Origin
Curculigo pilosa (Schumach. & Thonn.) Engl. subsp. major (Baker) Wiland_Szymanska is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Hypoxidaceae family. It is native to Africa where it is widely distributed and can be found in countries such as Congo, Angola, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Kombra in Swahili and is also referred to as black root, yellow root, and Rhino horn due to the shape of its underground tuber.
Uses
The plant has traditionally been used in Africa for various medicinal purposes. The underground tuber is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties and is used to treat sexual dysfunction, particularly in men. It is also used to treat infertility, impotence, and premature ejaculation. Additionally, it is believed to have antimicrobial properties and is used to treat malaria, typhoid fever, and other bacterial and fungal infections. The plant’s roots are used to treat stomach ailments and constipation.
General Appearance
Curculigo pilosa (Schumach. & Thonn.) Engl. subsp. major (Baker) Wiland_Szymanska is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 50cm in height. It has long, narrow leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The plant’s flowers are yellow and arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The underground tuber is dark brown or black and has a cylindrical shape resembling a rhino horn, which gives the plant one of its common names.
Light Requirements
The plant Curculigo pilosa subsp. major typically thrives best in warm and sunny environments. This implies that it requires bright light to grow and develop effectively. Therefore, it is best suited for areas with full sun or partial shade. Direct sunlight exposure for about six hours in a day is ideal for this plant species.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Curculigo pilosa subsp. major needs warm temperatures to grow and thrive. It can handle a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best within the temperature range of 20°C to 40°C. The plant does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures, and its growth may be impaired if subjected to such conditions. Moreover, it cannot handle extreme heat, and extra caution should be taken when the temperature becomes too high.
Soil Requirements
The plant Curculigo pilosa subsp. major is not very particular about the soil type. However, it thrives well in well-draining soils with a moderate amount of organic matter. The plant can do well in sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils as long as the soils have good drainage. Moreover, the soil pH level should be mildly acidic, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2.
Cultivation
Curculigo pilosa (Schumach. & Thonn.) Engl. subsp. major (Baker) Wiland_Szymanska can be propagated either by seed or division of the rhizomes. The plant prefers a warm and humid tropical climate, and can be grown indoors as well as outdoors.
If grown outdoors, the plant should be planted in rich, well-drained soil, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
When grown indoors, the plant should be grown in a pot with well-draining soil. The pot should be placed in a location where the plant can receive bright, indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs
The plant requires a consistent supply of water to grow well. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
The plant should be watered once the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the winter months, when the plant is in a state of dormancy, watering should be reduced.
Fertilization
Fertilization can help to promote healthy growth and flowering of the plant. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.
Before applying fertilizer, the plant should be watered thoroughly. The fertilizer solution should be applied to the soil, rather than directly to the plant, to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant, but it can help to maintain the desired shape and size. Dead or yellowing leaves should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
The plant can also be trimmed back after flowering to promote new growth and flowering the following year.
Propagation of Curculigo pilosa subsp. major
Curculigo pilosa subsp. major is known for its medicinal properties and is usually propagated by vegetative means. The propagation of this plant is simple and can be done by various methods.
Propagation by Rhizome Division
One of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Curculigo pilosa subsp. major is by rhizome division. This method involves dividing the plant's rhizome into smaller sections, each of which has at least one bud or shoot. These sections are then planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until new growth begins.
Propagation by Seeds
Although less commonly used, Curculigo pilosa subsp. major can also be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature, ripe pods. Once collected, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Curculigo pilosa subsp. major can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and treating it with a rooting hormone before planting it in a potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until new growth emerges.
Disease and Pest Management for Curculigo pilosa (Schumach. & Thonn.) Engl. subsp. major (Baker) Wiland_Szymanska
Curculigo pilosa (Schumach. & Thonn.) Engl. subsp. major (Baker) Wiland_Szymanska, commonly known as Yellow Palm Lily or Buttercup, is a plant native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Although it is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it is not immune to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose, a fungal disease, is one of the common diseases that affects Curculigo pilosa. Symptoms include brown spots and dead tissue on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be applied to control the spread of the disease.
Another common disease that affects this plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soils. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Common Pests
Curculigo pilosa is relatively resistant to pests, but some may still pose a problem. One of the common pests is the spider mite, which feeds on the undersides of leaves and causes yellowing and wilting. To control spider mites, use a miticide or insecticidal soap.
The other common pest is the mealybug, which feeds on plant sap and causes yellowing and stunted growth. To control mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and isolate infested plants to prevent the spread of the pests.
Regularly inspecting the plant and practicing good sanitation practices are essential for managing diseases and pests. By ensuring that the plant is healthy, well-maintained, and free from pests and diseases, you can help it thrive and reach its full potential.
