Origin of Swertia Crassiuscula Gilg Var. Leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi
Swertia Crassiuscula Gilg Var. Leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Gentianaceae. It is widely distributed in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. The plant grows in alpine and sub-alpine regions at an altitude of 2,600 to 4,100 meters above sea level.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Haggefa and Enkoka in Ethiopia. It is also referred to as the white whorled swertia due to the whorls of white flowers that form at the top of the stem.
Appearance
Swertia Crassiuscula Gilg Var. Leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall. It has a basal rosette of leaves that forms a dense mat on the ground. The stem is short and erect and bears whorls of white flowers at the top. The plant blooms from April to May.
Uses of Swertia Crassiuscula Gilg Var. Leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi
In Ethiopia, Swertia Crassiuscula Gilg Var. Leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The roots are boiled, and the decoction is consumed to treat stomach disorders, including gastric ulcers and indigestion. The plant is also used to treat malaria, rheumatism, and pulmonary tuberculosis in Ethiopia. In addition, Swertia Crassiuscula Gilg Var. Leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi is used as a forage plant for livestock.
Light Requirements
The Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. Leucantha requires partial shade to full sun exposure for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate direct sunlight in cooler regions. In hotter climates, it needs to be shielded from direct sunlight, or else it may cause the plant to wilt and suffer from dehydration.
Temperature Requirements
Swertia crassiuscula var. leucantha grow well in cooler temperatures that range between 5°C to 24°C. The plants prefer temperatures that are neither too high nor too low and thrive in temperate climates.
Soil Requirements
The Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. Leucantha requires well-drained soil with good organic content. It thrives in sandy or loamy soils with a pH range between 6.5 to 7.5. It requires soil that holds moisture well, yet sufficiently drains excess water.
Cultivation Methods
Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi plant requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and moisture-retentive. The plant thrives in acidic to neutral soil pH. The plant grows well in partially shaded areas, but it can also tolerate bright sunlight.
Propagation is carried out through seed sowing, and the ideal germination temperature is around 20-25°C. Seeds must be sown in seed trays filled with a light soil mix, and seeds must be evenly spaced out on the surface of the soil.
Watering Needs
Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi plant requires regular watering. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Watering frequency depends on the climate and the soil type.
During the dry season, the plant must be watered at least once a week. However, during heavy rains, it is crucial to ensure that the soil drains water well to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi plant requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and foliage color. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilization must be carried out during the growing season, which ranges from spring to autumn. The frequency of fertilization depends on the soil type and the plant's growth rate, but it is generally recommended to fertilize once every three months.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and promote growth. The Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi plant requires minimal pruning, typically carried out during the growing season.
The plant can be pruned to remove leaves and stems that are damaged, diseased, or dead. It is also possible to prune leggy or spindly growth to encourage bushier, more compact growth.
It is essential to use sharp, sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease. After pruning, watering must be carried out to promote healing and reduce stress on the plant.
Propagation methods for Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi
Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces small seeds that can be collected when they are fully matured and dry. The seeds can then be sown in well-draining soil in a seedling tray, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist. The seedlings will emerge within a few weeks. They should be thinned out or transplanted when they are large enough to handle to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with vigorous growth. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long with a few nodes. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Water the cutting regularly and keep it under indirect sunlight until it roots, usually within 3-4 weeks. The rooted cutting can be then transplanted to a larger pot or directly in the ground.
Propagation through Division
The plant can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller parts and planting them into separate pots or directly in the ground. The plant should be carefully dug up and the root ball should be separated into smaller sections, each with a few stems and healthy roots. The divided sections can be then planted in a suitable growing medium and kept moist until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi
Swertia crassiuscula Gilg var. leucantha (T.C.E.Fr.) Sileshi or commonly known as Alpine Swertia is a perennial herb found in the mountainous regions of east Africa. Like any other plant, Alpine Swertia is vulnerable to diseases and pests. The following are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial Wilt: This is a common disease that affects several plants, and Alpine Swertia is not an exemption. The disease spreads through the soil and causes wilt in the infected plant. Bacterial wilt can be managed through proper sanitation, including removing and destroying infected plant parts and avoiding the use of contaminated tools.
Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal spots are characterized by small, dark-colored spots on the leaves of Alpine Swertia. They can be caused by various fungal pathogens and can be managed through proper sanitation, including removing and destroying infected plant parts and avoiding the use of overhead irrigation.
Root Rots: Root rot is caused by several fungal pathogens and is characterized by the decay of roots, stunting, and wilting. Root rot can be managed through proper soil drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Pests
Leaf-mining Flies: Leaf-mining flies damage Alpine Swertia by causing extensive tunneling in the leaves. They can be managed through proper sanitation, including removing and destroying infected plant parts and using yellow sticky traps.
Slugs and Snails: These pests feed on the leaves of Alpine Swertia and can be managed through proper sanitation, including removing and destroying infected plant parts and using barriers like copper tape.
Plant bugs: Plant bugs feed on the sap of Alpine Swertia and can cause significant damage to the plant. They can be managed through proper sanitation, including removing and destroying infected plant parts and using insecticidal soaps.
Regular monitoring and timely intervention are crucial in managing diseases and pests in Alpine Swertia. If the situation becomes overwhelming, it may be necessary to consult local horticulturists or extension centers for advice on adequate management practices.
