Origin and Common Names
Tiliacora macrophylla (Pierre) Diels, commonly known as Yanang in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, belongs to the Menispermaceae family. It is indigenous to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Uses
Yanang is a popular medicinal plant in traditional medicine due to its various health benefits. In Thailand, Yanang is used to relieve fever, cough, and sore throat. The plant is also a natural remedy for various digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.
Moreover, Yanang is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Its antifungal properties also make it effective for treating infections like ringworm and athlete's foot.
General Appearance
Yanang is a woody, climbing vine with large green leaves that can reach up to 20 cm in length and 14 cm in width. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers and black, berry-like fruit. The roots, stem, and leaves of the plant are all used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Yanang is also commonly used as a food ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, where the leaves are used to flavor soups and curries. The plant is easy to cultivate and can grow in a wide range of soil types and climates.
Light Requirements
Tiliacora macrophylla prefers partially shaded areas, such as under the canopies of trees or in areas where it receives diffused sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the plant's leaves to scorch and dry out. Hence, it thrives well in locations with filtered sunlight or in areas where it receives approximately 50-70% of the sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Tiliacora macrophylla grows well in a tropical and subtropical humid climate. It requires a minimum temperature of 18°C (64.4°F) and a maximum temperature of 28°C (82.4°F). Temperature variations outside this range can affect the plant's growth and development. Additionally, the plant is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile, and loamy soil. It requires a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. Heavy clay soils can cause poor drainage, thus leading to root rot. It is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure before planting.
Cultivation Methods for Tiliacora Macrophylla (Pierre) Diels
Tiliacora Macrophylla (Pierre) Diels, also known as Thai violet or Yanang, is an evergreen vine native to Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It belongs to the Menispermaceae family and is a popular plant in Southeast Asia. Here are some cultivation methods for this plant:
- Choose a site that has well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. The area should also receive partial sun to full shade. Tiliacora Macrophylla needs a relatively humid environment to thrive.
- You can propagate Tiliacora Macrophylla through stem cuttings or seeds. However, stem cuttings are more effective due to the low viability of its seeds.
- Plant your stem cuttings in a pot with well-draining soil. Be sure to water the cuttings regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Consider using a trellis or support to encourage the plant to climb. This will enhance the display of its foliage and flowers.
- Lastly, ensure that the area you choose provides enough space for the vine to grow and expand.
Watering Needs for Tiliacora Macrophylla (Pierre) Diels
Tiliacora Macrophylla requires consistent watering. Here are some watering tips to consider:
- Ensure that the soil is always moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant.
- Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening. This practice reduces the rate of evaporation, which results in optimal water intake by the plant.
- When watering your plant, be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves. Certain plant diseases thrive in damp foliage.
- Use lukewarm water when watering Tiliacora Macrophylla. Cold water can shock the roots of this plant.
Fertilization for Tiliacora Macrophylla (Pierre) Diels
Fertilizing your plant is crucial for its growth and nourishment. Here are some fertilization tips for Tiliacora Macrophylla:
- Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Fertilize every other month during the growing season.
- Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as Tiliacora Macrophylla is dormant during this period.
- Be cautious when fertilizing, as using too much fertilizer can burn the plant's roots.
Pruning Tiliacora Macrophylla (Pierre) Diels
Pruning is an essential aspect of plant care, especially for Tiliacora Macrophylla. Here are some pruning tips to consider:
- Prune your plant during the late winter or early spring. This period promotes new growth and enhances the display of its flowers in the new season.
- Trim away dead and diseased plant parts. These can attract pests and inhibit the growth and development of your plant.
- Use clean, sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Prune young plants to encourage bushy growth rather than vertical growth.
- Lastly, prune this plant to the desired size and shape.
Propagation of Tiliacora macrophylla (Pierre) Diels
Tiliacora macrophylla (Pierre) Diels can be propagated through different methods:
1. Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected as soon as the fruit is ripe and can be sown immediately. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist. They can be covered with a thin layer of soil and placed in a warm and humid place. Germination should occur within three weeks.
2. Stem cutting propagation
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Tiliacora macrophylla (Pierre) Diels. The cuttings should be taken from the base of the stem and should be around 10-15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. It should be placed in a warm and humid place, and roots should develop within six weeks.
3. Air layering propagation
Another method of propagation is air layering. This is done by making a cut around the middle portion of a stem and applying rooting hormone to the exposed area. The area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with plastic. After a few weeks, roots will develop from the cut area, and the stem can be separated and planted.
Propagation of Tiliacora macrophylla (Pierre) Diels can be done throughout the year. However, the best time to propagate is during the rainy season, which coincides with the plant's growing season.
Disease Management for Tiliacora macrophylla
Tiliacora macrophylla is generally a healthy plant with few known diseases. However, the plant can suffer from damping-off caused by soil-borne fungi such as Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp. This disease affects the young seedlings and causes them to wilt and die. To prevent damping-off, it is advisable to avoid overwatering the plants and to use sterile soil for planting. Additionally, the application of a fungicide such as metalaxyl can help in managing the disease.
Pest Management for Tiliacora macrophylla
The Tiliacora macrophylla plant can be affected by several pests, including mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can suck the sap from the plant, leading to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and even death of the plant. To manage these pests, it is advisable to use natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, or to apply insecticidal soaps and oils such as neem oil or horticultural oil. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the usage of these products and to use them in moderation.
