Description
Lantana viburnoides (Forssk.) Vahl var. velutina Moldenke is a species of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae. It grows as a perennial shrub, with soft, velvety leaves, and bears brightly colored flowers in clusters that range in color from yellow to red. The thin bark of the plant is light brown and often peels off in thin layers.
Origin
Lantana viburnoides is native to the Arabian Peninsula and areas of Africa, including Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Velvet Lantana, Velvet Wiss (in Somali language), and Shokekufa (in Amharic language).
Uses
Lantana viburnoides has been traditionally used in African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, and gastrointestinal disorders. The plant has also been used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant in gardens and public spaces. However, the plant is toxic if ingested, and its leaves and stems may cause skin irritation in some people.
General Appearance
The Velvet Lantana is a shrub that grows to a height of 1.5 meters, and spreads up to 1 meter in diameter. Its branches are erect, woody, and densely covered with soft, velvety hairs. The leaves are simple, opposite, and broadly ovate in shape, measuring up to 6 cm in length and 4 cm in width. The flowers are small, tubular, and arranged in clusters known as umbels, which measure up to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by small, round berries that are green when unripe and turn black when mature.
Light Requirements
Lantana viburnoides var. velutina prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a little bit of shade but too much shade can stunt its growth and reduce blooming.
Temperature
It grows best in warm consistently moist tropical or subtropical climates. A temperature range of 20 - 30 °C (68 - 86 °F) is optimal for growth. Temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F) can cause leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Lantana viburnoides var. velutina prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. A sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal. It can tolerate a wide range of soils like sandy soils, clay soils, and loamy soils.
Cultivation
Lantana viburnoides is a hardy plant that requires minimal attention for cultivation. It is adaptable to various soil types, but well-draining soils are preferred. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. It is recommended to plant them during the spring season after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Lantana viburnoides requires regular watering during the growing season. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the weather conditions and soil type. In general, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week.
Fertilization
The plant's nutrient requirements can be met by adding a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilization is recommended every two weeks during the growing season. The application of fertilizer should be reduced during the dormant season. Avoid over-fertilization as it can result in poor plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lantana viburnoides, but it can be done to promote healthier growth. Prune the plant to remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning can also encourage the plant to grow bushier and produce more flowers. It is recommended to prune the plant during the late spring or early summer.
Propagation of Lantana viburnoides var. velutina
There are several methods for propagating Lantana viburnoides var. velutina, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lantana viburnoides var. velutina is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected from mature, healthy plants. Seeds should be removed from the fruit and dried in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. Stratification may be required before sowing. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the spring or started indoors and transplanted in the garden after the last frost.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method for propagating Lantana viburnoides var. velutina is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches in length, taken from the tips of the stems. Remove all but the top 1-2 leaves before planting the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. The cutting should root in approximately 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division can also be used to propagate Lantana viburnoides var. velutina. This method involves dividing the root ball of a mature plant into smaller sections. Each section should have sufficient roots and stems to support healthy growth. Plant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mixture and water thoroughly. Keep the newly planted sections in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. The plants should begin to grow and establish themselves within a few weeks.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is essential to choose healthy plant material and ensure proper growing conditions to promote healthy growth and development of Lantana viburnoides var. velutina.
Disease and Pest Management for Lantana viburnoides (Forssk.) Vahl var. velutina Moldenke
Lantana viburnoides (Forssk.) Vahl var. velutina Moldenke is an evergreen shrub that is native to Somalia, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. This plant is highly valued for its ornamental features, but it is prone to pest and disease attacks. Therefore, it is essential to manage pests and diseases to keep the plant healthy and thriving. Here are some common pests and diseases that affect Lantana viburnoides and ways to manage them:
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that affect Lantana viburnoides. These tiny arachnids suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. You can also introduce predators like ladybugs and lacewings to control their population.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths and can cause extensive damage to the leaves and stems of Lantana viburnoides. To manage caterpillars, you can handpick them or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
Scale insects: Scale insects are tiny pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Lantana viburnoides, sucking the sap out of the plant. To manage scale insects, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Diseases
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Lantana viburnoides, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To manage root rot, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has proper drainage. Fungicides like copper oxychloride can also be used to manage the disease.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the foliage of Lantana viburnoides, causing a whitish-grey powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, you can prune affected leaves and spray with fungicides like sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Lantana viburnoides, causing brown spots and leaf drop. To manage leaf spot, you can prune affected leaves and spray with fungicides like copper oxychloride.
By being proactive in pest and disease management, you can maintain the health and beauty of Lantana viburnoides and enjoy its ornamental features for years to come.
