Origin of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum, commonly known as winged oxygonum, belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is mainly found in the provinces of Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.Common Names of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum
Apart from the winged oxygonum, this plant is also commonly known as Amlaza (isiZulu), Imbelembele (isiXhosa), and Leliego-lentsoa (Sesotho).Uses of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum
The leaves and stems of the Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum plant are used in traditional medicine. It is known to possess antidiarrheal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The plant is also used to treat fever, skin infections, and abdominal pain. The winged oxygonum plant is a source of food for humans as well as animals. It is consumed by boiling the leaves and stems and serving them as a side dish with maize porridge.General Appearance of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum
The Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum plant is a perennial shrub, growing up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and have a smooth surface. The plant produces tiny flowers that are pink or white in color. The fruit it produces is capsule-like and contains small seeds. The stem of the plant is red and has ridges running across it that give it a winged appearance, hence the name "winged oxygonum".Light Requirements
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum is a plant that requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Shaded areas should be avoided as they can negatively affect the plant's growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and is intolerant of frost. It cannot withstand temperatures below 0°C (32°F) and may die if exposed to extremely high temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
Soil Requirements
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum thrives in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and may rot if planted in such conditions. Organic-rich soils are preferred, as they provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-draining soil. The plant can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. When grown in containers, ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. In regions with frosty winters, it's best to grow the plant in containers so you can bring them indoors during cold spells.
Watering Needs
Water the Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum plant only when the soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to the development of diseases and root rot. During the hot summers, water the plant twice a week, and reduce watering to once a week during the winter season.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter season when it's dormant.
Pruning
Prune the plant in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum is a shrubby plant that benefits from periodic hard pruning to maintain a compact and bushy shape. The plant responds well to pruning, and it creates more growth from the bottom to the top of the plant.
Propagation of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum can be propagated by two main methods: sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to produce new plants. Seeds of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum can be collected from the plant after flowering. The seeds should be sown as soon as possible after harvesting them.
Before planting the seeds, it is essential to prepare the soil. The soil should be fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.5.
To plant the seeds, create small divots in the soil surface, and place one seed per divot. Cover the seeds with soil and water them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within one to two weeks after planting.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation method involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant, such as stem and root cuttings. This is a faster method of propagating Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum than sexual propagation.
For stem cuttings, select healthy stems that are approximately 10-15 cm long, and remove any leaves from the lower half. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it into well-drained rooting medium. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.
Root cuttings can also be used for asexual propagation. Select healthy roots, and cut them into sections that are approximately 5-8 cm in length. Plant the root sections into well-drained soil, and cover them with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Water the soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Rooting should occur within two to four weeks.
Overall, both sexual and asexual propagation methods can be used to propagate Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum. While seed propagation can take longer and has unpredictable results, asexual propagation can lead to consistent results with faster growth rate.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. alatum, commonly known as the winged oxygonum, is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can cause harm to its growth and development.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf blight: Leaf blight is caused by the fungal pathogen Alternaria oxygoni. It causes the leaves to develop irregular brown patches and eventually die. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected leaves and stems. Apply a fungicide to the remaining plant.
2. Crown rot: Crown rot is caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It causes the plant to rot from the base, resulting in the death of the entire plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Remove and destroy the affected plant.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe polygoni. It causes white or gray powdery spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide to the remaining plant.
Common Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are small arachnids that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to turn yellow and eventually die. To manage this pest, use a high-pressure water spray to dislodge the mites from the plant. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill any remaining pests.
2. Thrips: Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves, causing them to develop silver-white patches. They can also spread viruses that can cause more severe damage to the plant. To manage this pest, remove and destroy the affected leaves and apply an insecticide to the remaining plant.
3. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to become stunted and deformed. They can also transmit viruses that can cause more severe damage to the plant. To manage this pest, use a high-pressure water spray to dislodge the aphids from the plant. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill any remaining pests.
