Origin
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr., also known as "Schimper's pavonia," is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is native to Ethiopia, where it grows naturally in rocky areas and savannas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Schimper's pavonia," "Ethiopian pavonia," or "savanna pavonia."
Uses
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. has various uses in traditional medicine. The leaves, stems, and roots are used to treat fever, diarrhea, sore throat, and as a vaginal douche. The plant also has antioxidant properties that make it useful in treating inflammation and other chronic diseases. Additionally, it is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
General Appearance
The plant has an upright growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. It has deeply lobed leaves that are green and hairy on the upper surface and paler and hairless on the lower surface. The flowers of the plant are pink or purple and appear in clusters at the tips of the stems. The fruits of Schimper's pavonia are small, round, and hairy capsules that split open when ripe, releasing tiny seeds.
Light Requirements:
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. thrives in full sunlight. It is recommended to plant the species in areas where direct sunlight is available for at least 5-6 hours daily. Inadequate exposure to sunlight may lead to stunted growth or even death.
Temperature Requirements:
The species is indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions thus requiring warm temperatures for optimal growth. Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Lower temperatures may lead to leaf shedding and reduced growth while temperature higher than 30°C may cause withering.
Soil Requirements:
The species prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. requires a pH range of 6.5-7.5. Waterlogged soils limit the species' root growth and therefore it is essential to maintain proper drainage. Adding compost to the soil periodically can help to improve soil fertility as well as the water holding capacity of the soil.
Cultivation
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. It does best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be propagated by stem cuttings, but it is best to take stem cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. During the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the day to avoid evaporation. During the winter months, the plant requires less water.
Fertilization
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should be diluted according to the package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can result in weak growth and ultimately damage the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning can help to promote healthy growth and a bushy appearance. Prune the plant back in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will encourage the plant to produce new shoots and maintain its shape. Pruning should be done using clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr.
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. can be propagated through different methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds. The flowers are self-fertile, meaning that they can pollinate themselves without the need for external intervention. The seeds should be harvested when they are mature and fully dry. The seeds should then be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist. Germination should occur within a couple of weeks.
Cuttings
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring, and hardwood cuttings in the fall. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil that is kept moist and in a warm spot. The cuttings should root in 2-3 weeks.
Division
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. can also be propagated through division. This method should be done when the plant is dormant in the winter. The plant should be gently dug up, and the roots should be separated into sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots. The sections can be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until growth resumes in the spring.
Disease Management
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. is susceptible to several diseases that can significantly reduce growth, flowering, and overall plant health. The most common diseases include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease appears as small, dark spots on leaves that gradually expand and merge to form larger patches. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves promptly, avoid overhead watering, and apply appropriate fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew causes a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems. It can stunt plant growth and reduce flowering. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected plant parts, increase air circulation around plants, and apply fungicides.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that thrive in moist soil conditions. Symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, use well-draining soil, and apply appropriate fungicides.
Pest Management
Pavonia schimperiana Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrescens Ulbr. is also vulnerable to pest attacks that can cause damage to leaves, flowers, and stems. The most common pests include:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause yellow or brown stippling on leaves. They can quickly infest a plant and cause significant damage. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plants with water to increase humidity and use appropriate insecticides.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to plant parts and feed on the sap. They can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, prune heavily infested plant parts, increase humidity, and apply appropriate insecticides.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that appear as white, cotton-like masses on plant stems and leaves. They feed on plant sap and can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage mealybugs, remove affected plant parts, apply appropriate insecticides, and increase humidity.
