Overview
Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is also commonly known as Burchell's mallow or Schweinfurth's Pavonia. The plant is native to Africa, specifically found in Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has woody stems and its leaves are elliptic in shape, measuring up to 4.5 cm long and 2 cm wide. Its flowers can range from white to pale pink in color, measuring up to 5 cm in diameter with a dark crimson center. The fruit of the plant is a disc-like schizocarp, measuring up to 1 cm wide.
Uses
Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine has various uses. One of which is traditional medicine, where the plant's roots and bark are used to treat a wide range of ailments such as fever, coughs, and diarrhea. The leaves of the plant can also be used to make herbal tea. Additionally, Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Growth Conditions of Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine
Light Requirements: Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii requires bright, indirect light to grow properly. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, while too little light can prevent proper growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements: This plant species thrives in warm environments. Optimal temperature range falls between 18 to 26°C, but can tolerate up to 32°C during the day and not below 5°C at night. Adequate humidity is also necessary.
Soil Requirements: A well-draining soil mixture with a loose and porous structure is essential for Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii to prosper. The ideal soil pH range is from 6.0 -7.5. This plant requires moderate watering, and moist but not waterlogged soil, as its roots can rot if left to sit in water for too long. Fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Cultivation Method for Pavonia Burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. Schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine
Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine can be cultivated in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils with enough organic matter. It requires a sunny or partially shady location where it can get sufficient light to grow.
The plant can grow up to 6 feet in height and spread widely, so it is advisable to allow proper spacing when planting. You can plant the Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine in pots or containers to control its spread.
Watering Needs
The Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine requires frequent watering during the growing season, especially during the hot summer months. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot, which can kill the plant.
It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation and to allow the plant to absorb enough moisture.
Fertilization
Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. You can use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. You can apply the fertilizer once every month during the growing season.
It is important to remember not to over-fertilize the plant as it can damage the roots and foliage.
Pruning
The Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer var. schweinfurthii (Ulbr.) Heine requires pruning to promote bushier growth and maintain its shape. You can prune the plant after the blooming season to remove dead flowers and stems. You can trim the plant to encourage branching and thicken foliage.
It is important to use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant, and to ensure that it is pruned uniformly. It is also important to avoid pruning the plant during the winter months as it can lead to stunted growth or damage the plant.
Propagation Methods for Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii
Propagation of Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii can be achieved through several methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and the choice of method to use depends on the available resources, the desired number of plants, and the time available for propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be used to propagate Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii. The seeds should be harvested from mature plants and sowed in a well-draining potting medium. The potting medium should be moist and placed in a warm location with bright indirect light. Germination can take up to two weeks and when the seedlings have grown at least two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly planted in the soil.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should measure at least 10 cm in length. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in moist soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location and kept moist until roots have formed, which can take up to four weeks. The new plants can then be transplanted to larger containers or planted directly in the soil.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii. This method involves digging up an established plant and dividing the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and roots and should be planted in a well-draining soil. The new plants should be watered immediately and kept moist until new growth appears. This method is best done during the growing season to help the plants establish quickly.
Disease Management for Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii
Like any other plant, Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii is susceptible to diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the formation of brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, you can remove the affected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to rot. To prevent this disease from spreading, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and has proper drainage.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves. You can manage this disease by removing the affected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.
To prevent the occurrence of these diseases, ensure that the plant is grown in an environment that has proper ventilation, and that it is not overwatered. Ensure that you also use clean garden tools when handling the plant.
Pest Management for Pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii
In addition to diseases, the plant can also be affected by pests that can cause damage to the plant. The common pests that affect pavonia burchellii var. schweinfurthii include:
- Mealybugs: These pests can be identified by their white, cottony appearance on the leaves. You can manage them by removing them from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. You can manage them by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These pests are too small to be seen with the naked eye and can cause yellow discoloration on the leaves. You can manage them by increasing the humidity around the plant and spraying it with a miticide.
To prevent the occurrence of these pests, ensure that the plant is regularly inspected for any signs of infestation, and remove any infected plant parts as soon as possible. Additionally, ensure that the plant is regularly fertilized to help it grow strong and healthy, and that it is given adequate water.
