Oldenlandia Lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. Rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek.
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is commonly referred to as the African Bitter Root, and it originated from several countries in Africa, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It grows in open grasslands and is considered a weed in some areas.
The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries by African traditional healers to treat various ailments. It has been used to treat malaria, fever, stomach aches, headaches, and many other illnesses. In some areas, the roots are chewed to alleviate toothaches and fresh leaves are used in poultices to treat wounds.
The African Bitter Root has a distinctive appearance, with green and lance-shaped leaves that are approximately 8 cm long and 2 cm wide. The plant produces small white or pink flowers that are arranged in terminal cymes. The plant's fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
In Africa, the African Bitter Root is an essential medicinal plant, and its extract is used in many traditional preparations. However, due to its bitter taste, it is not commonly used in modern medicine. As research progresses, the African Bitter Root's potential benefits are being discovered, and we may see it used in modern medicine in the future.
Typical Growth Conditions for Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek.
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek. is a perennial plant that is native to Africa. It is commonly found in the grasslands and savannas of Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This plant grows best under specific environmental conditions.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek. prefers full sun to partial shade. It will grow well in open areas with plenty of sunlight but can also tolerate some shade. In shaded areas, however, it may produce fewer flowers and have a weaker growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures, typically ranging between 20°C to 35°C. Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek. is sensitive to frost, so it cannot tolerate temperatures below 0°C. In colder regions, the plant can be grown in a greenhouse or indoors as a potted plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with low fertility. It thrives in sandy loam soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek. can tolerate drought conditions; however, it requires regular watering for optimal growth. The plant has a shallow root system, which makes it vulnerable to damage from frequent foot traffic or cultivation.
Cultivation Methods
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis is a relatively easy plant to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it is crucial to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. This plant can be grown in either full sun or partial shade, but it may experience slower growth when grown in the shade.
When growing Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis from seeds, it is best to start them indoors at least six weeks before the last frost. Seedlings should be transplanted to their final growing locations once they have several sets of true leaves and the threat of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis requires consistent moisture to thrive, but it is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Established plants may only require watering once or twice per week, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Fertilization
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis does not require heavy fertilization and should only be fed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. It is essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to excessive growth and weakened plants.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis and may only be done to maintain a desired size or shape. If pruning is required, it should be done in the spring or early summer before the plant produces new growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to trim back any overgrown or damaged leaves, stems, or branches.
Propagation of Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis can be propagated by both seed and vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis should be collected from mature fruits and cleaned thoroughly to remove any pulp or debris. The seeds can be sown directly into well-draining soil, or started in pots with potting soil.
If sowing directly into soil, make sure the soil has been tilled and cleared of any weeds or other debris. Bury the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm, cover them with soil, and keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
If using pots, fill them with potting soil and bury the seeds at a shallower depth of 0.5-1 cm. Keep the soil moist and warm, ideally with temperatures around 20-25°C, until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative Propagation
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. rutshurensis can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Choose healthy, mature stems from the parent plant, and make a clean cut of about 10-15 cm in length.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder, then plant it into a pot filled with potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, shaded location for a few weeks until roots begin to form.
Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground in a sunny area with well-draining soil.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek. is prone to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves, and can spread to other parts of the plant. To manage this, remove and destroy infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant by pruning, and avoid overhead watering.
- Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers, causing dark, sunken lesions. To manage this, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides in severe cases.
- Bacterial Wilt: This is a bacterial disease that affects the stems and leaves, causing wilting and stunting. This disease can be spread by insects, contaminated soil or water. The best management practice is to remove and destroy the infected plant, clean tools that have come in contact with the infected plant and avoid planting the same crop or related crops in the same area.
Pest Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. rutshurensis (De Wild.) Bremek. is Insect pests that can affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These insects suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage this, wash them off with water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Thrips: These insects feed on leaves, flowers and fruit causing deformities. To manage this, use reflective mulch, keep the plant healthy, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These insects eat the leaves, stems or flowers. To manage this, pick them off by hand, use Bacillus thuringiensis found in some insecticides or cover the plants with fine netting.
- Spider Mites: These insects suck sap from the plant causing a yellow mottling appearance and of leaves. To manage this, washing the plant leaves regularly and also spraying with insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oil.
