Origin and Common Names
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is a plant species that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to the highlands of Tanzania, specifically in the Ngorongoro crater and Oldeani Mountain. It is commonly called Ngorongoro lobelia or Oldeani lobelia.
General Appearance
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is a perennial herb that grows into a tall, branchless and succulent stem. The stem can grow up to 2 meters high and has many small white flowers. The leaves are oblong, lance-shaped, and can grow between 5-20 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The leaves are arranged spirally on the stem, and their surface is covered with small hairs. This plant's overall appearance is impressive, and it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and homes.
Uses
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is used for various purposes in traditional medicine in Tanzania. The plant's juice is used to treat stomach ache, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases such as coughs and bronchitis. Its roots are boiled for use in a warm bath to relieve body fatigue and sore muscles. The plant contains alkaloids, a group of compounds that are used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce drugs for treating various diseases. The lobelia plant is an important economic resource for the people living around the Ngorongoro crater and Oldeani mountain since they sell it for medicinal purposes and as an ornamental plant, contributing to their livelihoods.
Light Requirements
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. thrives best in areas with partial shade to full sun exposure with moderate to high light intensity. Exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods may cause leaf scorching and stunted growth. It can also grow under artificial lighting provided the intensity resembles that of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature level for Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. ranges from 65 to 75°F (18-24°C), although it can withstand a temperature range between 50 to 85°F (10-29°C). Temperatures above or below this range can lead to stunted growth. In warmer climates, it benefits the plant if it receives shade during the hottest part of the day. When temperatures drop, the plant's roots become inactive, leading to reduced growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. requires well-drained soils that have high fertility, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil mix should have a relatively high organic matter content, good structure, and water retention capacity. The plant does best in loamy soils with excellent aeration and water penetration, which helps prevent waterlogging. In lean soils, the plant may benefit from regular feeding with water-soluble fertilizers.
Cultivation of Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm.
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is a beautiful species of flowering plants that can grow in most climatic regions. This plant requires well-draining soil with good aeration, which can help with the circulation of water and air.
The plant should be planted in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can damage the plant. Growing Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. in the shade is not recommended, as it needs sunlight for its growth.
Watering Needs of Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm.
The plant needs moist soil but not saturated with water. Watering should be regular and done once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
It is also advisable to avoid watering from overhead as the flowers are sensitive to water droplets, which can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm.
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium and low in phosphorus are the best for this plant's growth. The recommended dosage is a half-strength solution of water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks during the growing season.
Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause salt accumulation in the soil, which is harmful to the plant's growth.
Pruning Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm.
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is a self-cleaning plant, and its dead flowers fall off on their own. However, if there is a need for pruning, it should be done during the growing season to encourage bushy growth and abundant flowering.
Pruning should be done by cutting back the stems and removing the dead flowers. Cutting back the plant by half its size can also stimulate new growth and flowering.
Propagation of Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm.
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is a beautiful plant that is native to Peru and Ecuador. It is a member of the Campanulaceae family and is usually propagated through seeds.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is relatively easy as the plant produces plenty of seeds that can be collected and planted. The best time to collect seeds is during the summer when the blooms fade and seed pods start to form. Once the pods start to brown, and the seeds rattle inside, they can be harvested. The seeds should be sown in spring either indoors in a seed tray or outdoors in a pot or bed. They should be scattered thinly and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seedlings should be thinned out once they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is possible but less common than seed propagation. The plant can be propagated through cuttings taken in summer or fall. The cuttings should be taken from the side shoots of the plant, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a mixture of compost and perlite. They should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until they root. Once rooted, they should be transferred to a larger pot or planted outdoors in a suitable location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lobelia Nuzana E.Wimm.
Lobelia nuzana E.Wimm. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that may affect its growth and survival. Timely identification and management of these diseases and pests are critical to maintaining the plant's health and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Lobelia Nuzana E.Wimm. and the ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and maintain proper airflow around the plant.
2. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes small, orange-brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage rust, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and maintain proper sanitation practices.
3. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular, brown spots on the leaves, which may coalesce and cause defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and maintain proper sanitation practices.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformity. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and browning of leaves and defoliation. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong jet of water and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing reduced growth and yield. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like Encarsia wasps.
Overall, maintaining good hygiene, proper plant nutrition, and regular inspection of Lobelia Nuzana E.Wimm. can help prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases and pests.
