Description
Oldenlandia affinis (Roem. & Schult.) DC. subsp. fugax (Vatke) Verdc. is a flowering plant species in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to East and Southern Africa but is also found in Madagascar and India. The plant has flat leaves arranged oppositely on the stems with small white flowers arranged in clusters at the stem tips.
Common Names
Oldenlandia affinis has several common names such as creeping oldenlandia, straggling oldenlandia, and hedyotis creep.
Uses
The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa. The roots, stem, and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments such as diarrhea, malaria, and snake bites. Extracts from the plant have been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties.
General Appearance
Oldenlandia affinis is a creeping or straggling plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has slender stems that are reddish-brown in color and can root at the nodes when in contact with the soil. The leaves are oval-shaped, smooth, and shiny and can grow up to 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The flowers are small, white and have a distinct fragrance.
hereGrowth Conditions for Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax
Light: Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax prefers areas with partial to full sunlight. This plant can tolerate shade, but it may have reduced growth and flowering under low light conditions.
Temperature: The optimum temperature range for the growth of Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax is between 20°C to 30°C. This plant can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C, but it may have reduced growth and survival rates under extreme temperatures.
Soil: This plant can grow in a variety of soil types, ranging from sandy to clayey. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.5). Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax is also tolerant to moderately saline soils.
Moisture: Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax can tolerate moderate drought periods, but it prefers evenly moist soils. Overwatering may lead to root rot and plant death. In areas with low rainfall, this plant may require supplemental watering.
Fertilizer: This plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, periodic application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can enhance growth and flowering.
Propagation: Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, while stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and planted in moist soil. Propagation is most successful during the growing season when the plant is actively growing and producing new shoots.
Cultivation of Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax
Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax, also known as creeping oldenlandia, is a hardy plant that can adapt to various environments. It can grow in both shady and sunny areas and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types.
When planting Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax, make sure to choose an area with well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the container of the plant and fill it in with a well-draining soil mix. The plant should be planted at the same level it was in the container.
Watering Needs of Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax
As with most plants, Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax needs water to survive. However, it is important not to overwater this plant, as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is completely moist.
During hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax
Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax is not a heavy feeder and can survive without regular fertilization. However, if you want to promote growth and flowering, you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season as this can cause excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax
Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax is a creeping plant that can spread quickly if left unpruned. To keep the plant in check, prune it regularly, especially if it starts to climb up other plants or structures.
Prune back any dead or damaged branches and trim the plant to shape. You can also pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax
Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax, commonly known as the creeping oldenlandia, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is known for its ornamental value, producing small white flowers and creeping stems that make an excellent ground cover.
The plant is propagated through several methods including:
Seed propagation
Seeds are collected from mature plants and sown in a well-draining soil mixture. The medium should be kept moist and placed in an area with bright indirect light. Germination typically occurs in 14-21 days.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings are taken from mature plants and rooted in a moist soil mixture. The cuttings should be placed in an area with bright indirect light and misted regularly. Rooting occurs in approximately 2-3 weeks.
Division propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. Mature plants are carefully uprooted and separated into individual sections, ensuring each section has roots and stems. The sections are planted in well-draining soil mixture and placed in an area with bright indirect light. They should be watered gently and kept moist until established.
Propagation of Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax is relatively straightforward and can be achieved through seed propagation, cutting propagation or division propagation. With optimal growing conditions, the plant can establish quickly and provide ornamental value to a garden or landscape in no time.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust. To manage these diseases, cultural practices such as removing and destroying infected plant parts, avoiding overhead watering, and maintaining good airflow in the plant canopy can be effective. Fungicides can also be used as a last resort, using products that are specific to the particular fungus affecting the plant.
Pest Management
The main pests that may affect Oldenlandia affinis subsp. fugax are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distortion and stunted growth. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that also feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and mottling of the leaves. Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that also feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth.
To manage these pests, cultural practices such as regular pruning, removing and destroying affected plant parts, and maintaining good hygiene in the growing area can be effective. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the growing area to help control these pests. In severe cases, insecticides can be used, but it is important to use products that are specific to the particular pest affecting the plant and to follow the label instructions carefully.
