Origin and Common Names
Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as creeping oxeye, creeping wedelia, or trailing wedelia. This plant species is native to Western and Central Africa, where it usually thrives in savannas, disturbed and open habitats, and rocky areas. It has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Uses
Wedelia helianthoides has several uses, including medicinal, ornamental, and ecological purposes. Some African cultures use parts of the plant to treat bronchitis, diarrhea, and skin disorders. In some regions, the leaves and stems of the plant are used to make a tea that is believed to alleviate cold symptoms. In landscaping, the trailing wedelia is used as a ground cover because of its ability to spread rapidly and its attractive yellow daisy-like flowers. These flowers, which bloom all-year-round, attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden or landscape.
General Appearance
The Wedelia helianthoides plant has dark green leaves that are elliptical or oblong in shape and measure around six centimeters in length. Its stems can reach up to 5 meters long and are covered with fine hairs and reddish-brown color. The creeping wedelia has bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters and are typically around 2-3 centimeters in diameter. The flowers have a central disc surrounded by ray florets that are typically ovate to oblong and measure less than a centimeter long. The fruit of the plant, often referred to as achenes, is oblong and covered with fine hairs.
In conclusion, Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides is a beautiful and useful plant with several applications in medicine, landscaping, and ecological purposes. This plant species is native to Western and Central Africa and has spread to other parts of the world, where it has become naturalized. The plant's dark green leaves, yellow flowers, and trailing stems make it an attractive ground cover and a beautiful addition to gardens and landscapes.Light Requirements
Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides grows best in areas with full sunlight exposure. This plant requires a high level of photosynthesis and needs approximately six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient exposure to sunlight may cause the plant to grow at a slower rate and exhibit compact growth habits. Therefore, it is essential to keep these plants in sunlight-rich areas to promote proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
While Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides is a robust plant, it still requires moderate to high temperatures for growth. The plant's ideal temperature range is 60-80° F. It can grow in colder temperatures but will slow down in growth rate. Conversely, if the temperature is too high, the plant may be susceptible to sunburn, and the growth rate will decrease. Thus, maintaining ideal temperatures is crucial to the healthy growth of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides thrives best in moist and well-drained soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0-7.0, indicating slightly acidic to neutral soil. It can tolerate a wide variety of soil types but prefers fertile soils with good organic matter content. It is a salt-tolerant plant, making it a great option for coastal or saline environments. It is vital to ensure that the plant's roots are not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. Thus, planting in well-draining soil is crucial to prevent such issues.
Cultivation methods for Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides
Wedelia helianthoides can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings. If propagating through seeds, they should be sown directly into the soil during the rainy season, and seedlings will germinate in about a week. If propagating through cuttings, ensure that the cutting is at least 6 inches long with a few leaves, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
Wedelia helianthoides prefers full sunlight exposure and can tolerate various soil types. However, it grows best in a well-draining, moist soil mix. The plant requires little care once established, and it can thrive in various conditions.
Watering needs for Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides
Wedelia helianthoides requires moderate watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. During hot and dry weather, watering should be done more often to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization for Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides
Fertilization is essential for the optimal growth and development of Wedelia helianthoides. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied twice a year during the rainy season. It would help if you also mulched the plant to help retain soil moisture and release essential nutrients as the mulch decomposes.
Pruning for Wedelia helianthoides (Schumach. & Thonn.) Isawumi subsp. helianthoides
Wedelia helianthoides does not require frequent pruning. However, pruning can help shape the plant and remove dead or damaged foliage. Pruning should be done during the rainy season to stimulate growth and to avoid stressing the plant. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagating Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides
Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides, commonly known as creeping oxeye, is a fast-growing herbaceous plant that can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides is through seeds. Collect the mature seeds when the seed heads have turned brown, and sow them in a seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds shallowly, covering them with only a thin layer of soil. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination should begin within two to four weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or to the garden when they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by cuttings
Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist and in a sunny location. Rooting should occur within a few weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to individual containers or to the garden when they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by division
Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides can also be propagated through division, which is the separation of parent plants into smaller sections. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plants are actively growing but not flowering. To divide the plant, carefully remove it from the ground and gently separate the root system into smaller sections with a knife or garden spade. Each section should have a healthy root system and several stems or leaves. Transplant the sections into individual containers or the garden and keep the soil moist until the new plants become established.
Disease Management for Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides
Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides is relatively resistant to diseases; however, it can still suffer from some fungal and bacterial infections, especially during periods of high humidity and wetness. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect this plant and how to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, blight, and cankers. The symptoms can manifest as dark, sunken spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected plant debris, and avoid overhead watering as the fungus can spread through water droplets. Fungicides may also be used to control the fungal infection.
Root Rot
Root rot is another fungal disease caused by soil-borne pathogens that can affect the roots of the plant. The symptoms can include yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. This disease can be managed by improving the drainage of the soil and avoiding overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease; however, prevention is the key to managing root rot effectively.
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Bacterial leaf spot is a disease that can manifest as water-soaked spots on the leaves. The spots may turn brown and fall out, leaving small holes in the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected plant debris and avoid overhead watering. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management for Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides
Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides can be susceptible to a wide variety of pests. Here are some of the common pests that can affect this plant and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause distorted growth, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays, or use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that can cause yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. They are commonly found on the undersides of leaves and can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing of the leaves, webbing, and stunted growth. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be managed by increasing the humidity around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can cause damage to the leaves of the plant, creating holes and consuming large areas of foliage. They can be managed by handpicking or introducing natural predators such as birds or beneficial insects.
Overall, Wedelia helianthoides subsp. helianthoides can tolerate a wide range of conditions and is relatively easy to care for. However, regular monitoring and prompt action to control pests and diseases is key to keeping the plant healthy and thriving.
