Overview
Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Brenan, also known as Schimper's mallow, is a flowering plant species in the family Malvaceae. It is native to Africa and has been known to exist in the wild since ancient times. Schimper's mallow is a small shrub with many uses, including medicinal and culinary.
Appearance
Schimper's mallow grows up to a maximum height of 1.5 meters. It has a woody stem, which branches in the upper part. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to lanceolate, and about 6.5cm long with crenate and serrate margins. The plant produces small, pinkish-red flowers, about 2 cm in width, which are arranged in axillary cymes. The fruit produced by Schimper's mallow is a schizocarp, which is globular and about 6mm in diameter. It is made up of 11 to 16 mericarps, which contain a single seed.
Uses
For centuries, various parts of Schimper's mallow have been used to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections and digestive disorders. The plant is also used as a poultice to relieve pain or inflammation. In Ethiopia, the leaves and root are boiled and consumed as a tea to treat different diseases such as gonorrhea, hemorrhoids and stomach ache. In addition, the leaves are used to color or flavor foods and as an ingredient in soups and stews.
Schimper's mallow has become an increasingly popular ornamental plant in recent years, as it is relatively easy to care for and has a unique and beautiful appearance. It can be grown in a variety of soils and is quite hardy, making it a great choice for outdoor gardens or indoor pots.
Common Names
Schimper's mallow is known by many different names in different parts of Africa. In Ethiopia, it is called "Gatri" or "Gutti," while in Senegal and Gambia it is known as "Gonososso". Other common names for the plant include "Velvet Leaf Mallow" and "Sandpaper Tree".
Light Requirements
Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Brenan requires bright light to thrive. It would do well in direct sunlight or filtered light. It is not suitable to grow in the shade because it needs sufficient light to photosynthesize and produce food.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm environment. The optimal temperature for its growth is between 18-27°C (64-81°F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 35°C (95°F). It is essential to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures that can cause extensive damage or even kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Brenan thrives in well-draining and fertile soil that is slightly acidic. It can do well in different soil types such as sandy loam, clay loam, and organic compost. The soil should have good porosity and be rich in organic matter. It is important to maintain soil moisture by watering regularly, but the soil should not be waterlogged.
Cultivation
Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Brenan, also called Schimper's pavonia, is a shrub that requires a warm and humid climate to thrive. This plant is adaptable to different soil types, but it prefers soils that are well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5.
The best time to plant Schimper's pavonia is during the spring or summer when the temperature is warm. It is best to plant the shrub in a location that receives partial shade to protect it from intense sunlight.
Watering Needs
This plant requires consistent watering to maintain its growth and development. During the growing season, which is from spring through fall, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
During the winter months, watering should be reduced, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering should be avoided as it causes root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization
When cultivating Schimper's pavonia, it is essential to fertilize the plant regularly to promote growth and blooming. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season every two weeks using a balanced plant food with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.
It is important to follow the instructions provided on the fertilizer packaging carefully, as overfertilizing can harm the plant.
Pruning
Schimper's pavonia requires regular pruning to prevent it from becoming too leggy and to promote bushier growth. Pruning should be done in the late fall or early spring before the new growth appears.
The pruning process involves cutting back the stem tips to encourage bushy growth and pinch off any dead flowers or leaves. When pruning the shrub, it is important to use sharp and clean pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Brenan
Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Brenan, commonly known as African garden hibiscus, can be propagated by various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Pavonia urens is seed propagation. Collect matured seeds from the parent plant and sow them in seed trays or small pots filled with well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently. Place the tray in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight and maintain the soil moisture levels. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks, and once they are large enough, they can be transplanted to larger pots.
Softwood Cuttings Propagation
You can also propagate Pavonia urens using softwood cuttings. Take cuttings of the plant's soft, new growth sections, about 10cm long, and strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil in a pot. Water the soil gently and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture. Place the pot in a shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight, and mist the cutting daily to keep the humidity level high. Roots will start to grow within three to four weeks, and the plant can be gradually introduced to stronger light.
Division
Another propagation method for Pavonia urens is by division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots. Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot and divide it into sections using a sterile knife. Repot these sections into well-draining soil in separate pots, water the soil gently and place the pots in a shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight. Water the newly propagated plants regularly and maintain high levels of humidity during the initial stages.
These are the propagation methods for Pavonia urens commonly used by gardeners. Whichever method is chosen, it is essential to maintain the correct soil type and moisture levels, temperature, and light conditions for successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana
Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but like any other plant, it is not immune to pests and diseases. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant:
1. Leaf spots
Leaf spots are a common disease that affects many plant species, including Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana. These spots appear on the leaves as small, dark, and circular spots that gradually enlarge. A plant infected with leaf spots will have yellow leaves, brown spots, and may have stunted growth. To manage this disease, remove all the infected leaves as soon as you notice the disease. Ensure that the plant is well-ventilated and keep the leaves as dry as possible. Avoid watering the leaves during watering sessions.
2. MealyBugs
Mealybugs are one of the most common pests that infest the Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana plant. They are small, white, fluffy insects that feed by sucking sap from the plant. They often congregate in masses on the underside of leaves and in leaf axils. To manage this pest, you may spray insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, and neem oil. Wipe off the insects with a damp cloth, apply rubbing alcohol to cotton and dab off or apply petroleum jelly as a sticky barrier to the plant stems.
3. Spider Mites
Spider mites are another common pest that may infest the Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana plant. They are tiny insects that feed by sucking sap from the plant, causing its leaves to yellow, curl, and drop. One sign of spider mites is the presence of fine webbing on the plant. To manage this pest, ensure that your plant is well-watered regularly, mist or wash the leaves with water to reduce the dryness and dust. Apply insecticidal spray soap or increase humidity by placing a tray of water next to the plant.
4. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that often appears on the leaves of the Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana plant. It appears as white, powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. If not managed in time, it can cause the plant to die. To manage powdery mildew, you must prune away all the infected parts of the plant, keep the plant dry, well ventilated and pot the plant in a porous soil that will drain excess water away. Applying a fungicide specific to powdery mildew or a mixture of milk and water spray have proven to be effective in some cases.
Overall, by maintaining the right conditions for your plant, such as good airflow, consistent watering, and cleanliness, your Pavonia urens Cav. var. schimperiana plant will be less susceptible to pests and diseases.
