Overview
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl., also known as the Indian madder or false madder, is a species of plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is widely cultivated for medicinal purposes.Appearance
The plant is a small perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm height. It has slender stems that are green or slightly reddish in color. The leaves are opposite, narrowly elliptic, and grow up to 5 cm long and 1 cm wide. The plant produces small, white or pink star-shaped flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit is a small red berry that is about 0.5 cm in diameter.Common Names
Oldenlandia divaricata has several common names depending on the region. In India, it is commonly known as madder or false madder, while in China, it is called qian cao gen. In Thailand, the plant is known as kra-don.Uses
Oldenlandia divaricata has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and diuretic properties. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to make an extract that is used to treat several ailments such as respiratory disorders, fever, snake bites, skin rashes, and urinary disorders. The plant is also used as a natural dye in the textile industry due to the presence of the compound alizarin, which gives a red color to fabrics. In conclusion, Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. is a small perennial herb native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It has several common names such as Indian madder or false madder and is widely used for medicinal purposes due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and diuretic properties.Growth Conditions of Oldenlandia divaricata Engl.
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly known as Indian madder and is found in tropical regions of Asia. To grow this plant successfully, certain growth conditions need to be provided.
Light
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. requires bright indirect light to grow. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much sun can damage the leaves. It is best not to place the plant in front of a window that receives hot afternoon sun. The plant can also be grown under fluorescent lights indoors.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for growing Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. is between 18°C to 28°C. The plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but it may not grow as well. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C for prolonged periods. Sudden temperature changes can also stress the plant, so it is best to keep it in a stable environment.
Soil
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. An ideal soil mixture can be made by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, around 5.5 to 6.5. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt.
Providing the right growth conditions is essential for the healthy growth of Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. By following these guidelines, growers can create an environment in which the plant can thrive.
Cultivation
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl., commonly known as star jasmine or yellow oldenlandia is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Growing this plant requires a tropical climate with regular rainfall, and it can thrive in various soil types, including sandy, loamy or clay soils.
Plant the Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. in a location that receives partial to full sunlight. It can be grown outdoors in the garden, on trellises, or in containers. When planting in the garden, ensure that the soil is well-drained and aerated.
Watering Needs
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. requires regular watering to grow well. Water the plant generously and regularly but avoid overwatering, which may cause root rot. During hot and dry weather conditions, the plant may require daily watering to maintain the moisture levels.
Fertilization
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer, which contains equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Use the recommended dosage, as excessive application can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. requires regular pruning to control its shape and size. Pruning the plant regularly can also help to encourage bushier growth and stimulate the growth of more flowers.
You can begin pruning the plant when it reaches a height of about 6 to 8 inches. Remove any dead, diseased, or yellow leaves, as well as any damaged stems. Pinch back the stems at the tips to encourage bushier growth. During late winter or early spring, you can do a more severe pruning to revitalize the plant and encourage a fuller shape.
Propagation of Oldenlandia divaricata Engl.
Oldenlandia divaricata Engl. is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia and China. It is commonly known as Indian madder, false madder, and snake root. The plant has a medicinal value and is used to treat various ailments such as inflammation, fever, and cancer. Propagation of Oldenlandia divaricata can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cutting, and division.
Seed propagation
Oldenlandia divaricata can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are small and should be sown in well-drained soil. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is during spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and should be covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be kept in a warm and sunny place. Germination of seeds takes around 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings are around 10 to 15 cm tall, they should be transplanted into individual pots.
Stem cutting
Propagation of Oldenlandia divaricata can also be done through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season, which is from spring to summer. The stem cuttings should have at least two nodes, and the leaves should be removed from the lower node. The stem cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm and sunny place. The soil should be kept moist, and the stem cutting will root after 2 to 3 weeks. Once the stem cuttings have rooted and have grown around 10 to 15 cm tall, they should be transplanted into individual pots.
Division
Oldenlandia divaricata can also be propagated through division. The ideal time for division is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root system should be washed to remove any soil. The plant should be divided into small clumps, ensuring that each clump has at least one stem and a portion of the root system. The clumps should be planted into individual pots containing well-drained soil and watered thoroughly. The plants should be kept in a sunny and warm place and should be regularly watered until they are established.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia divaricata, commonly known as hedyotis or snake needle grass, is susceptible to fungal diseases that can damage the plant and reduce its productivity. Some of the common fungal diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora hedyotidis and is characterized by the presence of small, circular spots on the leaves. The spots can grow larger and eventually cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Pythium aphanidermatum and can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering and to ensure proper drainage. Affected plants should also be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum and is characterized by the presence of a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Oldenlandia divaricata is also susceptible to a variety of pests that can damage the plant. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To manage spider mites, the plant should be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: These pests are small, winged insects that can cause leaves to turn yellow and stunt growth. To manage whiteflies, the plant should be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that can feed on the sap of the plant and cause stunted growth. To manage aphids, the plant should be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation and to take appropriate action as soon as a problem is detected. Good cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, can also help to prevent disease and pest problems in Oldenlandia divaricata.
