Overview
Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis, also known as the Purple Feather, is a subspecies of Vernonia calvoana that is native to tropical Africa. It is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae, which has many medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses.
Appearance
The Purple Feather is a tall and erect plant that can grow up to 8 feet in height. It has long, narrow leaves that are dark green and covered in a thin layer of fine hair. The flowers are small and purple and are clustered together at the top of the stem, forming a feathery appearance.
Common Names
The Purple Feather goes by different names throughout Africa. In Nigeria, it is called "Ewuaro" or "Evuaro," while in Cameroon, it is known as "Mifo" or "Mefo." In some parts of Guinea, it is referred to as "Bassane" or "Bassegué."
Uses
The Purple Feather has both medicinal and culinary uses in Africa. In traditional medicine, the roots, stems, and leaves are used to treat various ailments, such as stomach problems, fever, and headaches. The plant contains different chemical constituents, including flavonoids and saponins, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties.
Additionally, the Purple Feather is used as a leafy vegetable in many African countries, where it is cooked with other vegetables or served as a garnish in soups and stews. It has a slightly bitter taste and is rich in different nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. The plant is also sometimes used as a condiment and as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey thrives in partial sun to full sun, and it requires about six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It is an adaptable plant and can do well in both bright light and shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey grows best in warm temperatures between 20°C to 28°C. It is tolerant of variations in temperature, but it cannot withstand extreme weather changes, including freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy loam or clay soils, but ensures that the soil pH is between 6.0 to 7.5 pH levels.
Cultivation Method for Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey
Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. For indoor cultivation, it's recommended to use well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. For outdoor cultivation, plant it in fertile soil with good drainage. This plant requires full to partial sunlight to thrive.
Watering Needs for Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey
It's important to water Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey well but not excessively. Watering should be consistent, and watering frequency should vary depending on the season, environmental conditions, and stage of growth. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
Fertilization for Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey
Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to provide the required nutrients. For best results, make sure to dilute the fertilizer as per the manufacturer's instructions before application.
Pruning for Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey
Pruning Vernonia calvoana (Hook.f.) Hook.f. subsp. usambarensis C.Jeffrey is essential to encourage growth and maintain its shape. Prune this plant in the early spring to remove any dead branches or foliage. Regular pinching of the growing tips can also encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis
Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis, a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, is propagated through both sexual and vegetative methods.
Propagation via Seeds
Seeds are the primary mode of propagation for Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis. The seeds are generally sown during the rainy season when soil temperatures are warm. You can directly sow the seeds in the field or in a nursery.
When sowing in a nursery, seedlings can be transplanted to the field after four to six weeks. Prior to planting them, it is important to prepare the soil by tilling or plowing the land and loosening the soil.
The seedlings should be planted in holes that are twice as big as the root ball, and the soil moistened regularly to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation via Cuttings
Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis can also be propagated using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings that are taken from mature plants during the growing season.
The stems will often root within a few weeks when planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed under a shade. It is important to keep the potting mix evenly moist and avoid over-watering.
Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to the field or a larger pot until they reach a size suitable for transplanting into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis
Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis is a hardy plant with low susceptibility to pests and diseases, but prevention is still the best strategy for maintaining healthy plants. Regular monitoring of the plant's health is a good way to prevent outbreaks of pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis and how to manage them:
Pests
Whiteflies: These sap-sucking insects often cluster under the leaves and cause yellowing and curling of foliage. Regularly spraying the plants with a strong jet of water can help control the infestation. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to reduce the population. In severe cases, consider introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to feed on the whiteflies.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the foliage and stems. Handpicking them off the plants is an effective way to control their population. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray to control caterpillars.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. This fungal disease can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected plant parts. You can also use fungicides to control its spread.
Crown Rot: Crown rot is a common disease caused by waterlogged soil and poor drainage. Affected plants show wilting and yellowing of leaves, and the stem can become spongy and rot. To prevent this disease, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants, and do not replant in the same area.
With proper care and prevention, Vernonia calvoana subsp. usambarensis can thrive and remain healthy, with minimal pest and disease problems.
