Origin of Launaea Cornuta
Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern) C. Jeffrey, commonly known as horned lettuce, is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Its origin is in Africa, where it is commonly found in Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names in different regions of Africa including, horned lettuce, African horned lettuce, and sookhi/soohi in Hausa Language. In Swahili language, it is called "mwani" or "muaniki".
Uses of Launaea Cornuta
Launaea cornuta is known for its importance in traditional African medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat various ailments including headaches, stomachaches, fever, and coughs. Some African communities use horned lettuce as a diuretic and laxative.
Horned lettuce has also been used as a leafy vegetable in some African countries. The leaves are usually boiled and consumed as a side dish with other foods. In some communities, the roots are used as a substitute for coffee.
General Appearance of Launaea Cornuta
Launaea cornuta is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a yellow flower that appears in clusters at the top of the stem. The leaves are irregularly lobed, and the margins are toothed. The plant's stem is thick and fleshy, and the root is woody and branched. The fruit is an achene with a pappus that assists in dispersal by wind.
Light Conditions
Launaea cornuta requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote photosynthesis and healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is relatively heat and drought tolerant. It prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C. In colder months, temperatures should not drop below 5°C as it can result in frost injury and reduce growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained sandy or loam soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It is also adaptable to poor soils but performs best in fertile soils. The plant is tolerant to drought but requires moderate moisture levels in the soil to grow optimally.
Cultivation
Launaea cornuta requires a sunny location and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. It is tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions but grows best in fertile, well-draining soil.
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 70 and 85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 50 to 60°F (10-16°C) at night. It is a winter annual in most areas, but it thrives in the spring and fall in some warm regions.
Watering Needs
Launaea cornuta does not tolerate excess soil moisture well, which can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is critical to plant it in well-draining soil. It can survive periods of drought, but it requires deep watering every 1-2 weeks if rainfall is insufficient to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Launaea cornuta requires high-nitrogen fertilizers early in the growing season to stimulate vegetative growth. The plant benefits from regular fertilization every three to four weeks throughout the growing season, as it is a heavy feeder. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK formulations.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Launaea cornuta. Deadheading faded flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. The plant will generally form new branches and leaves, resulting in fuller growth if the dead leaves and spent stems are removed regularly throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Launaea cornuta
Launaea cornuta is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the horned lettuce and is mainly found in the African continent. It is a popular garden plant and is known for its attractive flowers and leaves. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Launaea cornuta can be achieved through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from the ripe flowering heads and then sown in pots. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. The pots should be placed in a warm and bright area. It usually takes between 10-21 days for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly to the garden.
Division
Propagation of Launaea cornuta can also be done through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with a good root system. The best time to do this is during the spring when the plant is actively growing. Carefully lift the plant out of the soil and gently separate the sections and replant them in new soil.
Cuttings
Propagation of Launaea cornuta can also be done through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy stems and cut them just below a node. Remove all leaves except the top two and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist soil and keep it in a warm and bright location. It usually takes about 3-4 weeks for the cuttings to root. Once rooted, the young plant can be transplanted to a bigger pot or directly to the garden.
Air layering
Propagation of Launaea cornuta can also be done through air layering. This method involves inducing roots to grow on the stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This is done by wounding the stem and then covering the wound with moist soil. Once roots grow, the rooted stem can be cut from the parent plant and planted into a new pot or directly to the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern) C.Jeffrey
Launaea cornuta is a succulent plant native to Africa and the Middle East. Like all plants, it is vulnerable to various pests and diseases. Here are some common problems that affect this plant and some ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease affects Launaea cornuta leaves, causing circular, dark spots on them. The spots may have a yellow halo and can merge together, causing leaves to die and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage. Apply fungicides as directed.
Cotton Root Rot: This soil-borne disease can cause root rot, wilting, and death of the plant. Prevent the disease by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. There is no cure for cotton root rot.
White Powdery Mildew: This disease is a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery layer on the leaves. The affected leaves may curl, stunt growth, or die. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Apply fungicides as directed.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from the leaves' surface, weaken . the plant and and attract other pests. You can remove aphids by washing the plant with a strong water spray or applying insecticidal soap as directed.
Slugs and snails: These pests feed on Launaea cornuta's leaves, leaving large holes in them. Prevent them by keeping the plants free of debris and using slug baits as directed.
Spider mites: Spider mites cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, and may leave webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong water spray or apply insecticidal soap as directed.
By monitoring your Launaea cornuta for these pests and diseases and taking prompt action to manage them, you can keep your plants healthy and beautiful.
