Introduction
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. This rare plant species is native to the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania, East Africa. It is also commonly known as the Rungwe liparis or Mt. Rungwe orchid.
Appearance
The Liparis rungweensis Schltr. plant has a unique appearance, which makes it easy to identify. The plant has a single, stem that measures about 12-20cm tall. The stem grows from an underground tuber. At the base of the stem, there are several oblong leaves that measure about 5-12cm long and 1-2cm wide. The leaves are dark green with some purple veining. The inflorescence is 10-20cm long and bears up to ten flowers. The flowers are purple or pink with a white lip. The lip is the most distinctive part of the flower; it is elongated and curved downwards, resembling a duck's bill.
Uses
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. plant has no known specific use. However, the Orchidaceae family, in general, is known for its medicinal properties used for treatment purposes. In traditional Chinese medicine, some species of Orchidaceae are used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Psychologically, orchids are also thought to have a calming effect on the mind and can be used for aromatherapy.
Conservation Status
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. is classified as a critically endangered plant species. This plant is threatened by the loss of habitat due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and charcoal burning, which can lead to deforestation in Tanzania. The destruction of the species' habitat endangers its existence. However, a few of these plants are kept and propagated in botanical gardens and applied conservation activities.
Light Requirements
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. requires a moderate amount of light to grow. It is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive filtered light, as direct sunlight can harm the leaves and roots. The plant can also grow under fluorescent lights.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures, with the ideal range being between 18°C to 25°C. The minimum temperature should not drop below 10°C as it might damage the plant. Liparis rungweensis Schltr. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures with the aid of proper watering and humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil's pH levels should range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 being optimal. Use a potting mix that has perlite and vermiculite added to increase the drainage and aeration capacity of the soil.
Cultivation
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid that requires warm and humid conditions to grow well. It is mostly found in the hills and montane forests of Tanzania.
To grow this plant, you need a well-draining potting mix with lots of organic matter, such as peat moss or coconut coir. The ideal potting mix should be airy and light, with good water retention capabilities.
Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can cause the plant's roots to rot. Liparis rungweensis Schltr. prefers to grow in shallow containers rather than deep ones.
Watering needs
This plant requires consistent watering throughout the year, although during the wet season, you may need to reduce watering frequency. Use distilled or rainwater as tap water contains chemicals that may harm the roots.
Water the plant when the soil dries out partly, but do not let it dry out entirely. Excessive moisture can cause root rot and fungal infections.
Fertilization
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. requires frequent feeding as it is a heavy feeder. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with an orchid-specific fertilizer containing high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at moderate levels.
For best results, alternate between liquid and solid fertilizers to provide a balance of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to allow healthy growth of the plant. When the flowering season is over, cut back the flower stems to encourage new growth.
Prune the orchid annually by removing overgrown or unwanted growth. If the plant has outgrown its container, repot it to a slightly larger one.
Propagation of Liparis rungweensis Schltr.
Propagation of Liparis rungweensis Schltr. can be done through three main methods: seed propagation, division, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the natural methods to propagate Liparis rungweensis Schltr. The seeds are very fine and dust-like and should be sown immediately to ensure their viability. The seeds can be sown in a mix of sphagnum moss and vermiculite then covered with a lid or plastic film to maintain humidity. The seedlings should be transplanted once they have grown enough to handle, usually within a year of sowing.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be applied to Liparis rungweensis Schltr. This process involves separating the orchid plants into smaller individual plants that can grow on their own. It is best to do this in early spring just as new growth is emerging. Care should be taken to ensure that each division has both a healthy root system and growth points. The new plants should be planted in suitable growing media and provided with proper growing conditions until they are well-established and matured.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a reliable propagation method that has been used for many orchid species, including Liparis rungweensis Schltr. This process involves taking a small tissue sample from the plant and growing it in a sterile medium under specific conditions to induce multiplication of cells and regeneration into new plants. Tissue culture is a complicated process that requires expert knowledge and facilities, but it provides an efficient and effective way to generate large numbers of plants from a small tissue sample.
Disease Management
Liparis rungweensis Schltr. can be affected by various diseases such as fungal infections, bacterial infections and viral diseases which can weaken or kill the plant. To manage the diseases that may affect Liparis rungweensis, you need to practice effective sanitation measures which include:
- Disinfecting of tools between uses with a solution of 1 part alcohol and 1 part water to prevent the transmission of diseases.
- Proper disposal of any infected or damaged plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Applying a fungicide to the plant regularly as a preventive measure.
- Planting in well-drained soils to prevent waterlogging which can promote the development of fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Pests can seriously damage Liparis rungweensis, reducing the yield or quality of the plant. Common pests which can infest Liparis rungweensis include aphids, spider mites and thrips. To manage these pests, you need to consider the following measures:
- Pruning off any infected or damaged plant parts and destroy them.
- Using insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays to control pests.
- Using natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control pests.
- Adopting mechanical control methods such as handpicking pests from the plant.
