Origin:
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke, commonly known as Niger Bacopa, is a flowering plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to West Africa, specifically in the regions of Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Niger Bacopa, Nigerian Lippia, and Northern Bush Tea. In Nigeria, it is known as Akpana or Rama Kafa.
Uses:
Traditionally, the leaves of Niger Bacopa are used to make tea as a remedy for fever, headache, and stomach ache. It is also believed to have aphrodisiac and antifungal properties. The tea is prepared by steeping the leaves in boiling water for a few minutes.
The plant is also used in the production of essential oils that are used in the fragrance industry. Additionally, extracts from the plant are used in the development of herbal medicines for the management of inflammation, pain, and diabetes.
General Appearance:
Niger Bacopa is a small, evergreen shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom throughout the year.
The stem of the plant is woody and can be used to make walking sticks. It is also considered a good source of firewood. The plant thrives in hot, sunny environments and is often found in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Light Requirements
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke generally requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is recommended to provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also thrive under filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke grows well in warm to hot temperatures. The plant can tolerate high temperatures up to 35 °C. The minimum temperature requirement for growth is around 18 °C. Therefore, it can grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions.
Soil Requirements
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke requires well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with moderate fertility. Adding organic matter during planting helps to improve soil quality and nutrient availability for the plant. It can grow well in soils with low nitrogen content, making it a suitable plant for cultivation in poor soils.
Cultivation of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke is a hardy shrub that grows well in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. It is best planted in well-exposed areas that receive full to partial sunlight.
Propagation of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. If using seeds, sow them in a seedling tray filled with a mixture of soil and compost. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks. Transplant the seedlings into pots or the ground after they grow to about 10 cm tall.
Alternatively, take stem cuttings approximately 10 cm long from the plant's healthy branches. Very gently scrape the base of the stem with a knife and dip it in rooting hormone powder. Plant the stem cutting in a small pot filled with a mix of potting soil and river sand. Water the cutting as needed and place it in a warm and sunny area. In a few weeks, roots should start developing, and the cutting will be ready for transplanting into a larger container or the ground.
Watering Needs of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke typically requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant but cannot withstand prolonged periods of waterlogging. Water the shrub thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid splashing water on the leaves and try not to wet the foliage, as this can cause disease and fungal infections.
Fertilization of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke doesn't need much fertilization, as it is a hardy shrub that can thrive on its own. However, you can give the shrub a boost by adding compost or aged manure to the soil before planting or as a topdressing application. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can cause the shrub to become leggy and less bushy.
Pruning of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke
Pruning Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke is not necessary, but it can help shape the shrub and promote bushier growth. Prune the shrub in early spring before new growth appears. Cut off any dead or damaged branches and remove any leggy growth. If you wish to shape the shrub, use a pair of pruning shears to trim back the tips of the branches.
Propagation of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke
The plant Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke can be collected from mature plants. The seeds should be cleaned and left to dry for a few days. The optimum time for sowing the seeds is in spring or summer. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. Water the soil gently and place the container in a warm, sunny spot. The seeds will usually germinate within three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can also be taken from mature plants of Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke. The cuttings should be taken from the plant's new growth and be about 10-15cms in length. Cuttings can be taken at any time of the year, but it is best to do it during spring or early summer. The leaves on the cuttings should be removed, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil and cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the cutting in a warm, shaded area. Within four to six weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted to their desired location.
Propagation by Division
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke can also be propagated through division. This method is best done during spring or early summer. The roots of the plant should be dug up and gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and a small amount of the stem. Plant each section in a well-draining soil mix and water the soil. The plant will usually recover within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke
Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it may encounter some pests and diseases that can cause damage. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common types of diseases that can affect Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke. One of the diseases that are prominent in Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke is powdery mildew. It can be identified by a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing the affected parts and applying a fungicide.
Another disease that can affect Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke is downy mildew. It can be identified by yellow spots that appear on the leaves. The spots will eventually turn brown and cause the leaves to drop. This disease can be controlled by removing the affected parts and improving the ventilation around the plant.
Pests
There are various types of pests that can attack Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke. One of the most common pests is the whitefly. These small flying insects are usually found on the undersides of the leaves sucking out the sap and leaving behind a honeydew-like substance. One solution is to remove the affected parts and spray a solution of soap and water on the remaining plant parts.
The red spider mite is another pest that tends to attack Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke. These tiny arachnids can cause damage to the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop. Introducing predatory mites can manage the populations of red spider mites in a natural way.
In conclusion, Lippia nigeriensis Moldenke var. brevipedunculata Moldenke has relatively good resistance to diseases. However, it is prone to some pests and diseases that can cause damage to the plant. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly and take prompt measures to manage any pests or diseases that appear.
