pot in a warm, shaded area and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within 6 to 8 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
A third way to propagate Lantana africana L. is by layering. This method involves bending a low-lying stem of the plant and partially burying it in the soil, leaving the top part exposed. The buried part of the stem will develop roots, and once it has done so, it can be cut off from the mother plant and planted in a new pot or location. This method is best done during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Disease Management
The plant Lantana africana L. is prone to a variety of diseases that can affect its growth and well-being. Some of the common diseases that can affect Lantana africana include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots can be yellow, brown, or black in color and can lead to defoliation of the plant if left unchecked.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Lantana africana. It causes a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant, which can then lead to stunted growth and deformities.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that can affect Lantana africana. It causes orange or red pustules to appear on the underside of the plant's leaves, which can lead to defoliation and reduced growth.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good cultural practices such as keeping the plant well-watered, pruning out any infected plant material, and applying fungicides as necessary. It is also important to clean up any fallen plant debris, as this can harbor fungal spores that can reinfect the plant.
Pest Management
Lantana africana is also susceptible to attack by a variety of pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that can affect Lantana africana include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling on the leaves of the plant, eventually leading to yellowing and defoliation. They are often found on the undersides of leaves and can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and wilt. They can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can devour the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation and reduced growth. They can be controlled by handpicking or by applying insecticides as needed.
To manage these pests, it is important to take a proactive approach. This may include scouting for pests on a regular basis, applying beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings, and applying insecticides as needed. It is also important to maintain good cultural practices such as keeping the plant well-watered, fertilized, and pruned to prevent stress that can make it more susceptible to pests.
