Origin and Common Names
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. is a woody vine that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of southern Africa. The plant is commonly known as "bittera," "lucky bean creeper," or "knobbly creeper" due to its distinctively large, ridged seeds that have been historically used in traditional African medicine.Appearance
The plant features a climbing and sprawling growth habit, supported by its twining stems that can reach up to 50 feet in length, and are marked by thin, light green leaves that measure up to 5 inches long. The flowers, which typically bloom from late spring to early summer, are small and funnel-shaped with petals that are greenish-yellow and purple, measuring approximately 0.6 inches in diameter. After flowering, the plant produces unique, large seeds that are approximately 2 inches long, and have a knobbly, ridged texture.Uses
In traditional African medicine, the seeds of Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. have been used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including fever, stomach pains, and snake bites. The seeds are also believed to have protective properties against evil spirits and were often incorporated into traditional African jewelry as a good luck charm. In modern medicine, the plant has not been thoroughly studied, but some research suggests that it may have potential applications as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer agent. However, more research is needed to determine the full extent of the plant's pharmacological properties and potential uses. Overall, Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. is a unique and fascinating plant with a storied history in traditional African medicine and a wide range of potential uses in contemporary science.Light Conditions
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. requires bright but indirect sunlight to grow. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt growth. A shaded spot with bright ambient light is ideal for this plant. Artificial lighting can also be used to supplement natural light, especially during the winter months.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in moderate temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 80°F). It can tolerate occasional temperature fluctuations as long as they do not fall below 15°C (59°F). Keep the plant away from cold drafts and air conditioning units to prevent damage to leaves.
Soil Requirements
The soil that works best for Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The pH level should be between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. When repotting, ensure that the new container is only slightly larger than the current one as this plant prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Cultivation methods
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It can thrive in a variety of growing conditions, including full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. It is recommended that you use a high-quality potting mix with perlite or sand to improve drainage. The plant can be grown in containers or in the ground.
The plant is native to southern and eastern Africa and is adapted to warm temperatures. It can tolerate a range of temperatures between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit and will not tolerate freezing weather. It is best to protect the plant from frost during the winter months.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers to be kept moist but not overly saturated. It is recommended that you water the plant thoroughly every 7-10 days, ensuring that the soil has drained well. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the moisture level in your area, the size of the container, and the growing conditions. You should always check the soil moisture level before watering.
It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow and dropping or the roots are starting to rot, it may be due to overwatering. Ensure that the container has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
Fertilization
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. It is recommended that you use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You should fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer months).
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. does not require regular pruning. You may prune the plant to maintain its shape or to remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the growing season or immediately after flowering to avoid damage to new growth.
When pruning, ensure that you use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. You should also remove any diseased or pest-infested leaves and branches to prevent the spread of diseases to other plants.
Propagation of Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br.
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. can be propagated using various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and root cuttings. However, the success rates may vary depending on the propagation method used.
Propagation by seed
The seeds of Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. can be collected when fully ripe, cleaned, and sown in a well-draining potting mixture. The seeds are relatively small, and it is essential to spread them evenly across the surface of the mixture. Keep the mixture moist and cover the container with a plastic wrap to maintain high humidity levels. Under ideal conditions, the seeds should germinate within two to six weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers when they have grown large enough to handle.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants of Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from the upper, non-flowering stems and should be about ten centimeters long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder. Then, place them in a well-draining potting mixture, cover with plastic, and keep them moist. Transfer individual cuttings into separate containers when the roots have developed enough to support new growth.
Propagation by root cuttings
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. can be propagated using root cuttings taken from the parent plant during the dormant season. Use a sharp knife to cut a section of the root about three centimeters long, and dust the cutting with root hormone powder. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining mixture and keep it moist while maintaining high humidity levels. Once the cutting has developed new growth, it can be transplanted into an individual container.
Disease Management:
The Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. is a plant species that is generally easy to care for. However, there are a few diseases that can pose a risk to its growth and survival. One of the common diseases that affects the plant is the Phytophthora root rot. The disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in poorly drained soil or soil that is overwatered. The disease can cause wilting of the leaves and the eventual death of the plant.
To manage Phytophthora root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant. Planting the species in well-drained soil with proper drainage is also important. If the plant is already infected, fungicides can be used.
Pest Management:
Raphionacme divaricata Harv. var. glabra N.E.Br. is also susceptible to some pests. One of them is the mealybugs. These insects are tiny and can be challenging to spot. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloration and stunted growth. Another common pest is the spider mites. These pests are not visible to the naked eye but can be detected by the white webbing they produce on the leaves.
To manage mealybugs, the affected plant parts can be wiped with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. A mixture of water and soap can also be used. For spider mites, a mixture of water and soap can be sprayed on the leaves after isolating the plant from other plants to prevent the spread of the pests.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect and control pests before they get out of hand. It is important not to use chemical pesticides without proper knowledge, as they can harm the plant or pose risks to human health and the environment.
