Origin
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus is a flowering plant species which is originally found in the African countries of Tanzania and Kenya, specifically in the East African Mountains including the Kilimanjaro and Aberdare Ranges. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which is known to be a group of plants with diverse medicinal, ornamental, and economic uses.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Kilimanjaro star" or "Kilimanjaro Lasianthus" in English. In Swahili, the local language of Tanzania and Kenya, it is called "Msumba" or "Msembe," depending on the area where it is found.
Uses
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus is known for its medicinal properties. In traditional African medicine, its leaves, roots, and bark were used to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and malaria. Its bark was also used as a source of dye for coloring clothes and basketry. In addition, the plant has ornamental value due to its attractive star-shaped white flowers and glossy green leaves, which make it a popular garden plant.
General Appearance
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus is a small shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a thin and woody stem and glossy green leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 10 centimeters in length. The leaves have a prominent central vein and are arranged in an opposite fashion. The plant produces white, star-shaped flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The flowers are about 1.5 centimeters in diameter and have five petals and a yellow center. The plant produces small, black, round fruits that contain two seeds.
Growth Conditions of Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus
Light: Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus prefers partial to full shade. It grows well under the shaded canopy of taller trees in its natural habitat. Direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching and stunted growth.
Temperature: The plant grows naturally in the montane forests of East Africa where temperatures range between 10°C to 25°C. It prefers cooler temperatures with moderate humidity. Extreme temperature fluctuations can be detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
Soil: Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils.
Water: The plant requires consistently moist soil, but it can not tolerate waterlogged conditions. It is essential to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Watering should be done moderately, keeping the soil moist but not saturated.
Nutrition: Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings. Seed propagation requires stratification before sowing, which mimics the plant's natural winter dormancy. Stem cuttings should be taken from the plant's young, green stems and rooted in a moist rooting medium.
Cultivation Methods
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus is a shrub native to East Africa and prefers a warm and humid climate. It can be grown in pots or open ground, but it requires well-draining soil with high organic matter content. It can tolerate partial shade, but it thrives better in full sun exposure.
Watering Needs
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus requires regular watering but can’t tolerate standing water. The soil should be kept consistently moist, especially during the growing season. During the winter, reduce the watering and let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every 2-3 weeks. The fertilizer should be diluted to half of the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant roots.
Pruning
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any overly long branches that may affect the plant's shape.
Propagation of Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus can easily be collected from the plant. Collect the seeds when the capsules have turned brown and are dry. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly. Place the pot in a warm and bright location and keep the soil moist. Germination normally takes between 5 and 10 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another propagation method of Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus. Take cuttings of about 10 cm in length from non-flowering shoots. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant in a soilless mix of vermiculite and perlite. Water the cuttings and cover them with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Once the root system has formed, transplant your new plants to individual containers.
Division Propagation
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus can also be propagated through division. This is most effective when the plant has grown large enough. Dig up the plant and divide it into several clumps using a sharp knife. Ensure that each clump has roots and a good portion of the crown. Replant each clump in an individual container with rich well-draining soil mix. Water each clump heavily and keep in a shaded area as they establish roots.
Disease Management
The Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus plant is susceptible to a number of diseases that can affect its growth, productivity, and overall health. Some common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Leaf spot disease: It is caused by the fungal pathogen Mycosphaerella lasianthi. Symptoms of this disease include the appearance of brownish or blackish spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide.
- Root rot: It is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora parasitica. Plants affected by this disease show stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To prevent root rot, it is important to not overwater the plant and to ensure proper drainage.
- Powdery mildew: It is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Plants affected by this disease show a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide.
Pest Management
The Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus plant is also vulnerable to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can cause damage to the foliage and stems of the plant. Natural predators like ladybugs can help control aphids, and insecticides can also be used to manage severe infestations.
- Spider mites: These pests cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from leaves, resulting in yellowing and wilting. A keen observation might help detect the infestation and spraying with a miticide can be an effective way of control.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the leaves of the plant. Handpicking larvae can help reduce the population, and insecticides can be used for severe infestations.
It is essential to maintain good plant hygiene and check the plants daily for any signs of disease or pest infestations. It is best to use integrated pest management techniques, which involve a combination of cultural, physical, and biological control methods to manage diseases and pests. This will help to keep the Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. kilimandscharicus plant healthy and productive.
