Overview of Erlangea Angelinii (Fiori) Cufod.
Erlangea angelinii (Fiori) Cufod. is a plant species found in the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Madagascar, a country located off the coast of East Africa. Erlangea angelinii is a small shrub that typically reaches a height of up to 50 cm. The plant is commonly used for medicinal purposes by the local residents in Madagascar.
Common Names
Erlangea angelinii is known by several common names, including angendala, saroam-palama, and tsingiliana. These names vary depending on the region in Madagascar where the plant is found.
Uses
Erlangea angelinii has several medicinal uses in Madagascar. The plant has been used to treat various ailments, including stomach aches, fever, and diarrhea. The roots and leaves of the plant are boiled to make a tea, which is then consumed to treat these conditions. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to reduce inflammation in the body.
General Appearance
Erlangea angelinii is a small shrub with green, hairy leaves that are oval-shaped, around 3 cm long, and 1.5 cm wide. The plant produces yellow flowers with a diameter of around 2 cm that bloom from August to September. The fruit of the plant is a small, dry achene that contains a single-seeded fruit. The plant is drought-resistant and can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients.
Light Requirements
Erlangea angelinii prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of sunlight a day to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures and is unsuitable for cultivation in regions with temperatures below 15°C. In areas with extremely hot temperatures, the plant requires frequent watering to avoid drying out.
Soil Requirements
The plant does best on well-drained soils. It is adaptable to several kinds of soils like sandy soil, loam, etc. However, it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter. A soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is acceptable for cultivation. This plant is intolerant of waterlogged soils. The soil can be amended with compost or well-rotted manure to increase organic content and improve water retention.
Cultivation
Erlangea angelinii, commonly known as Angelini's Erlangea, is a hardy plant that doesn't require much attention during cultivation.
The plant prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in different soil types, provided it is well-drained. Sowing is preferably done during the rainy season because high humidity is beneficial for its growth.
It's recommended to grow the plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade, especially during the afternoon. The plant doesn't do well in areas where the temperature drops below 50°F.
Watering
Watering is essential during the initial stage of growth when the plant is establishing a root system. After that, the plant can tolerate periods of drought because it has developed a deep taproot that can access water from deeper soil layers.
However, it is essential to note that prolonged dry spells can affect its growth and reduce the intensity of flowering. Hence, it's necessary to maintain a moderate watering regime that ensures the plant has enough water to thrive.
Fertilization
Erlangea angelinii requires regular fertilization to promote lush foliage and prolific flowering. It's recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with NPK of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 during the growing season.
Fertilization should be done every two to three months before watering. Care must be exercised to prevent over-fertilization, which can cause leaf burn and a stunted growth rate.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning. The primary objective of pruning is to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. It's also essential to remove spent flowers to extend the flowering season. The pruned parts can be used to propagate new plants, and rooting is easy to achieve by applying rooting hormone to the cuttings and planting them in well-draining soil.
It's recommended to prune the plant towards the end of the flowering season to encourage the development of new growth in the subsequent growing season.
Propagation of Erlangea angelinii
Erlangea angelinii (Fiori) Cufod. can be propagated through various methods, including:
1. Seeds
Seeds are the most common method for propagating Erlangea angelinii. The seeds are relatively easy to collect from mature plants and can be sown immediately or stored for later use. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist but not wet. Within a few weeks, the seeds should germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
2. Cuttings
Erlangea angelinii can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken from young, healthy plants root relatively easily in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer, and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in the rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location where they can root. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
3. Division
If the Erlangea angelinii plant has become too large for its container or has developed several distinct clumps, it can be divided to create new plants. The plant should be carefully removed from the container or ground, and the roots should be gently teased apart. Each clump should have several shoots and a healthy root system. The clumps can be planted directly into individual pots or the ground.
Propagation of Erlangea angelinii can be a fun and rewarding experience, as it allows you to create new plants while also preserving the genetics of the parent plant. Whether you choose to use seeds, cuttings, or division, it is important to provide the new plants with the appropriate growing conditions to ensure their success.
Disease and Pest Management for Erlangea Angelinii (Fiori) Cufod.
Erlangea Angelinii (Fiori) Cufod. is a plant species that is usually affected by different types of diseases and pests. These problems can cause various damages to the plant, which may lead to decreased growth, poor yield, and even death. Therefore, it is vital to learn about the common diseases and pests that affect Erlangea Angelinii and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Erlangea Angelinii is fungal leaf spots. This disease is caused by different types of fungi, such as Cercospora and Septoria. The infected leaves will have small spots that are dark-colored with yellow halos. The best way to manage this disease is by removing and destroying the affected leaves. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and ensure proper plant spacing to improve air circulation.
Another disease that may affect Erlangea Angelinii is powdery mildew. This fungal disease affects the plant's leaves, blossoms, and stems, causing them to have powdery white spots. You can manage powdery mildew by ensuring adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation, pruning affected parts of the plant, and applying fungicides to limit the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Erlangea Angelinii can also be affected by pests, including spider mites. These pests are tiny and usually appear in large numbers on the leaves, causing yellow spots and a fine webbing. You can manage spider mites by increasing air circulation around the plants, removing and destroying infested leaves, and spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips are another common pest that may affect Erlangea Angelinii. These pests cause leaf distortion, stunted growth, and fruit deformity. You can manage thrips by using sticky traps, pruning infested areas, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, you can introduce predatory insects such as ladybugs to control thrips populations.
Conclusion
Erlangea Angelinii (Fiori) Cufod. is prone to different types of diseases and pests that can cause significant damages to the plant. However, by learning about the common problems and their management strategies, you can protect your plant and ensure healthy growth and maximum yield.
