Origin and Common Names
Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. is a plant that belongs to the family of Asteraceae and is commonly known as "forest sunflower" or "stinking chamomile." It is indigenous to East Africa, specifically in Tanzania, Burundi, and Kenya. The plant grows in wooded areas and grasslands within an altitude range of 700-2000 meters above sea level.Uses
Historically, the plant has been used by local communities as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, respiratory infections, and as a pain reliever. Recent studies suggest that the plant has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, which explains its traditional use. Additionally, it is said to be a natural insecticide. Apart from its medicinal aspect, the plant has been found to be a valuable source of food for wild animals such as elephants, buffalo, and impalas. In some regions, the young leaves and tender shoots of the plant are consumed by the local communities as a vegetable.General Appearance
Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. is an erect annual or perennial herb that can reach up to 1 meter in height. The stem is sturdy and woody, with short hairs that are sticky to the touch. The leaves are oblong-shaped, dark green, and arranged in an alternate manner along the stem. The flowers are composite and have a diameter of 4-7 cm. The flower head has a yellow disk surrounded by 10-15 yellow ray florets. The fruit of the plant is an achene, which is flat and oval-shaped. The plant has a strong odor, which is similar to that of chamomile and is described as unpleasant.Growth Conditions for Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch.
Light Requirements: Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. is a shade-loving plant. It requires moderate to bright indirect light to grow well. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements: Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow well. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C. Temperatures below 15°C can damage the plant, and it cannot tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements: Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.
Water Requirements: Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. The plant should be watered when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Fertilizer Requirements: Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. does not require frequent fertilization. However, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help promote growth. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, typically from spring to summer, and should be diluted to half the recommended strength.
Cultivation Methods
The Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. is a plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The first step in cultivating this plant is to ensure that it is planted in well-draining soil, ensuring that the roots never sit in water or become waterlogged.
The plant thrives in areas with bright, indirect sunlight and can survive in lower light, albeit with slower growth. It prefers daytime temperatures between 18-25°C and night-time temperatures of around 15°C. Regular feeding, watering, and pruning will help the plant grow healthily.
Watering Needs
Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. requires moderate watering. In general, it's recommended to water the plant once the top inch of soil has dried out. During the warmer months, the plant may need to be watered more frequently, while in the winter months, it will need less water.
To avoid waterlogging, ensure that the pot has drainage holes and excess water is drained away. If over-watering occurs, the leaves may turn yellow, indicating that the roots are starting to rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an important part of the care routine for Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. As a rule, this plant should preferably be fertilized every month during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilization. Over-fertilization can lead to fertilizer burn and may harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. looking healthy. The plant can become leggy and thin if not pruned. When pruning, always use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases.
Overgrown stems can be trimmed back to the desired length to encourage bushier growth. To encourage growth in the desired direction, make sure to cut above a leaf node in the area you want new growth. If a leaf is dead, discolored, or damaged, remove it by cutting at the point where it meets the stem with a pair of clean scissors or pruning shears.
Frequent pruning enables the plant to stay healthy and also reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch.
Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. can be collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried for several days before sowing to ensure better germination. The seeds can then be sown in a potting mix consisting of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand. The potting mix should be well-draining to avoid any issues with fungal diseases.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in the potting mix, and the pot should be placed in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Water the potting mix regularly but avoid overwatering as this can cause the seedlings to rot.
The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed their second set of true leaves, and they can be fertilized with an all-purpose fertilizer every other week.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be collected from the plant during the growing season, and they should be around 10-20 cm long with a few nodes.
The lower leaves of the stem cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage rooting. The stem cuttings can then be planted in a potting mix consisting of equal parts of peat moss and perlite.
The potting mix should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Once the roots have developed, which usually takes 4-6 weeks, the cutting can be potted in an individual pot with standard potting mix and fertilized with an all-purpose fertilizer every other week.
With both propagation methods, it's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, and this can ultimately cause the plant to die.
Disease Management
Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. is relatively resistant to diseases, but some fungal diseases may affect its growth and yield. The most common fungal diseases that affect this plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew can be controlled by spraying the plant with sulfur or copper fungicides. In case of root rot, it is essential to provide proper drainage to the plant and avoid over-watering. In case of leaf spot, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Stilpnophyton inopinatum Hutch. is also relatively resistant to pests, but some insect pests may affect its growth and yield. The most common insect pests that affect this plant are aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites can be controlled by increasing the humidity around the plant and spraying it with horticultural oil. Thrips can be controlled by releasing beneficial insects such as lacewings or ladybugs or spraying the plant with insecticides such as pyrethrin.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pests and diseases is crucial for preventing and managing infestations. It is also essential to provide the plant with adequate nutrients and water to promote healthy growth and development, which increases its resistance to pests and diseases.
