Plant Description
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross, commonly known as Elgon cyperus or Elgon silverstar, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Cyperaceae family. It is native to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and is widely distributed in highland areas at altitudes between 2000-3700 m above sea level. The plant has a rounded and compact growth habit and can reach up to 60 cm in height.
General Appearance
The Elgon cyperus has long, narrow, and smooth green leaves that grow from the base of the stem. The leaves are up to 10 cm long and 1.5 mm wide. The stem is erect, slender, and topped with a cluster of small, silver-colored flowers that bloom between August and October. The flowers are followed by small, brown, ovoid-shaped fruits that contain tiny, black seeds.
Common Names
The Elgon cyperus is known by several local names depending on the region, including Mwinyi-mwalo, Omutukiti, Siak, and Siran. The plant acquired its common name, Elgon silverstar, due to the silver-white flowers that are conspicuous against the green foliage.
Uses
The Elgon cyperus has several ethnobotanical uses. In Kenya and Uganda, the plant's leaves and roots are used to treat stomach ailments, constipation, and diarrhea. The roots are also used as an antiemetic and to alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. The plant's seeds are used to make a local beer, while the stems are utilized to create small baskets and mats. The plant is an essential source of forage for sheep, goats, and cattle grazing in high altitude areas.
Light requirements
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis is a plant species that requires full sun exposure to grow properly. This species should be placed in a location that receives direct sunlight for six to eight hours a day. In areas with hot summers, however, partial shade may be needed to prevent damage from excessive heat.
Temperature requirements
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis is native to mountainous regions of East Africa, where it experiences cool temperatures throughout the year. For this reason, this species prefers cooler temperatures and may have difficulty surviving in hot, tropical environments. Optimal temperature range for the growth of this plant is between 10 to 20°C.
Soil requirements
The soil requirements for the growth of Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis are specific, as this species requires soil that is well-drained and has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Although the plant requires moist soil, it cannot tolerate consistently wet soil. Sandy or loamy soils are a good choice for growing this plant, which should also be planted in a location with good air circulation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types. However, it thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant grows well in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate high altitudes of up to 3500 meters above sea level.
Watering Needs
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. The plant should be watered at least twice a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The watering frequency may vary depending on the prevailing climatic conditions.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to boost its growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in a ratio of 3:1:2 is suitable for Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross. The fertilizer should be applied once every two months, preferably during the rainy season.
Pruning
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, pruning should be done to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. Regular pruning also helps to maintain the plant's shape and size. The best time to prune is during the dry season, after flowering.
Propagation of Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross can be propagated through different methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method for propagating Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis. The seeds should be collected from mature plants during the dry season. After collecting, the seeds should be cleaned and dried in the shade. The next step involves scarification, which is the process of breaking the seed coat to allow moisture to enter the seed. This can be achieved by rubbing the seeds on sandpaper or nicking the seed coat with a knife. The seeds should then be soaked in water for 24-48 hours.
Following scarification, the seeds should be sown in well-prepared seedbeds. The seedbeds should be in a shaded area with good drainage and moisture-retention properties. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of clean sand and kept moist. Germination takes place between two to four weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking plant cuttings and rooting them in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be taken from mature plant stems during the rainy season when the plants are actively growing.
The cutting should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the tip of the cutting removed to reduce the transpiration surface area. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium such as a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area. Roots will develop in about six to eight weeks.
Division propagation
Division propagation is another method for propagating Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and replanting them.
The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root system should be washed to expose the individual plant sections. Each plant section should have a healthy root system and some stems and leaves. The plant sections should be replanted in a well-prepared area with good soil and moisture-retention properties.
In conclusion, Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis can be propagated through seed, cuttings, and division. Different propagation methods may require slightly different approaches, but all require good soil, moisture-retention properties, and shaded areas for the young plants.
Disease Management
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross is generally a hardy plant, but it can still experience diseases like any other plant. The common diseases that this plant can encounter are fungal infections such as leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy infected leaves. For fungal infections like powdery mildew, apply a fungicide that contains sulfur. To control root rot, remove affected plants and avoid overwatering. It's also recommended to use a well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Philippia keniensis S.Moore subsp. elgonensis (Mildbr.) Ross is usually resistant to pests. But some insects like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can still infest the plant. To control mealybugs and scale insects, you can wash them off with water or apply insecticidal soap. Spider mites can be managed effectively by applying a miticide. It's important to note that pesticides, if used, should be used as a last resort because they can kill insects that are beneficial to the plant. Furthermore, they can lead to environmental problems and other health concerns.
