Merremia semisagitta subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. - A Detailed Description
Merremia semisagitta subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. is a member of the Convolvulaceae family. This plant is commonly known as the Stringy Morning Glory and is native to Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania.
General Appearance
The Stringy Morning Glory is a creeping plant with a distinctive elongated leaf shape, it can grow up to 5 meters in length. Its leaves are deeply lobed, finely dissected and have toothed margins. The flowers of this plant have a pretty, funnel-shaped appearance and are generally white in color with a yellow center. It blooms from June to September
Uses
The plant has medicinal applications for treating a plethora of health problems like leprosy and glandular swellings. Its leaves are used to make a poultice, which is then applied to the affected area.
Apart from its medicinal applications, the Stringy Morning Glory is also used for ornamental purposes. Its delicate and beautiful flowers make it an excellent addition to gardens and landscapes.
In summary, the Merremia semisagitta subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. or the Stringy Morning Glory is a creeping plant with distinctive toothed leaves and beautiful white flowers with a yellow center. It has medicinal applications and is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements
Merremia semisagitta subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. requires full to partial sunlight exposure to grow optimally. Insufficient light may lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures, ranging from 20-35°C (68-95°F). It can tolerate some cooler temperatures, but growth may slow down or cease entirely if exposed to prolonged cold temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Merremia semisagitta subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. should be well-drained and fertile with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level of 6.0-7.5. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it prefers soils with good organic matter content. The plant also requires regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged as it may lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. is a perennial vine that is native to the African tropics. It grows well in areas with fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings. It is essential to provide adequate support for the vine to climb, such as a trellis, fence, or arbor.Watering Needs
The plant Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. requires regular watering to thrive. However, it is essential not to overwater the plant, as it can cause root rot. The plant needs about an inch of water per week, and it is ideal to water deeply once a week instead of shallow watering frequently. It is also necessary to ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.Fertilization
Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. requires regular fertilization to grow vigorously. Fertilizing can be done every two to three weeks during the growing season using balanced fertilizer. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application.Pruning
Pruning is a crucial aspect of caring for the plant Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. It helps to promote a bushier growth habit and restrict the size of the vine. Pruning should be done at the beginning of the growing season, and any dead or damaged branches should be removed. It is also necessary to prune any excess growth to keep the plant in shape.Propagation of Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc.
Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. can be propagated through different methods. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the roots during the process of propagation to ensure the successful growth of the plant.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. can be done by using seeds that are obtained from the mature fruit of the plant. The seeds must be cleaned and soaked in water for several hours to soften the hard outer coating. After soaking, the seeds can be planted in pots or trays with well-draining soil and kept in a warm and humid area.
Watering should be done regularly to ensure the soil remains moist, and the plant gets adequate water. Germination may take several weeks, and once the seedlings are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted into larger pots or planted directly in the ground.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Another method to propagate Merremia semisagitta (Peter) Dandy subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. is through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem of the plant and make a cutting that is about 6 to 8 inches long.
Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil, and keep it moist, placing it in a warm area with bright indirect light. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks, and once established, the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Merremia semisagitta subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. may be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases. The common diseases that may affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and stem cankers. The disease spreads rapidly in warm and wet conditions.
- Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that leads to a powdery white growth on the leaves. The growth can result in the distortion of leaves. The disease is prevalent in high humidity, and cool conditions.
- Root Rot: It is caused by soil-borne pathogens that affect the roots of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is recommended to:
- Practice crop rotation to prevent the build-up of pathogens in the soil.
- Remove infected plant parts and destroy them to limit the spread of the disease.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of fungal spores.
- Use fungicides if necessary and ensure they are safe to use on the plant.
Pest Management
Merremia semisagitta subsp. tenuisecta Verdc. is prone to attacks by insect pests. The common pests that may affect this plant are:
- Whiteflies: These are small, white-winged insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and die off. Heavy infestations can cause severe damage to the plant.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny, eight-legged pests that are barely visible to the naked eye. They feed on the underside of leaves, causing leaf spots and discoloration.
- Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects with a powdery white covering. They cause yellowing and stunting of the plant by sucking sap from the leaves.
To manage these pests, it is recommended to:
- Prune off any infected parts and destroy them to limit the spread of the pests.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to control the pests.
