General Appearance
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. is a woody, perennial plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It grows up to 2 meters tall and has leaves that are lance-shaped and arranged oppositely on the stem. The plant's flowers are large and white or pale pink in colour.
Origin and Common Names
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. In some African countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon, it is commonly known as "Agbosuwe" or "Okwunze". The plant has also been given other local names in different countries such as "Nesamani" in Tamil Nadu, India.
Uses
In traditional African medicine, Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. has a wide range of medicinal uses. The plant has been used to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, headache, and stomachache. It has also been used as a diuretic, laxative and as a treatment for snakebite and scorpion sting. The plant's extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it useful in treating infections and reducing inflammation.
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. is also used in agriculture. The plant's extract has been shown to have insecticidal properties, making it useful in controlling pests in crops such as maize, okra, and tomato. The extract has also been used as a natural herbicide due to its ability to suppress weed growth.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. grandiflora prefers to grow in full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as profusely under these conditions. It is best to avoid growing this plant in dense shade as it can become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and therefore prefers warm temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 18°C to 35°C (64°F to 95°F). It is best to protect this plant from frost as it is not frost tolerant. If grown in colder climates, it should be treated as an annual or grown in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. grandiflora prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types such as loam, sand, or clay but it is important to ensure that the soil is not too compacted. A neutral to slightly acidic soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. This plant can tolerate some drought but it is best to keep the soil consistently moist.
Cultivation Methods
The Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. plant grows well in tropical regions and requires a warm and humid climate to thrive. It thrives best in well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Soil should be rich in organic matter and well-aerated to ensure proper root development. The plant is resistant to most plant diseases and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for home gardens and landscaping projects.
Watering Needs
The Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moisture level consistent. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other plant diseases. The best practice is to water the plant thoroughly once a week, making sure to soak the soil completely. During the dry season, it may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Fertilization
The Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. plant benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer designed for flowering plants that is high in phosphorus. Fertilizer should be applied according to package instructions, usually once every two to three months during the growing season. Avoid overfertilization, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming.
Pruning
The Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. plant requires minimal pruning, but occasional trimming can help maintain its shape and promote branching. Trimming should be done in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any excessive growth that is impeding the plant's overall shape. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can also promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Oldenlandia lancifolia var. grandiflora Bremek.
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. grandiflora Bremek. is a perennial herb that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is mainly propagated through vegetative means due to the lack of viable seeds.
Division
The easiest method of propagation is through division. The plant forms a cluster of roots, and the clump can be divided into smaller sections. By doing this, each section will develop into a new plant. However, ensure that each section has enough roots to sustain it.
Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a stem that is 3-5 inches long, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting in a pot of well-drained soil and water it often. Roots will eventually develop from the cut end, and the plant will start growing.
Layering
Another propagation method is layering. Scratch the lower part of the stem and bury it in the soil. Keep the soil moist, and after a few weeks, the stem will start forming roots. When the roots are well established, cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant the new plant.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. is generally a hardy plant and not prone to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant.
Leaf Spot: This is a common fungal disease that attacks the leaves of Oldenlandia lancifolia. The disease can be identified by the brown or black spots on the leaves, which can grow in size and merge to cause extensive damage. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. Also, ensure to maintain good air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves during watering.
Root Rot: The roots of Oldenlandia lancifolia are prone to rotting when exposed to too much water, poor drainage, or pathogens such as Fusarium and Phytophthora. This can result in wilting, yellowing, or browning of the leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and use well-drained soil. Also, remove and destroy the infected plants.
Pest Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek. is also not prone to many pests. However, there are a few pests that can attack this plant.
Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of Oldenlandia lancifolia and can cause discoloration and curling of leaves. To manage spider mites, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Mealybugs: These are small, white, soft-bodied insects that can attack the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant. To manage mealybugs, prune off the infected parts and use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control their population. Also, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can attract mealybugs.
Scale Insects: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, wipe off the pests using cotton swabs dipped in alcohol or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring and quick action against diseases and pests can help maintain the health and beauty of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. grandiflora Bremek.
