Origin
Merremia multisecta Hallier f. is a plant species that belongs to the family of Convolvulaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as coast morning glory, multilobed merremia, or simply Merremia. In some African countries, it is called "Mwavula" or "kisamvu."
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine, where its roots and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as asthma, abdominal pains, and fever. The plant is also used in cultural practices, especially in the coastal regions of East Africa, where it is used in magical and spiritual rituals.
Merremia multisecta Hallier f. is also an ornamental plant, widely grown for landscaping purposes. Its bright green foliage and attractive flowers make it one of the most preferred plants for gardens and parks.
General Appearance
The plant is a perennial vine that grows up to 5 m long. It has long, slender stems that are flexible and twine around other plants for support. The leaves are green, heart-shaped, and have deeply lobed edges, giving them a distinctive appearance. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, white, and have a yellow center. They bloom throughout the year, and the plant produces fruit in the form of a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Light Requirements
Merremia multisecta Hallier f. typically grows in full sunlight or partially shaded environments. In areas with intense sunlight, it can benefit from some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent dehydration and sunburn. However, it should not be grown in complete shade as it requires sufficient light to carry out photosynthesis.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F) for optimal growth. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can inhibit growth, while temperatures above 35°C (95°F) can cause heat stress and damage. In areas with cooler temperatures, Merremia multisecta Hallier f. can be grown in greenhouses or other controlled environments.
Soil Requirements
Merremia multisecta Hallier f. grows well in well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, with good moisture retention capacity. The plant can tolerate slightly sandy or clayey soils, but not waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Regular fertilization and adequate watering are essential for optimal growth and flower production.
Cultivation Methods
Merremia multisecta Hallier f., also known as Hawaiian Woodrose or Rivea corymbosa, is a stunning plant to cultivate. It thrives in warm temperatures and requires ample sunlight to grow healthy leaves and stems. You can grow the plant in large containers or plant it directly in well-draining, fertile soil. Sow seeds two to three feet apart in soil beds with a depth of ¼ inches. Cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil moist. Seedlings should emerge after seven to 14 days.
Watering Needs
The Hawaiian Woodrose plant requires moderate watering to maintain healthy growth. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. When the temperatures are high, water the plant more frequently. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent the roots from rotting. You can use a moisture meter to check the soil moisture level. Avoid watering the leaves of the plant as this can encourage fungal growth.
Fertilization
Merremia multisecta Hallier f. requires regular fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. You can feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, you can use organic soil amendments such as compost, manure, or worm castings. These amendments improve soil structure and add nutrients to the soil, promoting plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the Hawaiian Woodrose plant to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. You can trim back the plant after it has finished blooming to encourage new shoots to grow. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to prevent the spread of diseases. Also, remove any suckers or side shoots that emerge from the base of the plant to maintain its shape. You can use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and prevent the plant from getting damaged.
Propagation of Merremia multisecta Hallier f.
Merremia multisecta Hallier f. is generally propagated using three different methods: seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the easiest ways to propagate Merremia multisecta Hallier f. It is best to source mature ripe seeds which can either be purchased or obtained from a mature plant. The seeds should then be sown in a good soil mix and kept moist until germination.
When planting, the soil should be tilled to increase its ability to hold moisture thus aiding in germination. The seeds should be sown at a depth of not more than 1 cm below the soil surface.
The seedlings generally start emerging around 5 to 10 days after planting. Once they reach a height of 10 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Merremia multisecta Hallier f. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants of about 20 cm long and at least 1 cm wide. The cuttings should be taken early in the morning, and the leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting soil mix, with the lower end of the stem buried at the bottom of a hole that is wide enough to accommodate it. After planting, the cutting should be kept moist and under partial shade to prevent wilting.
Rooting generally occurs within four to six weeks, and once the roots are well-established, the cutting can be transplanted to its permanent location in the garden.
Layering Propagation
The layering method of propagation involves encouraging roots to grow on the stem while still attached to the mother plant. To propagate Merremia multisecta Hallier f. through layering, identify a mature, healthy plant and select a growing stem that is low-hanging and can be bent to the ground.
The chosen stem should be gently bent to the soil surface and held in place with a small wire or stakes. The bent stem should then be covered with soil, leaving only the top of the bent stem exposed.
Once roots have developed and are visible, the rooted layer can be carefully dug out and transplanted to its preferred location in the garden.
Disease Management
Merremia multisecta is susceptible to a number of fungal and bacterial diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, leaf blight, and stem rot.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead irrigation. Pruning to improve air circulation and application of fungicides can also help control the spread of this disease.
Leaf blight is another common disease that can cause severe damage to Merremia multisecta. To prevent this disease, avoid overcrowding the plants and maintain a proper watering schedule. Fungicides may also be used to control its spread.
Stem rot is a fungal disease that can affect the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To prevent the occurrence of this disease, avoid overwatering and use a well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Merremia multisecta is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Some common pests that can affect this plant include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To control their spread, spray the plant with water regularly and apply insecticides when necessary.
Mealybugs are another common pest that affects Merremia multisecta. They are sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control their spread, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any affected parts. Insecticides can also be used to control their population.
Aphids are also sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to the plant. They can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
Regular inspection and prompt action can help control the spread of pests and diseases in Merremia multisecta. It is important to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods to manage these problems effectively and protect the plant from damage.
