Overview:
Orthopichonia lacourtiana (De Wild.) Compère is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as “Mbayi yati” in Lingala, which is the main language spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This plant species is endemic to the Central African region, particularly in the Congo Basin and can be found in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon.
Description:
Orthopichonia lacourtiana is a shrub that can grow up to 1-2 meters high. The branches of the shrub are covered with dense, short, and grayish hairs. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and have a petiole. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and usually shiny on the upper surface while the lower surface is usually pale. The plant produces inflorescences, which are clusters of flowers that are arranged in dense heads. The flower heads are yellow and have a diameter of about 1.5 cm. The fruits are dry achenes, which are small and slightly flattened with a pappus of white silky hairs.
Uses:
Orthopichonia lacourtiana has several medicinal uses in traditional medicine. The leaves of the plant are believed to have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments, including dermatitis, wounds, and fever. The roots of the plant are also used to treat fever and other ailments. Additionally, the stems and leaves of the plant can be chewed to freshen breath and alleviate toothaches.
Appearance:
Orthopichonia lacourtiana is a medium-sized shrub that has dark green, leathery leaves with pale undersides. The plant produces yellow flowers in dense clusters, which are about 1.5 cm in diameter, and dry achenes with a pappus of white silky hairs. The branches of the shrub are covered with short, dense, and grayish hairs. The plant has several medicinal uses in traditional medicine and is believed to have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Light Requirements
Orthopichonia lacourtiana requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant. However, it can tolerate low light conditions for short periods of time. It is best to place the plant near a bright window, but not directly in the path of the sun.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Orthopichonia lacourtiana is between 18°C to 25°C (65°F to 77°F). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C (59°F) or above 30°C (86°F) for extended periods of time. It is important to keep the plant away from drafty areas or locations with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Orthopichonia lacourtiana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand is ideal for potting this plant. It is important to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and the eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Orthopichonia lacourtiana plants grow well when propagated from stem cuttings. Choose healthy stems with at least three nodes and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist potting soil or well-draining soil in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist and avoid direct sunlight until the plant is well established.
Watering needs
Orthopichonia lacourtiana requires regular watering during the growing season. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging, so avoid overwatering. During winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization during its growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks. However, reduce the frequency and amount of fertilizer during winter when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Pruning Orthopichonia lacourtiana is not necessary, but it can be done to control its shape and size. Prune after flowering and remove any dead or damaged branches. Also, prune the plant to remove any branches that cross and rub each other. Pruning should be done in early spring before the new growth appears.
Propagation of Orthopichonia lacourtiana (De Wild.) Compère
Orthopichonia lacourtiana (De Wild.) Compère, commonly known as "bush onion" is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It grows in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa and is valued for its edible leaves and tubers. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds, stem cuttings or division of the mother plant.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds are collected from mature plants and dried. The seeds are then treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections. They are sown in trays filled with a well-draining soil mix, and a thin layer of vermiculite is added on top. The trays are kept in a warm and humid environment with regular watering until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from the mother plant during the growing season. A 10-15 cm long cutting is selected, and the leaves on the bottom half are removed. The cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil is kept moist, and the cutting is kept in a shaded environment until roots and new leaves start to grow.
Propagation by division of the mother plant
The mother plant can be carefully lifted and divided into smaller sections during the early growing season. Each section should have some roots attached to it. The sections are then planted in individual pots with a well-draining soil mix. The soil is kept moist until new growth appears.
Regardless of the method used, it takes approximately 3-6 months for cuttings or seedlings to grow into a mature plant, at which point they can be transplanted into the garden.
Disease Management for Orthopichonia lacourtiana
Orthopichonia lacourtiana is a relatively hardy plant that is resilient to most diseases. However, in certain conditions, it can be susceptible to some common fungal diseases. One such disease is powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry by avoiding overhead watering and promoting good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be applied to infected plants.
Anthractnose is another fungal disease that may affect O. lacourtiana. This disease causes dark spots to appear on leaves and stems, which can eventually lead to necrosis. To manage this disease, it is important to regularly prune affected areas of the plant and to provide good air circulation and drainage. Fungicides may also be used to control anthracnose.
Pest Management for Orthopichonia lacourtiana
O. lacourtiana may also be vulnerable to insect pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny pests that can damage the leaves of the plant by sucking out the sap. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly spray the plant with water, as they dislike humid environments. A miticide may also be used to control spider mites.
Aphids are another common pest that may affect O. lacourtiana. These pests can be identified by their small size and pear-shaped bodies. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause leaves to yellow and curl. To manage aphids, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any affected leaves or stems. Insecticidal soap may also be applied to control aphids.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that can cause leaves to yellow and drop off. These pests secrete a sticky substance that can attract ants and other insects. To manage mealybugs, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any affected leaves or stems. Insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil may also be applied to control mealybugs.
