Origin
Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte, commonly known as Tuberous Mesanthemum, belongs to the family of Commelinaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, specifically in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
Aside from Tuberous Mesanthemum, the plant is also known as African Dayflower, Tuberous Commelina, and African Spiderwort. In some areas, it is called Agbede in the Yoruba language, Eleta in the Igbo language, and Oyinbo in the Hausa language of Nigeria.
Uses
The plant is primarily used as an ornamental. Its rugged tubers and tough nature make it an attractive plant for gardens and landscaping, particularly in hot and dry regions. The plant can be propagated by division, tuber cuttings, and seeds. Additionally, the roots and leaves of the plant have medicinal properties and are used to treat constipation, dysentery, stomach ache, and bleeding gums.
General Appearance
Mesanthemum tuberosum grows up to 60 cm in height and has hairy and succulent stems, leaves, and petals. The leaves have a bright green color, while the flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and blue, and bloom during the wet season. The flowers have a distinctive structure, with two large petal-like structures and one smaller petal beneath. The plant is best suited to grow in sandy, well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant.
Light Requirements
Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte, commonly known as "Potato Ginger," prefers full sunlight exposure. In ideal growing conditions, this plant should receive an average of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to slow growth and poor flowering performance.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm, humid environments. The optimal temperature range for Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte is between 20°C to 30°C. Extended periods of temperatures below 10°C and above 35°C can cause stunted growth and wilting.
Soil Requirements
The soil for planting Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte should be well-draining and fertile. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Ideally, the pH range should remain between 5.5 to 6.5, and the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral. The addition of organic matter can enhance the soil quality and promote lush foliage growth.
Cultivation Methods
Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte, commonly known as tuberous Mesanthemum, is a tropical plant that can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is acidic to neutral in pH. The plant can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, but it needs protection from strong winds and direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If propagating by seeds, sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix and keep the soil moist until germination occurs. If propagating by cuttings, take stem cuttings in the summer and root them in a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte requires frequent watering, but its roots can easily rot if left in waterlogged soil for extended durations. Water the plant thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter, you can reduce watering to avoid cold damage to the plant.
It's important to water at the base of the plant instead of from above as water droplets on the foliage can promote fungal growth.
Fertilization
During the growing season, fertilize Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks. A water-soluble fertilizer made for flowering plants contains the essential nutrients that this plant requires. During the non-growing season, reduce fertilization to once a month or avoid fertilizing altogether.
Pruning
Pruning Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte should be done in the spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. Pinch back the tips of the branches as necessary to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming.
Propagation of Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte
Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte, commonly known as Tuberous Mesanthemum, can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors. Direct sowing should be done in the spring after the last frost. Seeds should be planted 1/8 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart. Indoor sowing can be done 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Seeds should be lightly covered with soil, kept moist, and given plenty of light.
Division
Division is best done in the spring when the plant starts to grow. The clump of the plant should be dug up and gently separated into smaller sections. These smaller sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken in the spring or summer and rooted in soil or water. The cuttings should be at least 4 inches long and have several leaves attached. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting 2 inches deep in soil or place it in a container of water and wait for roots to appear.
Disease Management for Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte
Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte is known to experience a few diseases that can limit its productivity. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include powdery mildew, blackspot, and rust. Powdery mildew is characterized by a gray-white powder that covers the leaves, stems, and flowers. Blackspot is identified by black spots on the leaves, which may eventually spread to affect the entire plant. Rust is recognizable by the orange-brown spots that form on the leaves.
To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene practices. This can be achieved by cleaning up debris that might accumulate around the base of the plant and keeping the soil moist. Additionally, spraying the plant with a mixture of water and baking soda can help control and prevent powdery mildew growth. For blackspot, pruning affected stems and leaves is crucial to control its spread. Rust can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with neem oil.
Pest Management for Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte
Several pests can attack Mesanthemum tuberosum Lecomte, and these include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny pests that can cause extensive damage to the plant by piercing the leaves and sucking sap from them. Thrips can cause damage by feeding on the flowers, causing them to become deformed and discolored.
To manage aphids, a solution of neem oil and water can be sprayed on the plant, and affected leaves and stems can be pruned. For spider mites, spraying the plant with a mixture of water, neem oil, and dish soap can help control their numbers. Thrips can be controlled by removing affected flowers and spraying the plant with a solution of water and neem oil.
