Origin
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore is a species of vine that belongs to the family of Apocynaceae, widely distributed in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Common names
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore is known by various common names, including Apocynaceae Vine, Indonesian Trumpet Flower, Burmese Honeysuckle, and Bamboo Vine.
Uses
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore has various uses that make it an essential plant to many communities. Indian traditional medicine uses Telosma unyorensis S.Moore to treat fever, malarial fever, and varicose veins. Several Indigenous communities in the Philippines use the plant's tubers to treat snakebites. Additionally, the plant's young leaves and immature fruits are edible and consumed in some regions of Southeast Asia, where they are used in soups and salads. The plant is also used in landscaping as a blanketing cover for arbors and walls.
General Appearance
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore is a woody-stemmed climbing vine that can reach up to 6 meters in length, with a sprawling habit. The leaves are broadly ovate with a pointed tip, glossy, and leathery-textured. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, and the petals are usually creamy-white with a yellowish-green center. The fruit is a slender, curved pod with many seeds that mature in the fall.
Light Requirements
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It cannot survive in shade or partially shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical rainforests and hence, requires warm temperatures between 18-30°C (64-86°F) to grow well. It cannot sustain extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore needs well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.1-7.5. It prefers soils rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Telosma unyorensis S.Moore
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore can be cultivated by seeds or stem cuttings. If using seeds, ensure that the soil is kept moist and warm until germination. Once germinated, the plant can be transferred to a larger pot or outdoors. If using stem cuttings, take a 6-8 inch stem and place it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist until the cutting has established roots.
Watering Needs for Telosma unyorensis S.Moore
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore has moderate watering needs. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization of Telosma unyorensis S.Moore
To encourage growth, Telosma unyorensis S.Moore requires fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer and apply every 2-3 weeks. However, avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Pruning of Telosma unyorensis S.Moore
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore requires pruning to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. Prune the plant during the dormant months (winter), removing any dead or damaged branches. During the growing season, pinch the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Telosma unyorensis S.Moore
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore is a beautiful evergreen climber that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be carried out using various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by Seed
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore can be propagated by using seeds. Collect the seeds from the ripe fruit and plant them in well-draining soil. The soil must be kept moist and warm. It generally takes 2 to 4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into bigger pots or planted in the desired location outdoors.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is an efficient way to produce new plants of Telosma unyorensis S.Moore. Take a stem cutting from the plant, making sure that it has at least two leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ideally containing perlite for good drainage. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted into a bigger pot or in the desired location outdoors.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Telosma unyorensis S.Moore. This method involves creating a small cut on the stem of the plant, below a leaf node, and applying a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cut is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss, covered with plastic wrap and secured with a twist-tie or rubber band. The moss must be kept moist by misting it regularly. After a few weeks, roots will develop from the cut and grow into the moss. The newly formed plant can then be separated from the mother plant and transplanted into soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Telosma unyorensis S.Moore
Telosma unyorensis S.Moore, commonly known as Chinese Violet or Climbing Milkweed, is vulnerable to various pests and diseases. It's essential to provide proper management to ensure its healthy growth and long life. Here are the common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and the suggested ways to manage them.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves and on tender growth. Infestations can cause defoliation and stunt growth. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You may also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that are invisible without close inspection. They suck sap from leaves, leading to yellowing and curling of leaves and overall plant decline. You can manage spider mites by increasing humidity around the plant, as they thrive in dry conditions. You may also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths or butterflies that eat through foliage, causing severe damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, you may pick them off the plant, introduce natural predators, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This common disease is caused by various fungi and appears as circular, brown spots on leaves. It may cause defoliation and weaken the plant. You can manage fungal leaf spot by removing and destroying infected leaves, ensuring proper air circulation around the plant, and using fungicides such as copper-based products.
Powdery Mildew: This fungus causes white powdery patches on leaves, stems, and flowers. It's common in humid conditions and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. You can manage powdery mildew by improving air circulation and reducing humidity around the plant. You may also use fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil.
Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease causes the plant to wilt and decay from the base. It's caused by bacteria and is prevalent in wet soil conditions. To manage bacterial soft rot, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Remove and destroy infected parts of the plant and use a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread.
Regular monitoring of the plant and prompt management of pests and diseases can help keep your Telosma unyorensis S.Moore healthy and thriving.
