Plant Description
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is a subshrub that can grow up to 60 cm tall and 150 cm wide. The leaves are green, long, and slender, measuring approximately 2-13 cm long and 3-10 mm wide.
Origin and Common Names
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. The plant has different common names, including creeping oxeye, bush vine, and trailing wedelia. In Nigeria, it is known as “Akintola” in Yoruba language and “Akoigun” in Igbo language.
Uses
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua has several medicinal uses. The plant extract is used as an herbal remedy for various ailments, including malaria, dysentery, and gastrointestinal disorders. The plant also has ethnomedicinal uses, where it is used as a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and for wound healing. In addition, the plant is used for ornamental purposes as it produces attractive yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year.
General Appearance
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua is a subshrub that forms clumps and produces trailing stems that can reach up to 150 cm long. The leaves are oblong or linear, with smooth margins and hairy undersides. The plant's flowers are yellow with brown or black centers, measuring approximately 3-4 cm in diameter. The plant's fruits are achenes with pappi that aid in the dispersal of the seeds.
Growth Conditions for Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi is a versatile plant that can thrive in a range of environmental conditions.
Light
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi requires full sun exposure to partial shade. It grows best in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, it may require some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorching and premature wilting.
Temperature
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it prefers warm to hot environments. It thrives in areas with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It will not survive temperatures that consistently dip below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sand, clay, and gravel. However, it thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It is also drought tolerant and can survive in areas with low water availability.
Overall, Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi is relatively easy to grow and maintain with the right conditions. It can be an ideal plant for garden landscaping projects, highway slopes, and other naturalization projects.
Cultivation Methods for Wedelia Africana P.Beauv. Var. Ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi is a hardy and low maintenance plant that can be easily grown both indoors and outdoors. It is important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil, which should be fertile and rich in organic matter. This plant is known to tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it is important to avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs for Wedelia Africana P.Beauv. Var. Ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi
The watering requirements for Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi are minimal. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. When watering, it is best to use room temperature or lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization for Wedelia Africana P.Beauv. Var. Ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi
Fertilization is not necessary for Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi, but it can be beneficial for promoting growth and flowering. A balanced all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season to provide essential nutrients to the plant. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leaf burn and reduced growth.
Pruning Wedelia Africana P.Beauv. Var. Ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi
Pruning Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi is not necessary, but it can be done to promote a fuller, bushier plant and to remove dead or damaged growth. Pruning can be done during the growing season, and it is best to use sharp, clean pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. It is important to avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and affect its growth and flowering.
Propagation of Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi
Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi can be propagated through various methods:
Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation is by seeds. Collect ripe seeds from the parent plant and sow them in well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge. Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi seedlings will begin to grow within two to four weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagation. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant during the growing season. Cuttings should have at least two to three nodes and measure around 5 to 7 inches in length. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and ensure the cutting receives bright, indirect sunlight. The cutting will develop roots and begin to grow within four to six weeks.
Division
Dividing an established Wedelia africana P.Beauv. var. ambigua (C.D.Adams) Isawumi plant is another propagation method. Dig up the parent plant and separate healthy sections of the root system. Replant each divided section into a pot or the ground. Keep the soil moist and provide the new plants with bright, indirect sunlight. The divided plant sections will begin to grow within two to four weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Wedelia africana var. ambigua
Wedelia africana var. ambigua is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, it is still subject to attacks by pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is caused by fungi and is a common disease that affects many plants, including Wedelia africana var. ambigua. Leaf spots appear as small circles or irregular reddish-brown areas on the plant leaves. The spots may spread and eventually cause the leaves to fall off.
To manage leaf spot disease, remove and destroy any infected leaves, avoid over-watering the plant, and provide good air circulation around the plant.
Powdery Mildew Disease
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects Wedelia africana var. ambigua. It appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. The infected parts of the plant may also turn yellow or brown.
To manage powdery mildew disease, prune and destroy any infected parts of the plant, avoid over-watering the plant, and provide good air circulation around the plant. Apply a fungicide as directed by a professional or as indicated on the product label.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from plants. They appear as small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. Aphids can cause stunted growth, curled leaves, and a general weakening of the plant.
To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or a horticultural oil, or release natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps to control aphid populations.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can eat large amounts of foliage, causing significant damage to Wedelia africana var. ambigua. Infestations of caterpillars may require the use of pesticides to manage.
To manage caterpillars, handpick the caterpillars off the plant, release natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial insecticide, as directed by a professional or indicated on the product label.
By managing pests and diseases, you can help keep your Wedelia africana var. ambigua healthy and thriving.
