Plant Overview: Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke
Monechma subsessile, commonly known as the African blood lily or scarlet monechma, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae. It is native to several countries in tropical Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, and Zaïre.
Appearance
The African blood lily plant has a succulent stem that grows up to 20-40 centimeters tall. Its leaves are oval and succulent-like, with a shiny dark green color, and measure about 5-15 centimeters long and 2-5 centimeters wide. The plant's flowers are a vibrant scarlet red color, in clusters, and have a yellow center. The flower head is about 4-5 centimeters in diameter, and its petals are reflexed, curving back, and have a glossy texture. The fruit of Monechma subsessile is a cylindrical follicle up to 10 centimeters long and 0.5 centimeters wide.
Common Names
The African blood lily is known by different common names depending on the region. In Cameroon, it is called "Mvog-mvog" or "Gõlõ-gõlõ" in the Ewondo language, while in Gabon, it is known as "Mbukuma." In Congo, it is referred to as "Dibusa" or "Bongoyo."
Uses
The African blood lily has some medicinal properties. The plant extract has been traditionally used as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, bronchitis, and headaches. Additionally, the sap of the plant is said to be effective in treating skin irritations caused by fungi or bacteria. The African blood lily also has ornamental value and is used as an accent plant in gardens, borders, and containers for its striking and bright flowers.
In conclusion, Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke is a captivating and valuable plant with medicinal properties and ornamental uses. Its lush green foliage and red flowers make for an attractive addition to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements:
Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke thrives in bright light conditions, but it can also tolerate some shade. It is ideal to place the plant in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for a few hours in the morning or late afternoon. However, it is best to avoid long hours of direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature:
Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke grows well in warm to hot temperatures. It can thrive in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It is not tolerant of frost or extremely cold temperatures and should be protected from freezing. Keep the plant in a warm location but avoid placing it near heaters or air conditioning vents as it can dry out the soil and affect growth.
Soil Requirements:
Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0-6.5. A good mix for this plant is a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet to avoid root rot. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings, but do not let it completely dry out.
Cultivation:
Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke, commonly known as "Yellow bells," is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the family of Acanthaceae. It is a fast-growing perennial plant that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. It can be propagated through seeds or stem cutting.
Watering Needs:
Monechma subsessile requires regular watering during the growing season, typically from spring to fall. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can cause waterlogging and root rot. During the winter season, reduce the watering frequency as the plant becomes dormant.
Fertilization:
The plant needs regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use slow-release fertilizers at the beginning of the growing season. Additionally, mulching around the plant can improve soil fertility and retain moisture.
Pruning:
Pruning Monechma subsessile is necessary to maintain its shape, remove damaged or diseased branches, and promote bushier growth with more flowers. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the old growth to about one-third of the plant's height, and remove any weak, yellow or damaged branches. Additionally, pinch back the plant's tips occasionally throughout the growing season to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke
Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke is usually propagated by cuttings and seeds. This plant grows well from cuttings and can be propagated at any time of the year. It has a high rooting percentage, and the cuttings root faster than seeds. The following are the propagation methods that can be used to propagate Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke.
Propagation by Cuttings
The best method of propagation of Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke is through stem cuttings. For this method, take cuttings of 4-5 nodes and remove the lower leaves leaving only 2-3 leaves on the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormones and planted into a mix of soil and sand. The cuttings will root in 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Seeds
Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke can also be propagated through seeds. Seeds can be collected from a mature plant and sown in seed trays. The seed trays should be filled with a mixture of sand and soil. The seeds should be sown on the surface and covered lightly with a thin layer of soil. The trays should be kept moist, and the seedlings will emerge in 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted in the garden.
Disease Management for Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke
Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases include:
- Leaf spot diseases: These diseases usually appear as small, circular or irregular spots on the leaves. They are caused by fungi and bacteria, and can be managed by removing the infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides or bactericides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi and can lead to root decay, wilt, and eventually plant death. Overwatering and poor drainage can increase the risk of root rot. To manage this disease, one can improve drainage, avoid waterlogging, and apply fungicides.
- Virus diseases: These diseases are caused by several viruses and can lead to stunted growth, mosaic patterns on the leaves, and other symptoms. There are no cures for viral diseases, but they can be managed by removing infected plants and controlling insect vectors.
Pest Management for Monechma subsessile (Oliv.) C.B.Clarke
This plant is also vulnerable to several pests, including:
- Spider mites: These small insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the underside of the foliage. To manage spider mites, one can spray the plants with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These pests are tiny and can cause leaf distortion, discoloration, and other damage. To manage thrips, one can use sticky traps, release natural predators, or apply insecticides.
- Whiteflies: These pests are winged insects that can cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. To manage whiteflies, one can use sticky traps, release natural predators, or apply insecticides.
Regular monitoring of the plants and prompt action can help control the aforementioned diseases and pests. It is also important to follow good cultural practices, such as maintaining proper watering, fertilization, and sanitation, to minimize stress on the plants and reduce the risk of diseases and pests.
