Overview of Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern.
Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern. is a tropical perennial flowering plant scientifically known as Wedelia menotriche. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to Africa, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. The plant has become naturalized in many tropical regions of the world, including Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands.
Common Names
Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern. goes by different common names across its native and naturalized regions. In Africa, it is commonly referred to as “Onyati” in Kenya and “Uyambekezela” in Zimbabwe. In Australia, it is known as “Yellowtop” or “Wedelia”, while in the United States, it is called “Trailing Wedelia”, “Creeping Oxeye”, or “Sphagneticola”.
General Appearance
Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern. grows as a low-lying herbaceous plant that can either be erect or creeping. It reaches a height of 20-60cm and has trailing, hairy stems that root at the nodes, forming dense mats. The leaves are ovate, about 1.5–6cm long and 1–4cm wide with toothed margins. The plant produces daisy-like yellow flowers with a diameter of about 2 to 3 cm, occurring singly on the ends of the stems from spring to autumn.
Uses of Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern.
Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern. is a versatile plant that has many uses in traditional medicine and horticulture. In African traditional medicine, the plant's leaves are used to treat a wide range of ailments, including headaches, toothaches, fever, stomach aches, and wounds. The plant is also used to treat malaria in Tanzania. In horticulture, Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern. is used as a groundcover due to its dense mats, making it useful for soil stabilization on slopes, erosion control, and weed suppression. Additionally, it is used as an ornamental plant, particularly in rock gardens, hanging baskets, and garden beds.
Growth conditions of Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern
Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and prefers warm and humid conditions.
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive, which means it should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light leads to a lack of flowering, spindly growth, and leaf drop. Therefore, it should be planted at a location with no shade or with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern prefers warm temperatures and a humid environment. The plant can tolerate temperatures between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and does not tolerate frost or very low temperatures. In areas with colder winters, the plant may need to be grown indoors or as an annual.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soils of different types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. However, the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and should be planted in well-draining soil. The plant benefits from moisture, so it requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in drought-prone areas.
In summary, Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern grows well in warm and humid conditions, requiring full sun exposure, well-drained soils, and regular watering. Maintaining these optimal growth conditions is important for the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation methods for Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern
Wedelia menotriche is primarily propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. For stem cuttings, take 6-8 inch long cuttings of young wood and dip the bottom end in rooting hormone powder. Plant them in well-drained soil, and keep them in a partially shaded area until they have developed roots.
When planting from seed, sow them in a pot or seed tray filled with well-draining soil, and keep them in a warm and humid environment until they germinate. Once the seedlings have matured, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Watering needs for Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern
Wedelia menotriche prefers evenly moist soil, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter. Test the soil moisture regularly, and only water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization for Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern
Wedelia menotriche benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, especially when grown in poor soil. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can burn the roots and damage the plant.
Pruning for Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern
Wedelia menotriche can be pruned to maintain its shape or reduce its size. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth appears to encourage fuller growth and more blooms.
To prune, use clean and sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged stems. Cut back any overgrown branches to the desired length, and shape the plant as needed. Avoid cutting into woody stems, as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern
Wedelia menotriche Oliv. & Hiern, commonly referred to as Cape Wedelia, is a herbaceous plant native to South Africa. Propagating this plant can be done through various methods, which are as follows:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Wedelia menotriche can be used to propagate new plants. It is recommended to sow the seeds in a seed tray or pots filled with well-draining potting soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly. The tray or pot can be covered with a plastic cover until the seeds germinate.
Germination can take up to 2-3 weeks, and once the seedlings are big enough to handle, they can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another method of propagating Wedelia menotriche. Softwood cuttings taken from the tip of a healthy plant can be used to propagate new plants. Strip the lower leaves off the cutting, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, shaded location until roots develop.
Once the roots are established, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern
Wedelia Menotriche Oliv. & Hiern, commonly known as creeping oxeye, is a fast-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Like other plants, creeping oxeye is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which may cause significant damage if not adequately managed.
Common Diseases
Wedelia Menotriche is prone to fungal infections, which can cause leaf spot, powdery mildew and root/collar rot. Leaf spot appears as small, brown circles with yellow edges on the leaves, while powdery mildew is characterized by white powdery patches on the leaves. Root/collar rot usually causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. The most common fungal diseases that affect creeping oxeye are:
- Cercospora leaf spot: This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and maintaining proper plant hygiene.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease can be controlled by using fungicidal sprays. Pruning also helps to improve air circulation, which reduces the risk of infestation.
- Root/Collar Rot: This disease can be controlled by maintaining the proper soil pH, avoiding over-watering and ensuring proper drainage.
Common Pests
Creeping oxeye is also prone to insect infestations, which can damage the leaves and flowers. The most common pests that affect these plants are:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause deformation and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators such as ladybeetles.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves, as well as the formation of webbing. They can be managed by using acaricides or insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: These insects suck sap from the undersides of the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
Regular inspection of plants and early detection of pests and diseases are essential for managing these problems effectively. Additionally, improving plant hygiene, maintaining proper soil conditions, and pruning can help reduce the risk of infestations and infections.
