Origin
Wedelia kotschyi (Sch.Bip.) Isawumi var. alba (Berhaut) Isawumi is a perennial flowering plant species that belongs to the genus Wedelia and the family Asteraceae. This plant species is native to Africa, precisely to Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. It commonly grows in the savannah vegetation and wooded savannah regions of the African subcontinent.
Common Names
Wedelia kotschyi (Sch.Bip.) Isawumi var. alba (Berhaut) Isawumi is commonly known as the White wedelia, and it is also referred to as the Wedelia alba. In some African regions, it is known by local names such as 'Enise' in Nigeria.
Appearance
The Wedelia kotschyi (Sch.Bip.) Isawumi var. alba (Berhaut) Isawumi plant species has a distinct appearance and can grow up to 60 cm high and 2 meters wide on average. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and smooth, measuring about 6 cm long and 2 cm wide. The large, showy flowers are white in color and are about 1 cm in diameter, producing a fruity fragrance. The flowering period usually begins in August and lasts until November. The plant produces its inflorescence in the form of cymose clusters.
Uses
Wedelia kotschyi (Sch.Bip.) Isawumi var. alba (Berhaut) Isawumi has significant importance across cultures and holds medicinal benefits. In Cameroon, the plant leaves are used for wound heels, while in Mali, it is used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems. In Nigeria, the plant roots are used to treat fever, snake bites, and menstrual pain, among other ailments. In gardening, the plant is adored for its ability to blanket bare soil, prevent erosion, and improve soil fertility. The plant is ideal for ground cover and container gardening due to its beauty, ease of maintenance, and hardiness.
Light Requirements
Wedelia kotschyi var. alba thrives in full sunlight. The plant craves at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. When planted in areas with insufficient light, the stems become lengthy and the plant lanky, causing its foliage to thin out. When exposed to full light, the leaves become brighter and the blooms more vibrant. Therefore, it is crucial to position the plant in a location where there’s an adequate supply of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is indigenous to the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa. Therefore, it thrives in regions with high temperatures and high humidity. The ideal temperature range for Wedelia kotschyi var. alba is between 21-30°C. Anything exceeding or below the range will weaken the plant and even cause it to die. It is critical to provide warm soil, which boosts the growth rate and vitality of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil structure determines the plant's growth rate. Wedelia kotschyi var. alba prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be loose, and the plant's roots can penetrate it quickly. It is recommended that you use soil that is rich in nitrogenous compounds for optimal growth. This plant is vulnerable to waterlogged soils, and therefore proper drainage is essential. In general, Wedelia kotschyi var. alba plants prefer moist soils deep, not waterlogged, and never dry.
Cultivation methods
Wedelia kotschyi (Sch.Bip.) Isawumi var. alba (Berhaut) Isawumi commonly grows in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant needs regular access to sunlight for optimum growth. Plant the Wedelia Kotschyi between late spring and early fall. The plant required a warm and humid environment with a temperature ranging from 20°C to 28°C.
Watering needs
The Wedelia Kotschy is tolerant to drought situations but requires regular watering for optimum growth and flowering. The plant needs a watering schedule of once or twice a week depending on the surrounding conditions, the type of soil, and the seasons. Water the plant in the morning or late evening hours to prevent waterlogging, as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
To promote fast growth, a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio should be applied every six to eight weeks during the growing season. It is also advised to mix organic manure into the soil while planting the Wedelia Kotschyi. However, it is necessary to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it may lead to the loss of the leaves.
Pruning
The Wedelia Kotschyi plant requires pruning after the flowering season to remove the dying or dead flowers, leaves, and stems. Pruning also helps in maintaining the plant's shape and size. To keep the plant in shape, eliminate the long lateral branches around the base of the plant. The plant will regenerate and grow new branches required for healthy flowering during the following season.
Propagation of Wedelia kotschyi var. alba
Wedelia kotschyi var. alba is a herbaceous plant commonly found in Africa. It can be propagated by various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from matured plants and sown in a well-prepared seedbed. The seedlings emerge within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location after 6-8 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
The stem cuttings can be taken from matured plants. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems, which are neither too soft nor too hard. The cuttings are best taken early in the morning or late in the evening when moisture loss is minimal.
Cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium. Care should be taken to maintain adequate moisture levels to prevent wilting and drying out.
Division Propagation
Wedelia kotschyi var. alba can be propagated by division. This method involves dividing a clump of the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them as individual plants.
The ideal time for division is during the early spring when the new growth appears. The divided sections should be planted in a well-prepared soil in a location receiving partial shade.
Disease management
Wedelia kotschyi var. alba is an easy-to-grow plant and is relatively resistant to many diseases. However, it can occasionally succumb to some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, black spot, and rust.
Powdery Mildew: This is characterized by white or grayish powdery growth on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of the infected leaves. You can also apply fungicides such as neem oil, copper-based fungicides, or sulfur-based fungicides. Avoid overhead watering and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent further occurrence of powdery mildew.
Black spot: This is identified by black spots on the leaves, which can cause leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Also, observe good garden sanitation practices and apply a copper-based fungicide every two weeks.
Rust: This disease appears as yellow, orange, or rusty spots on the leaves. It is important to remove and dispose of the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides or neem oil can be used to manage this disease.
Pest management
Wedelia kotschyi var. alba is relatively resistant to pests, however, it can occasionally encounter some insect pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids: These are small insects that colonize on the leaves in large numbers and suck the sap from the plant. To manage aphids, you can manually remove them by applying a jet of water on the leaves. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oil to control their population.
Spider mites: These pests are notable for their web-like structures on the leaves and are identified by yellowing and wilting of foliage. To manage spider mites, spray the leaves with a jet of water to dislodge them from the leaves. You can also mist the leaves regularly to provide a humid environment that is unfavorable for their survival. Applying neem oil or horticultural oil can also help in controlling the population of spider mites.
