Overview of Ochnella axillaris Tiegh.
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is commonly known as 'Rio Negro' or 'White Velvet.' The plant grows in a compact and dense manner with leaves clustered at the base and a single stem that rises to about 1.5 meters in height.
General Appearance
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. has broad, hairy, and slightly oblong leaves that are dark green in color. The plant produces striking, white flowers that are tubular in shape and grow in clusters at the tips of long, thin stems. The plant's stem is covered with short and soft hairs that give it a velvet-like appearance, hence the name 'White Velvet.' The plant's leaves and stem are also used for medicinal purposes.
Common Uses
While Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. is primarily grown for its ornamental value, it has several medicinal uses. The plant's leaves and stem are used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, such as inflammation, infections, and fever. Extracts from the plant have been found to possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
The plant is also used in the preparation of natural dyes due to the purple pigments found in its leaves. The purple pigment can be extracted by boiling the leaves and producing a deep purple dye that can be used to color fabrics. The plant is also known to improve soil quality and prevent soil erosion, making it useful in agriculture and landscaping.
Conclusion
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. is a versatile plant that is prized for its ornamental, medicinal, and agricultural value. Its velvety stem and striking white flowers make it a popular choice for home gardens and landscaping. Its leaves and stem are also used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. Its purple pigments can be extracted to produce natural dyes, and it is known to improve soil quality, making it a useful plant in agriculture.
Light Requirements
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. require partial shade to partial sun for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade may lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. This plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burns and affect the appearance of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
O. axillaris Tiegh. thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). During winter, this plant may require additional warmth as it cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F). It is important to keep the temperature regulated in the range mentioned to ensure the healthy growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil type required for O. axillaris Tiegh. is well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged, so it is best to avoid planting them in heavy clay soils. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the planting area can help improve soil quality.
Cultivation Methods
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0-7.0. The plant grows best in partial shade to full sun exposure, and it can grow up to a height of 10 meters.
The plant can be propagated through seed germination, stem cuttings, or air layering. Seeds should be sown in a seed tray filled with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. The seed tray should be kept in a warm, humid location with temperatures between 20-25°C. Once the plant reaches a height of 10cm, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Stem cuttings and air layering are best performed during the growing season. The cuttings or air-layers should be planted in well-draining soil and should be watered regularly to promote root development.
Watering Needs
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. requires regular watering during the growing season. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. The plant should be watered deeply at least once a week, and the frequency of watering should be increased during hot and dry weather conditions.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized in early spring using a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. The fertilizer should be applied to the base of the plant, and care should be taken not to apply too much fertilizer as this can burn the roots. Additional fertilization can be provided during the growing season if necessary.
Pruning
Pruning of Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. can be performed to maintain its size and shape. The plant can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Care should be taken not to remove too much foliage as this can hinder the plant's ability to photosynthesize. Any dead or diseased branches should be pruned as soon as they are detected.
Propagation of Ochnella Axillaris Tiegh.
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae, commonly known as the Pink mallow berry. It is a small shrub that is native to Madagascar and is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive pink flowers and lush foliage.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. can be done by using seeds. The plant produces small, brown seeds that can be sown directly into well-drained soil. It is best to sow the seeds in the spring and summer months when temperatures are warm. The seeds should be sown about 1 cm deep and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. is through cuttings. This method is often used to produce new plants that are identical to the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Take cuttings from the stem tips that are about 8-10 cm long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location until roots develop, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. This method is often used to rejuvenate older plants, as well as to produce new plants. The plant should be lifted from the ground or pot and the root ball separated into sections, each containing at least one stem and root. Each section can then be planted into a new pot or directly into the ground using a well-draining soil mix.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that can be used on Ochnella axillaris Tiegh. This method involves wounding a section of the stem and encouraging it to develop roots before cutting it off and planting it. It is an effective way to propagate the plant if it is difficult to propagate through other methods. The stem should be wounded by removing a small section of bark from around the stem, and then wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or soil. Keep the moss or soil moist and wait until roots develop, which can take several months. Once the roots have developed, cut the stem below the rooted section and plant it in a well-drained soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Ochnella axillaris Tiegh
Ochnella axillaris Tiegh is a shrub that is native to Madagascar. This plant is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
Common Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to Ochnella axillaris. They puncture plant cells and suck the sap, which results in yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Spider mites can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects: Scale insects can also be a problem for Ochnella axillaris. They feed on the sap of the plant, leading to weakened growth and yellowed leaves. Scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by manually removing them from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Common Diseases
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Ochnella axillaris. The disease is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To control powdery mildew, you can use a fungicide, remove infected plant material, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Root rot: Root rot is a common disease caused by over-watering or poor drainage. The disease causes the plant's roots to rot, resulting in yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant's soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering. If root rot has already set in, consider repotting the plant in fresh, dry soil.
Overall, it's important to regularly inspect Ochnella axillaris for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection and intervention can help prevent significant damage to the plant.
