Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. - Overview and Origin
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. is a flowering plant that belongs to the genus Sebaea and the family Gentianaceae. The plant is native to Africa, specifically South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola. It is also found in Madagascar and Yemen. The plant typically grows in grassland, savanna, and on rocky outcrops.
Common Names
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. is commonly known as the Bushy Sebaea, Heart-leaved Sebaea, or the Common Sebaea. In African countries, the plant is referred to as the "Riverwitch's calabash" or "Bladder" in the local language.
Appearance
The Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. plant grows as a small herbaceous perennial shrub, about 30cm in height. The plant has a woody base and produces branches that extend from the lower stem. The leaves are arranged oppositely, oval to heart-shaped, and have a green-grey color. The flowers are small in size, trumpet-shaped and are typically bright pink, purple, or white in color. The plant produces small fruit capsules that contain several small seeds.
Medicinal and Traditional Use
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. has been traditionally used by local African communities for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used to treat stomach disorders, skin rashes, fever, and wounds. Recent studies have shown that the plant possesses antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties. It is also used in some cosmetics and skin care products.
The Bushy Sebaea has also been used in traditional African rituals and ceremonies. The plant's seeds are used by the Khoikhoi tribe in a divination ritual to predict the future. The seeds are cast onto a mat, and the position they fall in determines the outcome of a question.
Light Requirements
Sebaea cordata var. intermedia is typically found growing in full sun to partial shade. This plant requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to grow and flower properly. When grown in partial shade, the plant may not produce as many flowers, and flowering may be delayed.
Temperature Requirements
Sebaea cordata var. intermedia is a warm-weather plant and prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-16°C) at night. When grown in temperatures outside of this range, the plant may become stunted and have delayed flowering. In cooler temperatures, the plant may become dormant and not grow or flower until temperatures increase.
Soil Requirements
Sebaea cordata var. intermedia prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5-7.0. Heavy clay soils should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage, while sandy soils may require additional fertilization to provide essential nutrients. The soil should also be rich in nutrients, specifically nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Methods:
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. is a hardy and adaptable plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range for Sebaea cordata is between 20°C to 30°C.
Watering Needs:
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. should be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the season and weather conditions. During the growing season, the plant needs water every two to three days, while in winter, watering can be reduced to once or twice a week.
Fertilization:
Fertilization of Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. should be done every three to four weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus is suitable for feeding.
Pruning:
Pruning Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. should be done annually after the flowering season. Cut back any dead or diseased stems and shape the plant as desired.
Propagation of Sebaea cordata var. intermedia
Sebaea cordata var. intermedia can be propagated via several methods including seed, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Sebaea cordata var. intermedia is through seed. The seeds are very small and should be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged and the seeds should be kept in a warm, sunny place. Germination can occur within a few weeks.
Stem cutting propagation
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants and dipped in rooting hormone. They should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid area with indirect light until roots begin to form.
Division propagation
Sebaea cordata var. intermedia can also be propagated through division. The plant should be dug up and the root ball carefully separated into smaller sections. The sections should then be planted in well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth begins to appear.
Disease management
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. are generally healthy plants, but they can be susceptible to diseases. Common diseases that may affect Sebaea cordata include:
- Fungal leaf spots: This disease is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected parts of the plant and improve air circulation around the plant. Avoid watering the plant from above.
- Anthracnose: This disease causes the plant to develop black, sunken lesions on the stems and leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Pest management
Sebaea cordata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult. var. intermedia Cham. & Schltdl. are generally not affected by pests, but they may be attacked by:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You may also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the infestation.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity and remove dust from the leaves. You may also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
