Origin
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. is a plant that is commonly found in the horn of Africa specifically in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. It mostly grows in the grasslands and semi-arid regions.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Somali oldenlandia or Kenyan oldenlandia. In Somalia, it is also known as "Bafaadle" meaning a plant that prefers arid regions.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by the local communities in the horn of Africa. The leaves are boiled in water and the extract is used to treat various ailments such as fever, stomach aches, and malaria. It is also believed to have properties that lower blood pressure and help in the treatment of diabetes.
The plant is also used to feed livestock in the arid regions where other vegetation is scarce. The leaves contain nutrients that are essential for the animals' growth and development.
General Appearance
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. is a small plant that grows up to 50 cm in height. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, measuring about 1 cm in length. The flowers are white, small, and clustered at the tips of the stems. The plant has a woody stem and the branches are green in color.
hereTypical Growth Conditions for Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc.
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. is a plant species that thrives in subtropical and tropical regions. Its growth is greatly influenced by light, temperature, and soil requirements.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. requires full sun exposure for optimum growth and development. It thrives in areas where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also grow in partial shade but may not flower as profusely as it would in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures for optimum growth and survival. It thrives in areas where the temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can be fatal to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. thrives in well-drained soils with good aeration and a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Loamy or sandy soils rich in organic matter are ideal for growth and root development. The plant is also known to adapt to a wide range of soil types, but it doesn't perform well in poorly drained soils.
Cultivation Methods
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. can be grown in various climatic conditions and soil types. However, it thrives best in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. It is also advisable to plant in areas with full sunlight exposure.
Propagation can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. When using seeds, sow them in trays filled with compost and cover with a thin layer of soil. Seedlings can be transplanted after 6-8 weeks into larger pots. For stem cuttings, commence by taking cuttings of about 5-7 cm long with at least 2-3 leaves, and plant them in compost-filled pots. Keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight. Roots should sprout after 2-3 weeks.
Watering Needs
Watering requirements vary depending on the climate and soil type. Generally, Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. should be watered regularly, avoiding waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A good indicator of the plant's watering needs is by checking the soil's moisture level. Water when the top part of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Fertilize Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. once a month with a balanced fertilizer. It helps in promoting leaf growth, blooming, and maintaining soil nutrients. However, avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning helps in promoting air circulation, removing dead or diseased parts, and maintaining a compact shape. Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. should be pruned by cutting back about a third of the plant's length in early spring or late winter. Also, remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Propagation of Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc.
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc., also known as Somali Bitterroot, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation:
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. To propagate through seeds, plant the seeds in fertile soil or compost mix. Keep the soil damp and the temperature warm (around 70°F) until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, transplant them to a larger container before finally transferring them to their final location.
Cutting Propagation:
Cutting propagation is another propagation method that can be used for Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. To propagate through cuttings, select a healthy stem and make a clean cut below a node using a sterilized blade. Remove the lower leaves to reduce water loss and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a container with a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Cuttings root best in a warm and humid environment and can take up to several weeks to root.
Suckers:
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. can also be propagated through suckers. Suckers are offshoots that grow from the base of the main plant. To propagate through suckers, carefully remove the sucker from the parent plant using a sterilized blade. Plant the sucker in a container with well-draining soil mix and keep it moist until it establishes its own roots.
Division:
Propagating through division is another way to propagate Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. To propagate through division, carefully remove the plant from its container or soil. Then, gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots and shoots. Replant each section into its own container with well-draining soil mix and keep it well-watered until it establishes its own roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc.
Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc. commonly known as Somalian basketgrass is a perennial grass that is native to Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania. This plant is grown for its ornamental value and is used in landscaping. However, the plant can be susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them.
Common diseases that affect Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc.
Fungal diseases: The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides can cause anthracnose disease in the plant. Symptoms include leaf spots, yellowing of leaves, and defoliation. To manage the disease, remove the affected plant parts and apply a fungicide containing copper or sulfur. Powdery mildew caused by fungi like Leveillula taurica can also affect the plant. The disease causes a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage the disease, remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
Bacterial diseases: Xanthomonas campestris pv. poinsettiicola can cause bacterial leaf spot in the plant. Symptoms include dark spots on leaves. Remove the affected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Apply copper-based fungicides to manage the disease.
Common pests that affect Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc.
Spider mites: The plant can be affected by spider mites like Tetranychus urticae and Oligonychus perditus. Symptoms include stippling on leaves and premature defoliation. To manage spider mites, apply a miticide to the affected parts of the plant. Ensure to follow the product label instructions.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can feed on the plant, causing significant damage. You can manage grasshoppers through the use of insecticides, handpicking, or providing bird perches and shelter.
Scale insects: Scale insects like Pulvinaria urbicola can attack Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc., causing leaf yellowing and deformities. To manage scale insects, remove the affected plant parts and use horticultural oil-based insecticides.
Regular checking of the plant, removal of affected parts, and maintaining good plant health will help in disease and pest management of Oldenlandia fastigiata Bremek. var. somala (Bremek.) Verdc.
