Origin
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is a high altitude plant species native to the Ethiopian Highlands in East Africa. It grows in rocky areas and is often found near streams and waterfalls.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Engler's swertia or Ethiopian swertia. The Amharic name for it is "Marakiye".
Uses
The roots of Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri have long been used in traditional Ethiopian medicine for their anti-malarial properties and to treat stomach ailments such as diarrhea and dysentery. The plant is also used in the production of local beer, as the roots and stems are boiled and added as a bittering agent.
General Appearance
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is a perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm tall. It has a thick stem that is often tinged with red and produces several branches. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow up to 10 cm long. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are yellow-green in color and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, oval-shaped capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri grows best in partial to full shade. Direct sunlight exposure can damage or bleach the leaves and reduce the overall growth rate. It is important to provide filtered sunlight or shade to ensure optimal plant growth conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri prefers cooler temperatures. It thrives in areas with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F) during the day and 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) at night. The plant can tolerate a low level of frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the leaves and stems.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range between 5.0 and 7.5. Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri grows well in fertile soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It requires regular watering during dry periods to maintain consistent moisture levels. The plant also benefits from organic mulch to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Cultivation
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri, also known as Swertia engleri, is a perennial herb that is native to Tanzania. It thrives in areas with cool temperatures and partial to full sun exposure. The plant grows up to 50cm in height and can spread up to 30cm wide.
The plant is commonly propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to two months, and it is best to start the seeds indoors in a controlled environment. Once seedlings have grown to about 5cm, transplant them to bigger containers using a good quality potting mix.
Swertia engleri can also be propagated by cuttings. Cut a healthy stem with a pair of garden shears and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Place the stem in a mix of soil and sand and keep it moist until it develops roots and new foliage.
Watering Needs
Swertia engleri requires regular watering to survive and thrive. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the growing season, water the plant at least once a week or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry.
In winter, reduce the amount of water you give the plant to avoid waterlogging, which can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Swertia engleri with a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer applied to the soil in the spring. Fertilizer application should be done after watering to avoid burning the roots. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the right amount of fertilizer is used.
Pruning
Prune Swertia engleri after the growing season ends in late autumn. Use garden shears or pruning scissors to cut back the stems to about 5cm above the soil level. Pruning helps to maintain the plant's compact shape and promote new growth in the spring.
Propagation of Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. It is commonly found in the mountains of central and southern China. If you're interested in propagating this plant, there are a few methods you can try.
Seed Propagation
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri can be propagated from seeds. The seeds are small and should be sown thinly in a seed tray or pot filled with seed compost. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in spring, and they should be covered lightly with compost and kept moist. They germinate in 2-3 weeks at a temperature of 18-22°C. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle (about 4-6 weeks), they can be transferred to individual pots and treated as mature plants.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is through division. This can be done by carefully dividing the parent plant. The best time to do this is in early spring, just as new growth is beginning. You should carefully dig around the parent plant, lift it out of the ground, then gently separate the clumps. Each clump should have a viable root system and some healthy foliage attached. The divided clumps can then be planted in individual pots or directly into the ground.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri can also be propagated from stem cuttings. This method is quite tricky, but it can be done successfully. Cut a stem from the parent plant that is about 10cm long, remove all the leaves except for the top two, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Insert the stem into a small pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Water it thoroughly and cover the whole pot with a clear plastic bag. Place the pot in a warm, well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. Remove the plastic bag after a few weeks, once you see new growth.
Overall, Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is not the easiest plant to propagate, but with some patience and TLC, it can be done successfully with any of these three methods.
Disease Management
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is generally a healthy plant and is not typically affected by many diseases. However, it is still important to monitor the plant for any signs of illness.
One common disease that can affect Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears on the leaves as a white, powdery substance. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. If powdery mildew does appear, remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide according to label instructions.
Another disease that can affect Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot does occur, remove affected leaves and stems and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Pest Management
Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is generally not a target for many pests, but it can be occasionally attacked by a few common insects.
One pest that can affect Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is aphids. These small insects suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or a solution of water and soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect Swertia engleri Gilg var. engleri is spider mites. These tiny pests are difficult to see but can cause webbing on the leaves and yellowing or browning of the foliage. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water and a small amount of dish soap or neem oil. You can also apply a miticide according to label instructions.
