Origin
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle is a plant species belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, including countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo.
Common Names
This plant species has several common names across different regions where it is found. In Nigeria, it is called "Ojugbolo." In Ghana, it is known as "Awode." In Cameroon, it is called "Njapchaa," while in Congo, it is known as "Olengono."
Uses
The seeds of Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle are commonly used as a traditional medicine for their various therapeutic effects. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, making them effective in treating different ailments.
In addition, the plant is used as a source of food by some communities. The young leaves and shoots are edible and are used in preparing soups and stews. The seeds are also roasted and eaten as a snack.
General Appearance
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 2-3 meters tall. It has a twining stem that is covered in hairs and produces heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and are usually purple or violet in color, with five petals fused at the base. The fruit is a capsule containing several seeds.
Light Requirements
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window to receive maximum sunlight. Outdoors, it can be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the optimal temperature range for growth is between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). It is important to note that the plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme heat. During the winter, the plant should be protected from frost, and in the summer, it should be provided with shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil Requirements
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be amended with organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle, commonly known as "African bindweed," is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in various soil types and climate conditions. It can grow up to 4 meters in length and produces small white flowers that bloom in the morning.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings, with the best time to plant being in the spring or early summer. It prefers a sunny location and requires a trellis or support structure to climb.
Watering Needs
African bindweed is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. However, it is essential to water the plant deeply at least once a week, especially during the dry season. Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to enhance its growth and flowering. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers, as this can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers. It is recommended to fertilize once every two months.
Pruning
African bindweed requires minimal pruning, but deadheading or removing spent flowers can promote continuous blooming. It is also essential to trim the plant regularly to eliminate any dead or diseased branches. Pruning can be done after the end of the growing season, during the winter.
Propagation of Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle, also known as the African merremia, is a climbing plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is a hardy and resilient plant that can be propagated by various methods.
Seeds
One of the simplest and most common methods of propagating Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the mature fruit of the plant. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried under shade. The dried seeds can be stored in a dry and airy place before sowing.
Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to improve germination. The seedlings can be raised in nursery beds and transplanted to the desired location after a few months.
Cutting
Another method of propagating Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle is through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the stem of the plant. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should have a few nodes.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in a pot or a polybag filled with soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle. This method involves making a small incision in the stem of the plant and wrapping a moist sphagnum moss around it. The moss should be secured with plastic wrap and kept moist until roots form.
Once roots appear, the stem can be cut below the moss and the rooted portion can be planted in a pot or a polybag filled with soil mix. The new plant should be protected from direct sunlight until it is established.
By using one of these propagation methods, the hardy and resilient Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle can be easily propagated and grown in any desired location.
Disease Management
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle is susceptible to various diseases that can lead to reduced plant growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing spots to develop on the foliage.
- Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that causes dark lesions to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it's essential to use disease-resistant varieties when planting. Additionally, it's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices by removing infected plants and debris from the garden. Fungicides can also be used to control the diseases. Regular application of fungicides can help to protect the plant from fungal infections.
Pest Management
Merremia pes-draconis Hallier f. var. nigerica Rendle is also prone to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and turn yellow.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.
- Whiteflies: These are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
To manage these pests, it's essential to inspect the plants regularly and remove any infected plants. It's also crucial to maintain good hygiene practices by removing plant debris and weeds from the garden. Pesticides can also be used to control the pests. However, it's important to use them in moderation and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the plant or the environment.
