Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. - Description
Oldenlandia dichotoma var. papillosa Chiov. is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is native to Africa. This plant has several local names such as Kanadje-kunah, Afaba, and Swaziland fairy foxglove.
General Appearance
Oldenlandia dichotoma var. papillosa Chiov. is a small shrub that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are opposite and elliptical, measuring approximately 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The plant's stem is slender, with longitudinal ridges that are papillose or slightly downy.
This plant species produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that appear in groups of two or three along the stem and bloom from summer to autumn. The corolla tube is long, and the petals are tubular with a spread-out end, forming a star shape.
Uses
Oldenlandia dichotoma var. papillosa Chiov. has widespread ethnobotanical uses. The plant is used as a traditional medicine in some African countries such as Zimbabwe and Ghana, where it is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, respiratory infections, and fever.
Additionally, this plant species has been shown to have antitumor, antiplasmodial, and antinociceptive properties. The roots and leaves of the plant contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and anthraquinones, which may be responsible for its medicinal properties.
In cosmetic practices, Oldenlandia dichotoma var. papillosa Chiov. is used to make lotions or creams due to its fragrance and skin-soothing properties.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant can tolerate some shade, but it will thrive best under bright sunlight. In low light conditions, the plant may grow spindly and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions; therefore, it requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. It will grow best in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. is frost sensitive, and temperatures below 10°C can kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, loamy, and slightly acidic. This plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil. The soil must not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot, leading to plant death.
Cultivation methods
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. is a perennial shrub species that thrives in well-draining, moist soils rich in organic matter. The plant requires plenty of sunlight to grow, ideally in an open space where it can receive six or more hours of direct sunlight per day.
The best time to plant Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. is in the early spring just after the last winter frost or in the fall before the first frost. The plant is suitable for outdoor garden cultivation in warm and humid regions, and it is hardy enough to resist extreme weather conditions such as drought and frost.
Watering needs
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. prefers moist soil but should not be overwatered. The plant should be watered generously when it is young, before the roots have had time to establish themselves fully. Once the roots have taken hold, the plant should be watered only when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
During hot and dry months, Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. may need more frequent watering to maintain the soil's moisture levels. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a condition where the plant's roots become weakened and decayed, leading to stunted growth or death.
Fertilization
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. thrives in soil rich in organic matter, which serves as a natural fertilizer. The plant should be fed with organic compost or well-rotted manure at least twice a year, ideally in the spring when new growth is observed and in the fall when the plant is preparing for winter dormancy.
In addition to organic fertilizers, the plant can be fed with slow-release fertilizers that contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied according to the instructions on the packaging, taking care to avoid over-feeding, which can lead to the accumulation of excess salts in the soil.
Pruning
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. does not require regular pruning. However, the plant can be pruned back in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches, which can promote new growth. The plant can also be trimmed to maintain a desirable size or shape, taking care to avoid cutting into the woody stems, which can stunt the plant's growth.
When pruning, clean the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent the transfer of diseases or pests from one plant to another. Disinfecting the pruning shears can also help control the spread of plant diseases such as fungal spores.
Propagation Methods for Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov.
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. is a plant that is a bit challenging to propagate from seeds. However, the plant can be propagated by cuttings and through suckers.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is an alternative method of multiplying the Oldenlandia dichotoma plant. The cuttings should be taken from the mother plant during the early spring season. Ensure the cuttings are healthy and contain at least two nodes before planting.
Plant the cuttings in sandy soil and place them in a semi-shaded area with moist soil. The optimum temperature for the cuttings should range from 21°C to 27°C. Ensure excess moisture is removed from the soil to prevent rotting.
Suckers
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. produces suckers from the base of the plant. These can be separated and planted in individual pots. Use sandy soil and place the suckers in a semi-shaded area with moist soil.
Ensure the planted suckers are well-watered and kept in moist soil until they are established. In ideal conditions, the suckers may take about four weeks to form roots and start growing.
Propagation is a great way to have more Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. plants for your garden. With proper care and attention, the bed of Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. in your garden can be expanded many times over.
Disease and Pest Management for Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov.
Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. is a resilient plant, but like all plants, it can be susceptible to diseases and pests. Proper management of these issues can allow the plant to thrive and reach its full potential.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove any affected plant material, increase air circulation around the plant, and apply a fungicide as directed.
Another disease that can impact Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. is root rot. This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that invade the plant's roots and cause them to rot. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If root rot is already present, remove any affected plant parts, improve drainage, and consider applying a fungicide.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can plague Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. These small insects cluster on the undersides of the plant's leaves and suck the sap from them, causing them to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed.
Spider mites are another common pest that can impact Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's sap and may cause the leaves to appear stippled or discolored. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce predatory insects like ladybugs or lacewings.
By understanding the common diseases and pests that can affect Oldenlandia dichotoma A.Rich. var. papillosa Chiov. and taking a proactive approach to manage them, gardeners can enjoy healthy, thriving plants for years to come.
