Overview
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. is a species of plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herb that is native to central and eastern Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Concordia tripleurospermum in English, and as Kisombe in Swahili.
Appearance
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. has a distinct, upright growth habit and can grow to be up to 1.5 meters in height. The plant has broad, toothed green leaves that grow between 8-20 cm long and 4-16 cm wide. The stems of this plant are angular and branched. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow, and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The seeds of Tripteris concordiae Schltr. are small and brown.
Uses
The plant is a source of medicine for various African tribes. For instance, the Nyakyusa community from Tanzania uses the plant's roots to treat fever and stomach upsets. The root is also used traditionally to help with postpartum recovery. The Kisongo Maasai community from Tanzania use the decoction of the plant's roots to reduce pain in the uterus.
The plant's leaves, when crushed, are used to alleviate headaches in the Nyiramba tribe in Tanzania. The plant's flowers are a source of nectar for honeybees in Tanzania.
Light Requirements
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. thrives in areas with bright and indirect light. It is ideal to place the plant near a window that receives bright, filtered light or outdoors in partial shade. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods as it may cause the leaves to wilt or burn.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 18 to 27°C (64 to 81°F) during the day and cooler temperatures of around 15°C (59°F) at night. It is important to keep the plant in a location free from drafts, as sudden fluctuations in temperature can cause stress to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of sand, peat moss, and a small amount of perlite or vermiculite can create a suitable soil mixture. It is also important to ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Tripteris concordiae Schltr.
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. The plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight with some filtered shade and well-draining soil. It is essential to keep the plant away from direct sunlight, as excessive light can cause the plant to wilt. The optimum temperature for the plant's growth is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering Needs for Tripteris concordiae Schltr.
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. requires moderate watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered regularly, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. During the winter, the plant should be watered sparingly as it goes through its dormant period.
Fertilization for Tripteris concordiae Schltr.
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. can be fed using a balanced fertilizer once every three to four weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause fertilizer burn. During the winter, no fertilization is necessary as the plant goes through its dormant period.
Pruning Tripteris concordiae Schltr.
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. can be pruned to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Pruning should be done in early spring before the plant enters its growing season. Any dead or damaged branches should be removed by using disinfected pruning shears. It is advisable to avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant's total foliage as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Tripteris concordiae Schltr.
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. can be propagated by various methods that include:
Seed propagation
The propagation of Tripteris concordiae Schltr. can be done through seeds. The seeds obtained from mature plants can be planted during the rainy season in loose, well-prepared soil. Seeds must be planted 2-3mm deep in the soil. The soil must be kept moist until germination occurs which takes between 2-4 weeks.
Stem cuttings
Another method of propagating Tripteris concordiae Schltr. is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the early rainy season. Cuttings must be taken from the stem that is flowering. The cuttings should be prepared by removing all leaves except the top two or three. The bottom part should be treated with rooting hormones. Cuttings can then be planted in loosened and well-prepared soil that is kept moist.
Root division
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. can also be propagated through root division. Root division involves separating the mature plant into smaller parts with a rhizome, each of which will become a new plant. This method is usually used for clumping herbaceous plants such as Tripteris concordiae Schltr. The division can be done during the early rainy season. The newly separated plants should be replanted at the same depth.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that can be used for plants with flexible branches. It is not commonly used for Tripteris concordiae Schltr. However, a branch that is 1-yr-old can be used. The branch's bark is removed about 2.5-5cm exposing the white wood and then wrapped with sphagnum moss. Roots will grow at the cut parts. When roots have grown, it can be removed from the mother plant and put in a soil mixture.
Disease Management
Tripteris concordiae Schltr. is prone to several diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. One of the most common diseases is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungal leaf spots can also affect this plant, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of leaf spots and remove any affected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can infest Tripteris concordiae Schltr., affecting its growth and health. Spider mites are a common pest that can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. You can control spider mites by washing the plant with a gentle spray of water or using insecticidal soap. Scale insects can also affect this plant, causing it to produce a sticky residue. You can remove scales manually using a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Aphids can also infest this plant, causing yellow leaves and stunted growth. You can control aphids by using insecticidal soap or an organic pesticide.
