Overview
Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern, also known as the Mozambique ironweed or Mozambique Vernonia, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to Eastern and Southern Africa, specifically found in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
General appearance
Vernonia mossambiquensis grows up to 1.5 - 2 meters tall and has woody, tuberous roots that can grow up to 5cm in diameter. The leaves are simple, alternate and elliptical in shape, with finely serrated margins. The upper surface of the leaves is a dull greenish-grey colour while the undersides are covered in fine silky hairs. The flowers are small, numerous and arranged in clusters to form a terminal corymb. The flower heads are tubular and made up of purple florets. The fruit has no special adaptations for dispersal, and it is a flattened, hairy, achene.
Common names
Vernonia mossambiquensis is commonly known as the Mozambique ironweed, Mozambique Vernonia, Robust ironweed, and Tubers Vernonia.
Uses
Vernonia mossambiquensis has several uses in traditional African medicine, particularly in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, where the plant is commonly used for treating a wide range of diseases including diarrhea, pneumonia, and stomach ulcers. The roots and leaves are boiled and ingested as a decoction or pounded and applied externally as a poultice. The plant is also used as a source of vegetable protein, as the leaves and tender stem tips can be eaten as a cooked vegetable. Additionally, Vernonia mossambiquensis is planted in gardens and fields as a hedge plant for protection against animals.
Light Requirements
Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern is a plant that requires a lot of sunlight to grow. In order to grow vigorously, this plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in an area where it will receive full sun exposure. If sunlight is limited, supplemental artificial light can be provided to supplement the natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius, but growth may slow down under such conditions. It is important to keep the plant away from areas with extreme temperatures, such as air conditioning units, cold drafts, or direct heat sources as they can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern requires well-draining and fertile soil. A soil with a pH level between 6 and 7.5 is ideal for this plant. Organic compost can be added to the soil to provide additional nutrients and improve soil structure. It is recommended to water this plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Overwatering or underwatering can cause the plant to wilt or die.
Cultivation methods
Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern requires well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It grows best in warm to hot temperatures and prefers a humid environment. The plant is relatively easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Plant the seeds or cuttings in a pot or directly in the garden soil, ensuring a minimum spacing of 18 inches between plants. Cover the seeds or cuttings with a thin layer of soil and water regularly.
Watering needs
Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern requires moderate watering. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant less frequently during the dormant season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before watering.
Fertilization
Feed Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once every two months during the growing season. Reduce feeding during the dormant season. Ensure that the fertilizer is evenly distributed around the plant roots and water thoroughly.
Pruning
Prune Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Prune off the dead or damaged stems and foliage to maintain the plant's overall health. Cut back the stems at least one-third of their length in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and keep the plant compact. Avoid pruning the plant too late in the growing season as this may cause the new growth to be damaged by frost.
Propagation Methods of Vernonia mossambiquensis
Vernonia mossambiquensis is commonly known as purple plume bush. It is an ornamental shrub native to the southern parts of Africa. The plant produces attractive purple flowers that bloom in autumn. Propagation of Vernonia mossambiquensis is achieved through vegetative methods. The following are the commonly used propagation techniques:
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings are taken from the tender, young shoots of the plant. This method is the most common propagation technique for ornamental plants. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and should have a minimum of three leaves. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. Cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium such as peat moss, perlite, or a mixture of the two. After approximately six to eight weeks, the cutting should be rooted, and it can be transplanted into a pot or directly into the soil.
Hardwood cuttings
Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature branches during the dormant season. Dormancy period occurs during late autumn/early winter. Cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm long and should have a minimum of three leaves. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed before planting. Cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium such as sand, peat moss, or perlite. After approximately six to eight weeks, the cutting should be rooted, and it can be transplanted into a pot or directly into the soil
Air layering
Air layering involves creating a root system on a stem while the stem is still attached to the plant. This is achieved by wounding a branch and wrapping it with sphagnum moss or other rooting mediums. The wounded part of the stem should be covered with the rooting medium and then wrapped with plastic to keep the moisture in. After roots have formed, the stem can be cut off from the plant and transplanted.
Propagation of Vernonia mossambiquensis is relatively easy and can be done by anyone with basic horticultural knowledge. The propagated plants should be kept in a warm, moist environment with partial shade until they are fully established.
Disease Management
Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern is generally resistant to most plant diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes discolored spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, you can remove any infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Vernonia mossambiquensis (Steetz) Oliv. & Hiern is also generally resistant to most pests. However, there are some common pests that may affect this plant, including:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to weaken and die. To manage an aphid infestation, you can wash the plant with a strong stream of water or use an insecticide.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that can be difficult to see, but can cause serious damage to the plant. To manage a spider mite infestation, you can wash the plant with a strong stream of water or use an insecticide.
- Whiteflies: These are small, winged insects that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage a whitefly infestation, you can wash the plant with a strong stream of water or use an insecticide.
It is also important to keep the plant healthy by providing it with proper nutrients and water, as healthy plants are better able to resist and recover from pest and disease infestations.
