Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. - Description
Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri is a plant species belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a small shrub or herb that is native to Madagascar, specifically in the regions of Analamanga, Vakinankaratra, and Amoron'i Mania. The plant is commonly known as "Vovoka" or "Vovomany" in the Malagasy language.
General Appearance
Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri usually grows up to 1 meter in height and has greenish to brownish stems. The leaves are broad, heart-shaped, and have serrated edges. The plant also produces small yellowish-green flowers that grow in clusters.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used in Madagascar for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat various illnesses, such as diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory problems. The sap from the plant has been used to treat skin irritations and wounds. The plant is also used for its ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage.
In conclusion, Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri is a valuable plant species that has both medicinal and ornamental uses.
Light Requirements
Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. typically grows best in bright, indirect light. However, it can also tolerate partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C. It is important to keep the plant away from drafty areas and keep the soil warm by using a heat mat or placing the pot near a heat source.
Soil Requirements
The soil used for Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is a great combination for growing this plant. It is also advisable to add some sand or crushed gravel to improve drainage. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 6.5 which is slightly acidic.
Cultivation
Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. It is a tropical evergreen shrub that thrives in warm, humid climates. To grow this plant successfully, you should provide it with a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter and has a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5.
When planting, ensure that you space the seedlings at least 3 feet apart to promote air circulation, which helps prevent the growth of fungal diseases. The ideal location for this plant is a spot that receives morning sunlight but is shaded from the midday and afternoon sun.
Watering Needs
Young plants need regular watering to get established. Once they are established, Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. requires moderate watering. Irrigate deeply and regularly, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. To prevent waterlogging, ensure that the pot or soil has adequate drainage holes that allow for proper drainage of excess water.
Fertilization
Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. requires regular fertilization. Use a well-balanced fertilizer, applying it every other month during the growing season (spring and summer). You can also add compost or organic matter to the soil to enrich it. This shrub responds well to foliar feeding, so you can also spray a diluted solution of fertilizer onto the foliage every month.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the growth and form of Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. Prune the branches in late winter or early spring before the new growth emerges. Remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches, and cut back any overgrown branches to promote denser growth. You can also pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth. When pruning, ensure that you use sharp and clean pruning shears to prevent the spreading of diseases.
Propagation of Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm.
Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. can be propagated by using seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the parent plant, and they should be sown in a good quality seed starting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 3mm, and they should be kept moist until germination. Germination can take anywhere from two to four weeks, and it is advisable to keep the seedlings under partial shade until they are strong enough to be transplanted.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be around 10-15 cm in length. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in moist soil, and keep it under high humidity to promote root development. Once the cutting has developed a strong root system, it can be transplanted in a larger pot or in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm.
Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri (Baker) Pax & K.Hoffm. is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, even the healthiest of plants can fall prey to certain pests and diseases, especially if conditions are favorable for their growth. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri is leaf spot. This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves, which can spread and cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. The best way to manage leaf spot is to promptly remove any infected leaves and dispose of them far away from the plant. In severe cases, copper-based fungicides can be used.
Bacterial wilt is another disease that can affect Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri. This disease causes the stems and leaves to wilt and die, and can be fatal to the plant if left untreated. The best way to manage bacterial wilt is to remove and destroy any affected plants, and to avoid planting in infected soil.
Common Pests
The most common pest that can affect Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri is spider mites. These tiny pests can cause significant damage to the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to yellow and wither. The best way to manage spider mites is to ensure that the plant is well-watered and to regularly wash the leaves down with a strong jet of water to remove any mites. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used.
Aphids can also be a problem for Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri. These small, pear-shaped insects suck the sap from the leaves, which can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. The best way to manage aphids is to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and to promptly remove any affected leaves. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used.
By being aware of the common diseases and pests that can affect Tragia furialis Bojer var. ß scheffleri, and by taking the necessary precautions to manage them, you can help to ensure that your plant remains healthy and strong.
