Overview
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. is a type of plant that is part of the family Rubiaceae. This plant is native to Africa and is commonly found in countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Common names
The plant has several common names including Pale Carrion Flower, African Wild Coffee, Senegal Tea, and Bitterbossie.
Appearance
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall. The plant has angular stems that are green in color and are covered with tiny hairs that give the stem a rough texture. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped and are about 3-9 cm long. The leaves are green in color and have a rough texture. The flowers of the plant are small and white and are about 0.5 cm in diameter. The plant produces fruit that is a small capsule containing several seeds.
Uses
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. has several traditional medicinal uses. In Southern Africa, the plant is used to treat coughs, chest pains, and respiratory infections. The roots of the plant have been used to treat malaria, while the leaves have been used to treat stomach aches, fever, and headaches. The plant has also been used to treat snake bites. In addition to medicinal uses, the plant is also used as a food source. The roots and leaves of the plant can be boiled and eaten, and the plant can also be used to make tea.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. scabridula grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to burn and damage the plant. It is recommended to place the plant near a window that faces east or west.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions, so it thrives in warm temperatures. It should be kept in an environment where the temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C. It is important to avoid sudden changes in temperature, such as placing it near air conditioning vents or open windows during cold weather, as this can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. scabridula prefers well-draining, fertile soil. A potting mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Cultivation
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is adaptable to most soil types and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas. This plant can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Watering Needs
When it comes to Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek., it is important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it is essential to keep the soil moist at all times. This can be achieved by watering the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is not allowed to dry out between watering sessions. During periods of drought or high temperatures, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering sessions.
Fertilization
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer designed for flowering plants is ideal for this plant. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season, ensuring that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to foliage burn and other problems.
Pruning
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Pinch back the tips of actively growing stems to promote bushier growth, or remove entire stems to create a more open form. Prune the plant after flowering to remove any dead or damaged growth and to maintain its shape. Ensure that you use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek.
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. can be propagated by seeds and stem cuttings. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds requires less effort but is more time-consuming than stem cuttings. The seeds of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. scabridula Bremek. should be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they are 4-6 weeks old.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is faster than sowing seeds but requires more attention and effort. Select healthy stems that are about 10-15 cm long and have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower node and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within 2-3 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia is prone to diseases like leaf spots, powdery mildew, root rot, and stem canker. Here are some ways to manage these diseases:
- To manage leaf spots, remove the infected leaves, avoid overhead irrigation, and ensure good air circulation around the plant
- To manage powdery mildew, maintain proper spacing between plants, avoid high humidity, and apply fungicides such as potassium bicarbonate
- To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and poorly-draining soil, and apply fungicides such as copper hydroxide
- To manage stem canker, prune infected plant parts and apply a fungicide such as thiophanate-methyl
Pest Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia is vulnerable to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- To manage mealybugs, remove these pests using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply insecticidal sprays such as neem oil
- To manage spider mites, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and ensure adequate soil moisture because dry soil can cause spider mite infestations
- To manage scale insects, remove them from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, and apply insecticidal sprays such as neem oil
