Description of Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br.
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br., also known as the Western Ethiopian Tacazzea, is a perennial herbaceous plant that falls under the family Melastomataceae.
Origin
The Western Ethiopian Tacazzea is native to the highland forests of Ethiopia, particularly in the southwestern regions of the country.
Common Names
The Western Ethiopian Tacazzea goes by several common names, including Ethiopian hollyhock, Western Tacazzea, and Akaqaju in the Amharic language, which means 'food for the forest people.'
General Appearance
The Western Ethiopian Tacazzea is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters in height with a woody base and numerous branches. The leaves are hairy, ovate, and simple, with coarsely toothed margins. It produces pink to purple flowers in clusters at the end of the branches.
Uses
The Western Ethiopian Tacazzea has a variety of uses. The roots of the plant are used traditionally by the indigenous people of Ethiopia to make medicine for various ailments, including joint pains, stomach aches, and rheumatism. The leaves and stems of the plant are used to feed livestock as a source of nutrients. The plant is also useful in the reforestation of degraded lands and soil conservation due to its deep roots that help in the stabilization of the soil.
Light Requirements
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. typically grows in areas with moderate to high light intensity. It prefers exposure to full sun or partial shade. In areas with intense sunlight, it may benefit from some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in temperatures between 16°C to 24°C. It can endure temperatures as low as 0°C for brief periods but may suffer damage if exposed to frost for extended periods. It prefers moderate to high levels of humidity and can thrive in tropical and subtropical regions.
Soil Requirements
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 6.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils, but requires good drainage to prevent root rot. The plant can benefit from regular applications of fertilizers to support healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation methods
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in a wide range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. When propagating by seeds, the seeds should first be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs.Watering needs
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. During the growing season, it should be watered once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to burnt leaves and other problems.Pruning
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. does not require regular pruning, but it can benefit from sporadic pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done in the spring, before new growth appears. The plant can be pruned lightly to remove any dead or overgrown branches. It is important to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.Propagation of Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br.
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and division. However, propagation by seeds is the most common method, and it is relatively easy to accomplish.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. are small and cylindrical, and they have a hard outer coat that needs to be scarified or nicked before planting. This can be done by rubbing the seed coat with sandpaper or making a small cut with a sharp knife.
After scarification, the seeds can be sown in seed trays or small pots filled with a well-drained growing medium. The medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds should be placed in a warm and bright spot but protected from direct sunlight.
Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground when they are big enough to handle.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and should include a few leaves and nodes.
The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained growing medium. The medium should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm and bright spot but protected from direct sunlight.
Rooting usually occurs within 4-6 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground when they are big enough to handle.
Propagation by Division
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. can also be propagated by division, but this method is not commonly used. To divide the plant, the clump should be carefully dug up and separated into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots and shoots.
The divided sections can be replanted in a well-drained growing medium and kept moist until new growth appears, at which point they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. is susceptible to a few fungal diseases like anthracnose and leaf spots.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that usually attacks leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. The symptoms of anthracnose are small, circular or angular sunken spots on leaves, stems or fruits. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts, and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and promote good air circulation. Use a fungicide containing copper to control the disease.
Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are characterized by the presence of small, circular lesions with yellow halos on leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering, especially in humid conditions. Use a fungicide containing copper to control the disease.
Pest Management
The plant is also susceptible to pest attacks. Common pests that affect Tacazzea pedicellata K.Schum. var. occidentalis N.E.Br. include spider mites and mealybugs.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck plant sap and cause discoloration and wilting of leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves with a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that secrete a sticky substance and cause stunted growth, discoloration, and deformation of leaves. To manage mealybugs, manually remove the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
