Overview
Lippia abyssinica (Otto & F.Dietr.) Cufod. var. pubescens (Moldenke) Moldenke, commonly known as Ethiopian Lippia, is a shrub that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. This evergreen plant is native to the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa and grows in various habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and riverbanks.
Appearance
Ethiopian Lippia is a small shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has smooth, green stems that are woody at the base and become herbaceous towards the tips. The leaves are simple, narrowly oblong, and about 3-5 cm long. The flowers are small, creamy white or pale pink, and arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, dry, and hard capsule that contains several tiny seeds.
Common names
Ethiopian Lippia goes by several names in different regions. In Ethiopia, it is commonly known as "Kosso" or "Quassa." In Kenya, it is called "Mavumbu" or "Mavumbini," while in Tanzania it is referred to as "Mkindo."
Uses
Ethiopian Lippia has a long history of medicinal use in Africa. The leaves and bark of the plant contain various compounds that have been found to have antihelminthic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is particularly renowned for its use in treating intestinal parasites, especially tapeworms. In addition to its medicinal uses, Ethiopian Lippia is also used for flavoring food and making tea.
Light Requirements
Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens requires full sun to grow well. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to grown in an area where it can receive full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C. If grown in areas with colder temperatures, it is recommended to provide protection against frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens can grow in a range of soil types, including fertile loams, sandy soils, and clay soils. However, it grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens can be grown either from seeds or from cuttings. Seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants and rooted in water or directly in soil.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in well-draining, fertile soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Watering Needs
Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. It is important to water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil consistently moist.
When watering, it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week rather than lightly and frequently.
Fertilization
Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens does not require heavy fertilization. However, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and midsummer can help promote healthy growth.
It is important to avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen as this can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens in good health and to promote bushy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any leggy growth. It is also important to prune to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant.
Regularly pinching back the tips of young plants can help promote a fuller, more compact growth habit.
Propagation of Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens
Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens can be propagated through both vegetative and seed propagation methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens is done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants during the rainy season.
The stem cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and have 3-4 nodes. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a moist environment. Rooting usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the newly rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens is done through either direct sowing or transplanting of seedlings.
The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants during the rainy season. They should be cleaned and dried in the shade for a few days before planting. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in individual pots. They should be planted at a depth of about 1 cm and watered regularly.
Seedlings can also be raised in nurseries and then transplanted into the field. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are at least 10 cm tall and have about 4-6 leaves. They should be planted in a well-prepared field with good soil drainage and water retention capacity.
Disease and Pest Management for Lippia abyssinica (Otto & F.Dietr.) Cufod. var. pubescens (Moldenke) Moldenke
Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens is a hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, there are some common problems that may affect the plant. The following are the most common diseases and pests and how to manage them.
Pests:
Whiteflies: Whiteflies can be a major problem for Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens. They damage the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off the plant. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These products should be sprayed on the plant every three to five days until the infestation is under control.
Spider mites: Spider mites are another common pest that can affect Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn brown and fall off the plant. To manage spider mites, use a miticide that is specifically designed to kill them. These products should be sprayed on the plant every three to five days until the infestation is under control.
Diseases:
Fungal Leaf Spot: Fungal leaf spot is a common disease that affects Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens. It causes circular to irregular brown spots on the leaves. To manage fungal leaf spot, ensure the plant is well-ventilated, and avoid overcrowding. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Applying a fungicide that contains copper can also help control the disease.
Crown and stem rot: Crown and stem rot is caused by fungi and bacteria that infect the plant at the soil level. It causes the stem and crown of the plant to rot, eventually killing the plant. To manage crown and stem rot, be sure to plant Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
Lippia abyssinica var. pubescens is a hardy plant, but like all plants, it can be affected by pests and diseases. By following these simple tips, you can keep your plant healthy and free of pests and diseases.
