Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek.
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. is a member of the Rubiaceae family and is commonly known as the creeping oldenlandia, or locally as krimanggal in Indonesia and daun-tom-tom in Malaysia. This plant is native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
General Appearance
The creeping oldenlandia is a perennial herb that grows up to approximately 50 cm in length. The stem is thin and smooth and often branches at the base, giving rise to multiple stems. The leaves are opposite, linear-oblong, and measure about 0.6-2 cm in length. The flowers are white and small, and they are clustered in terminal cymes. The fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Traditional Uses
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. has been used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for various purposes. In Malaysia, it is traditionally used to treat fever, indigestion, and snakebites. In Indonesia, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and coughs. In the Philippines, the plant is used to treat skin diseases and to alleviate the symptoms of asthma.
Recently, the creeping oldenlandia has gained attention due to its potential anticancer properties, and it is currently being studied for its potential use in cancer treatment. Studies have revealed that the plant contains certain compounds, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, that have anticancer properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used as a groundcover and for erosion control due to its ability to spread quickly and cover large areas.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. thrives in well-lit areas and requires plenty of direct sunlight. The plant should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight every day for optimal growth. If grown indoors, it is recommended to place the plant near a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light.
Temperature Requirements
The Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. prefers warm temperatures between 20 to 28°C. The plant can be grown in regions with a minimum temperature of 10°C, but it is not recommended to grow the plant in regions that experience frost. The plant does not tolerate extreme temperatures and can be damaged in temperatures below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
The Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. requires well-draining, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and can thrive in sandy loam soils. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage and provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth.
Cultivation methods
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. can be easily propagated from stem cuttings or seedlings. For stem cuttings, take a 10-15cm long cutting from the tip of the stem and remove the leaves from the lower third. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Seedlings can be started in small pots and transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground when they are about 6-8 weeks old.
Watering needs
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. prefers to be kept moist but not overly wet. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Make sure the soil is well-draining, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. requires a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, followed by monthly feedings during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to promote vegetative growth, and switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium levels when the plant starts to flower.
Pruning
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. benefits from regular pruning to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. Prune the plant back by about one-third in the early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches throughout the growing season as needed.
Propagation of Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek.
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. can be propagated through various methods. The plant can be grown from seeds, stem cuttings, and root cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most reliable method of propagating Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. is through the use of seeds. The seeds can be collected after the fruits mature and dry out. They can then be stored in a cool and dry place until sowing.
The seeds can be sown in pots or directly into the ground. They should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist. Germination usually takes around 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is also a feasible option. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be around 10-15 cm long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-drained potting mix. They should be kept in a warm, shaded area and watered regularly. Rooting usually takes around 3-4 weeks.
Propagation through Root Cuttings
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. can also be propagated through root cuttings. The roots should be dug up and cut into sections, each containing at least one bud. These sections should then be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist. The newly propagated plants should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. is vulnerable to various fungal and bacterial infections that lead to severe losses in both yield and quality. Below are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to have small, water-soaked, and brownish spots. These spots increase in size and number, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage this disease, spray fungicides based on the manufacturer's instructions and cultural practices such as keeping the field clean and free from debris.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungus that attacks new growth and causes wilting and leaf drop, resulting in reduced yield. Spraying fungicides and cultural practices such as removing and destroying infected plants, and practicing crop rotation can manage the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease caused by waterlogging and poor drainage, leading to dark brown roots and stunted growth. To manage root rot, improve drainage of the field, avoid overwatering, and remove and destroy affected plants.
Pest Management
Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. suffruticosa Bremek. is vulnerable to various pests that cause significant damage to the plant, leading to reduced yield and quality. Below are some of the common pests and ways to manage them:
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are a type of insect that causes small, yellow, and angular spots on the leaves, which later turns brown. Spray insecticides based on the manufacturer's instructions and use sticky traps to attract and capture the insect.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and reduced growth. Spray insecticides based on the manufacturer's instructions, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, and practice crop rotation.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing yellowing and wilting. Spray insecticides based on the manufacturer's instructions, prune and burn affected parts of the plant, and use sticky traps to capture the insects.
