Overview
Sherbournia bignoniiflora (Welw.) Hua var. bignoniiflora Welw. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. This plant is native to Central and East Africa and is commonly found growing in moist, shady areas around riverbanks and forests.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Sherbournia, Purple Bell Vine, or the Large-Flowered Sherbournia. In Swahili, it is called "mgongo wa ng'ombe" which translates to "the back of a cow" due to the shape of the plant's stem.
Appearance
Sherbournia bignoniiflora is a woody vine that can grow up to 15 meters long. Its leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and measure about 8-10 cm in length. The plant produces large, showy flowers that are tubular and purple in color, measuring about 10-15 cm long and 5-7 cm wide.
The flowers have five petals that are fused at the base, and their stamens are arranged in two rows. The plant blooms in the summer months, and the flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies. The fruit of the plant is a long, slender pod that contains seeds.
Uses
Sherbournia bignoniiflora is mainly used for ornamental purposes due to its large and beautiful flowers. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The stem bark is commonly used to alleviate coughs and chest pains, while the leaves are used to reduce fevers and treat skin diseases. Additionally, the plant's wood is used for carving and making furniture.
However, it is important to note that the plant should be used with caution as it contains some toxic compounds which can cause adverse reactions if ingested in large quantities.
Light Requirements
Sherbournia bignoniiflora grows well in bright, indirect sunlight. It requires about 6 hours of sunlight every day to thrive. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Sherbournia bignoniiflora is between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It can tolerate higher temperatures, but it does not grow well in low temperatures. Frost can severely damage this plant, and it should not be exposed to temperatures below 15°C (59°F).
Soil Requirements
Sherbournia bignoniiflora grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in minerals. A sandy loam soil mixed with compost is ideal for this plant. The soil should have a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soils. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot, which is deadly to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Sherbournia bignoniiflora (Welw.) Hua var. bignoniiflora Welw. is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid environments. It is advisable to put the plant in an area that receives plenty of indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
The plant requires moist soil, therefore, a well-draining soil mixture that has been enriched with organic matter is recommended. Ensure that the plant is placed in a pot that is large enough to offer room for its growth. Sherbournia bignoniiflora can grow up to 30 feet high and 15 feet wide.
Watering Needs
The plant requires adequate and consistent water to thrive. It prefers moist soil, and therefore, the soil should be damp but not waterlogged. Watering should be done in moderation, preferably once or twice a week, and more frequently during the hot and dry season. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can result in root rot.
Fertilization
Applying a slow-release balanced fertilizer is necessary for the plant's growth. It is advisable to fertilize the plant during the growing season, i.e., from spring to summer, every two weeks. During other seasons, reduce fertilization to once per month. Overfertilization should also be avoided as it can lead to salt buildup, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning is important for the plant's health and improves its appearance. Pruning can be done in spring before the growing season, and any dead or diseased branches should be removed. The plant's shape can also be managed through pruning, i.e., trimming the branches to attain the desired shape, which can range from a globular form to a free-form shape.
Propagation of Sherbournia bignoniiflora (Welw.) Hua var. bignoniiflora Welw.
Sherbournia bignoniiflora (Welw.) Hua var. bignoniiflora Welw. can be propagated via different methods such as:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be sown in a well-drained soil mix. The seedlings should be kept in partially shaded areas and watered regularly until they become established. This method is preferred when large-scale propagation is needed or when propagating from multiple plants for conservation purposes.
Vegetative Propagation
Sherbournia bignoniiflora (Welw.) Hua var. bignoniiflora Welw. can also be propagated from cuttings. Softwood cuttings can generally be taken in the spring or early summer while hardwood cuttings can be taken in the fall. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist until roots start to form, which can take several months. This method is useful when propagating from select plants with desirable traits or when propagation from seeds is not possible.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method for Sherbournia bignoniiflora (Welw.) Hua var. bignoniiflora Welw. that can be used to propagate it onto a different rootstock of a closely related species. This method is typically used when plants require specific rootstocks to thrive in a particular region or when certain traits of the plant need to be preserved.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that the plants are grown in well-drained soils and provided with appropriate levels of light and moisture to maximize their growth and ensure their successful establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Sherbournia bignoniiflora (Welw.) Hua var. bignoniiflora Welw.
Sherbournia bignoniiflora is a tropical plant that is highly susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common diseases that affect Sherbournia bignoniiflora. These include:
- Anthracnose: This disease causes small, sunken spots on the leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing and destroying affected leaves and stems and ensuring good air circulation to avoid high humidity.
- Leaf spot: This disease causes brown spots on leaves, which can cause them to drop prematurely. It is managed by removing and destroying affected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves. It can be managed by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Pests
There are various pests that affect Sherbournia bignoniiflora, including:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be managed by washing them off with a strong spray of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowed, stippled leaves. They can be managed by washing them off with a strong spray of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to stems and leaves, sucking on the sap of the plant and causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be managed by removing and destroying affected leaves and using insecticidal soap.
It is important to note that prevention is the best form of management when it comes to diseases and pests. Keeping the plant healthy and avoiding stressors such as over-fertilizing and under-watering can help prevent these issues from arising.
