Description of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl.
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is commonly known as winged oxalis, wingsure, and in Afrikaans, "kersiebos". The plant is native to South Africa and can be found growing in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
General Appearance
The plant has a succulent stem that grows up to 30 cm long, which is winged along the edges. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and light green in color. The plant produces tiny flowers that are pink or white in color, which grow in clusters at the end of a long stem.
Uses
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. is used for its medicinal properties. The plant's leaves are boiled in water, and the resulting tea is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pains. The plant has also been used to treat wounds and sores. In addition to medicinal uses, the plant is used as a ground cover in gardens due to its attractive appearance.
Overall, Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. is a valuable plant that has important medicinal properties and is an attractive addition to garden landscapes.
Light Requirements
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. prefers to grow in bright and direct sunlight. It may also grow in partially shaded areas, but full shade may cause stunted growth and poor development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm and temperate climates. The ideal temperature range for growing Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius can be harmful to the plant, while frost can be detrimental.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with good aeration. It thrives best in sandy and loamy soils rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.5-7.5. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogging, so the soil should be able to drain well to avoid root rot.
Cultivation of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl.
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of soil types.
The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is recommended to plant the Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. in an area that receives full sunlight or partial shade, as it can tolerate both.
Watering Needs of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl.
The Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. prefers a moderate amount of water, and it is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
The frequency of watering will depend on the season and the temperature. During the summer months, the plant should be watered more frequently, while in winter, it can be watered less.
Fertilization of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl.
The Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. can benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, which provides necessary nutrients for the plant's growth and flowering.
It is recommended to fertilize the plant in early spring and midsummer using a slow-release, granular fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for the correct application rates.
Pruning of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl.
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant in shape, as well as to promote better flowering. Dead or damaged branches should be removed immediately.
The Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the branches to just above the buds, and remove any crossed or rubbing branches.
Regular pruning helps the plant to maintain a compact shape and encourages more vigorous growth, resulting in more flowers.
Propagation of Oxygonum Alatum Burch. Var. Marlothii Engl.
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. can be propagated in several ways, including by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. through seeds is a simple and effective method. The plant produces seeds in the fall, which can be collected and sown in the spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate. Once they germinate, the seedlings should be transplanted to individual containers and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the plant in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should include a few leaves. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until roots form, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted to a larger container or planted in the ground.
Propagation by Division
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. The plant should be dug up carefully and divided into smaller sections, making sure each section has healthy roots. The divided sections can be replanted in the ground or in containers, using a well-draining soil mix. The newly divided plants should be kept moist and in a bright location until they become established.
Disease Management for Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl.
The plant Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. is not highly susceptible to diseases, but it may fall prey to some diseases. Here are some common diseases that may affect this plant and the ways to manage those diseases:
- Root Rot: This is a common problem in plants that grow in soil with poor drainage. The roots may become mushy, brown, or black and can lead to the collapse of the entire plant. To avoid root rot, plant the Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering and providing too much water at one time. You can also use fungicide drenches to combat root rot.
- Fungal Leaf Spots: The plant may develop brown, black, or purple spots on the leaves because of fungal attack. To address this problem, prune the affected portions of the plant, sterilize your pruning equipment, and dispose of the affected tissues away from the plant. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and avoid wetting the foliage. A preventative fungicide treatment may also be necessary.
Pest Management for Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl.
Oxygonum alatum Burch. var. marlothii Engl. is relatively resistant to pest infestations. However, it can get attacked by the following pests:
- Mealybugs: These may appear as white cotton-like masses on the foliage or stem. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove them or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that can be hard to spot until the plant is heavily infested, appearing as yellowed leaves with webbing. To eradicate spider mites, you can increase the humidity of the plant's surrounding using a humidifier, blast a hard stream of water onto the plant, or apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of the plant can help prevent and reduce pest and disease problems. Always clean your pruning equipment to avoid transferring infections to other plants in the garden. If the infection or infestation is severe, you can consult a professional for expert advice.
