Overview: Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to tropical and southern Africa and Madagascar. The plant is characterized by its unique flowers, which have a yellow center and a red or yellow rim. It is also known by several common names including toothache plant, paracress, and para cress.
Appearance:
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is an annual herb that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The leaves of the plant are green and have a toothed margin. The flowers are yellow with a red or yellow rim and have a button-like shape. The plant produces a small fruit that contains seeds for reproduction.
Uses:
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. has several traditional medicinal uses. The plant has been used to relieve toothaches, gum infections, and other oral problems. The extract from the plant has also been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used in culinary dishes to add flavor and spice. The leaves, flowers, and stem are all edible and are known for their numbing and tingling properties.
The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat malaria, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. In some African countries, the plant is used as a natural insecticide and a remedy for cattle diseases.
Conclusion:
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is a unique and versatile plant that has been used for centuries for medicinal, culinary, and agricultural purposes. Its distinct appearance and medicinal properties make it a valuable resource in traditional medicine practices. The plant is also gaining popularity among modern herbalists and researchers who are interested in exploring its potential health benefits.
Growth Conditions for Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.
Light: Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. grows well in full sun to partial shade. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to grow well.
Temperature: Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate a range of temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 20°C can harm the plant and lead to stunted growth.
Soil requirements: Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. requires well-draining soils with a neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant grows well in fertile soils but can also tolerate poor soils with low fertility. The ideal soil type for Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is sandy loam soil which provides good drainage and water retention capacity.
Water: Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. requires moderate to high water quantities during its growing season, which is generally during the rainy season. The plant can tolerate a short period of dryness but extended periods of drought can harm the plant.
Fertilizer: Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. requires moderate fertility levels. Fertilizer application improves the growth and yield of the plant. Apply organic fertilizers like well-rotted manure or compost at least once annually, and inorganic fertilizers in small quantities during the growing season.
Cultivation methods
Spilanthes abyssinica is a perennial herb that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
The herb can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or division of mature plants. Seeds should be sown in a nursery, and the seedlings should be transplanted to the field after 4-6 weeks. Stem cuttings should be taken from young, healthy plants and rooted in a nursery. Older plants can also be divided into smaller clumps and planted.
The ideal planting distance for Spilanthes abyssinica is 30cm by 30cm. The plants should be planted in rows, with a spacing of 45cm between rows.
Watering needs
Spilanthes abyssinica requires regular and adequate watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. Drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation is recommended for this herb.
Fertilization
Spilanthes abyssinica requires moderate fertilization for optimal growth and yield. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are preferred. Fertilizers should be applied during the early stages of growth and then intermittently to ensure healthy plant growth. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 is recommended.
Pruning
Pruning Spilanthes abyssinica is not necessary but can help to promote bushier growth and increase yield. It is advisable to remove dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems regularly. This will prevent the spread of diseases and pests and also improve air circulation. Pruning should be done when the plant is dormant to avoid damaging new growth.
Propagation of Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. can be propagated by several methods, such as seeds, cuttings, and division. However, the success rate of propagation varies depending on the method used.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is through seeds. The seeds can be sowed directly outside in the garden in warm soil or started indoors in a seedling tray. It is important to ensure that the seeds are planted at a depth of about 1 cm and that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. The germination time for Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. seeds is typically between 7 to 14 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. can be propagated through stem cuttings as well. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the summer months. Make sure that the cuttings are about 10 cm long and have at least four leaves. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining container filled with soil. Keep the soil humid and place the container in indirect sunlight until the cuttings have rooted.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is through division. This method involves dividing the mature plant into two or more parts using a sharp and sterile knife. Make sure that each division has several leaves and a good root system. Plant each division in a well-draining container filled with soil and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can impact plant growth, yield and quality. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes irregularly shaped black spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can lead to defoliation and reduced plant growth. To manage anthracnose, use crop rotations, disease-resistant varieties, and fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, use cultural practices like disease-free planting materials, proper sanitation practices and application of fungicides.
- Root and stem rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens that result in wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves. It can cause severe damage to the plant root system, leading to stunted plant growth or complete death of the plant. To avoid this disease, plant in well-drained soils and ensure good soil aeration. Also, practice crop rotations and strict sanitation practices such as the use of sterilized tools to reduce the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Spilanthes abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. is also vulnerable to various insects and pests that can affect plant growth, quality and yield. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them:
- Spider mites: These tiny creatures feed on leaves' fluids, causing leaf yellowing, spotted leaves and webbing. They are usually visible on the underside of the leaves. To control spider mites, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or insecticides.
- Aphids: These small insects are common and feed on plant leaves' sap. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves and stem. Aphids can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and even death of the plant. To control aphids, use techniques like natural predators, insecticidal soap, or insecticides.
- Cutworms: These pests cut through the stem of the plant, causing severe damage to the plant. They are usually active at the base of the plant and feed on the stem tissues at night. To control cutworms, use preventive measures like placing a cardboard or paper collar around the base of the plant, applying insecticides, or using organic compounds like diatomaceous earth.
