Overview
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw., also known as African root parasite or mystery plant, is a rare and unusual plant that belongs to the family Apodanthaceae. It is an obligate root parasite that obtains all its nutrients and water from the roots of various species of host plants that belong to the families Euphorbiaceae and Phyllanthaceae.Origin
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is native to Africa, particularly in Angola, Namibia, and Zambia. It has also been reported in other African countries, including Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as African root parasite, mystery plant, African dodder, and as the stemless conophytum.Appearance
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is a small, inconspicuous, and stemless plant that is difficult to spot in its natural habitat because it grows entirely underground. The plant produces tiny, white, and tubular flowers that emerge from the ground and often go unnoticed because they are relatively short-lived and lack color. Its leaves and stems are reduced to tiny scales that cover the underground parts of the plant. The plant's roots are thick, fleshy, and woody, and they can grow up to 20 centimeters long.Uses
Although Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. has no known uses for humans, it plays a vital ecological role by interacting with its host plants. The plant obtains all its nutrients and water from the roots of its hosts without harming them. The host plants benefit from this relationship by receiving protection against soil-borne diseases, improved nutrient uptake, and increased drought tolerance. The African dodder is also a subject of scientific research as scientists seek to understand the complex ecological relationships between plant species and the role of parasitic plants in natural ecosystems.Light Requirements
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is a parasitic plant that does not have chlorophyll and depends on the host plant for its nutrients and energy. Therefore, it has minimal light requirements and often grows in shaded areas under the host plant's canopy.
Temperature Requirements
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is native to Africa and thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures. The plant can tolerate temperatures between 15°C to 35°C, but its optimal temperature range is between 20°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Although Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. does not rely on soil for its nutrients, it requires a suitable host plant for survival and growth. The host plant's root system acts as the plant's source of water and nutrients, and therefore, the soil type and quality are crucial for the host plant's health and growth. Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. prefers to grow on woody plants, such as Acacia tortilis, and can also grow on some grass species.
Cultivation of Pilostyles aethiopica Welw.
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is a parasitic plant that grows mainly on the roots of various types of desert shrubs. As such, it does not require traditional cultivation methods, as it does not need soil to grow.
Watering Needs
As Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. lacks leaves, stems, and other typical plant structures that perform photosynthesis, it does not require watering like other plants do. Its main source of water is from the host plant it is parasitic on. However, it is necessary to ensure that the shrub it is host to is in good water condition.
Fertilization
As Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is parasitic, it does not require fertilization in the traditional sense. However, it is essential to ensure that the desert shrub it is hosted on is healthy, and its soil has sufficient nutrients.
Pruning
As Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. lacks typical plant structures like leaves and stems, it does not require pruning.
Propagation of Pilostyles aethiopica Welw.
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is a parasitic plant, which means that it relies on other plants to survive. As such, its propagation methods are different from those of non-parasitic plants.
Propagation through Seeds
While Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. does produce seeds, they are not a reliable method of propagation. The plant's flowers are self-fertilizing, meaning that the seeds they produce are often not genetically diverse enough to lead to successful offspring. Additionally, the seeds require specific hosts to germinate, making it challenging to propagate through seed.
Propagation through Tissue Culture
One way to propagate Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is through tissue culture. This involves taking a small amount of tissue from a healthy plant and placing it in a growth medium with the necessary nutrients to stimulate growth. Once the tissue begins to grow and form new plant cells, it can be transplanted into the soil with a host plant.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is another option for propagating Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. This involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy plant and attaching it to a host plant through a process called budding. Once the graft establishes itself and begins to grow, the original host plant can be removed, leaving the Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. to grow on the new host plant.
It is essential to note that Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is a unique plant that requires specific host plants to survive. As such, if you plan to propagate this species, it is essential to research its specific host needs and ensure that you have access to these plants before attempting to propagate.
Disease Management
Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is a parasite plant that typically lives on the roots of other plants and therefore, is less susceptible to diseases that affect the aerial parts of plants. However, there are a few diseases that can affect the plant, including root rots and wilts. These diseases can be caused by soil-borne pathogens such as Pythium, Fusarium, and Phytophthora.
To manage these diseases, it is important to use well-drained soil and avoid overwatering the plant. Planting in raised beds or mounds can also help with drainage. If the disease is already present, removing infected plant material and sterilizing your gardening tools between uses can help prevent spread. Additionally, using fungicides can help manage the disease in severe cases.
Pest Management
Since Pilostyles aethiopica Welw. is a parasite plant, it is less susceptible to pest damage. However, the plant can still be affected by pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests typically feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and even death of the plant.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and check for signs of infestation. If pests are found early, hosing the plant down with water can help dislodge them. For severe infestations, using chemical or organic insecticides can help manage the pests. However, it is important to follow proper instructions and safety measures when using these products.
