Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl.
Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Hydnoraceae. This plant is commonly known as the "Jackal Food" due to its distinctive growth habit and smell that attracts jackals and other scavengers. It is native to southern Africa and can be found growing in sandy soils in arid regions.
Appearance
The plant has a unique appearance with a fleshy, subterranean stem that grows underground and produces a single flower that emerges above ground. The flower is large and fleshy with a reddish-brown color and a putrid smell that attracts flies and beetles for pollination. The plant also has small, scale-like leaves that are reduced to a tiny protrusion on the stem, and it lacks chlorophyll, meaning it is entirely reliant on its host for nutrients.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Hydnora johannis has been used to treat a range of ailments, from stomach problems to respiratory infections. Its primary use is as a remedy for toothache, where the fleshy stem is chewed and placed directly on the affected area. In some communities, the fruit is also consumed as food after boiling, and the seeds are roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Light requirements
Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. is a parasitic plant that grows underground, and does not require any direct light for its growth. It obtains its nutrients from the roots of its host plant, which is usually a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Therefore, the plant can survive and grow in complete darkness or partial shade.
Temperature requirements
The plant is native to the African continent, where the climate is hot and dry. Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. prefers warm temperatures for its growth, and does not tolerate cool or freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20-35°C (68-95°F). It can survive temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) for short periods, but extended exposure to lower temperatures can hinder its growth and development.
Soil requirements
Since Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. is a parasitic plant, it does not require any specific type of soil for its growth. As long as its host plant is present within the soil, the plant can thrive in a variety of soil types such as sandy, loamy, or clay. However, it prefers well-drained and nutrient-rich soils to ensure the availability of essential nutrients for its host plant. The pH range for the soil can be between 5.5-7.5.
Cultivation methods
Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. is a parasitic plant that requires a host to survive. It grows underground, and only the flower emerges above the ground. Therefore, cultivating this plant requires the presence of a suitable host plant, preferably from the Cucurbitaceae family. The host plant should have a healthy root system and should be grown from seeds, transplants, or cuttings.
The plant prefers partially shaded areas with well-draining soil. It is best to plant the host plants in a location where they can receive indirect sunlight, perhaps under a tree canopy.
Watering needs
Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. gets water and nutrients from the host plant. Therefore, the watering requirements of the host plant are also applicable to the parasitic plant. It is best to keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Fertilization
The parasitic plant does not require its nutrients, as it derives them from the host plant. However, it is essential to ensure that the host plant is adequately fertilized. Fertilize the host plant with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. You can also apply a layer of organic material, such as well-rotted manure or compost, around the base of the plant every six months to improve the soil's health.
Pruning
Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. does not require pruning since its underground growth is limited to the host plant's roots. However, it is best to trim any dead or diseased branches from the host plant to improve its overall health. It is also essential to remove any sucker branches that may emerge from the stem's base, as they can compete for nutrients with the main plant.
Propagation Methods for Hydnora Johannis Becc. var. Quinquefida Engl.
The Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. or commonly known as the Five-lobed or Five-parted Hydnora is a parasitic plant that is native to the southern and eastern parts of Africa. It is a unique-looking plant that has a fleshy and scaly flower that emits a pungent odor to attract its pollinators, dung beetles, and carrion flies. Propagating this plant is not an easy task given that it is parasitic. Here are the two known propagation methods for the Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl.
Seed Propagation Method
The most common propagation method for the Five-lobed Hydnora is through its seeds. However, harvesting the seeds can be a challenge given that it only produces a few flowers that turn into fruits. The seeds need a host plant to germinate, specifically an Euphorbia plant. Once the fruit is harvested, its seeds should be removed and sown onto a quarter-filled seed tray with a well-draining soil mixture.
After sowing the seeds, it is sprayed with clean water and covered with a clear plastic bag. The tray should be positioned in a warm (25-30°C), shaded area. Germination can take anywhere between four days to six months. Once the seedlings have two to three leaves, it can be transferred to a host plant.
Host Plant Propagation Method
Another propagation method that can be done with the Five-lobed Hydnora is through a host plant. For this method, an Euphorbia plant is needed. A branch or a stem of an Euphorbia plant is cut off and planted onto a well-draining soil mixture that is moist, but not saturated. The cutting is left under a shaded area until it starts to form roots.
After the roots have formed, the cutting is placed on a tray or container, and a Five-lobed Hydnora seedling is placed on top. The Hydnora plant will be dependent on the Euphorbia plant as a host for the rest of its life.
Disease Management
Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. is known to be relatively disease-free when grown in its natural habitat, with no reported diseases that specifically affect this plant. However, it is still important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and that it is not overwatered. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases or pests.
Pest Management
Despite being relatively disease-free, Hydnora johannis Becc. var. quinquefida Engl. can still be affected by a range of pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the most common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Mites: These small insects can cause leaf curling, discoloration, and stunted growth. Leaf drop can also occur if the infestation is severe. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of mites and using an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them can help manage this pest.
- Snails and slugs: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Handpicking them off the plant or using a natural snail or slug repellent can help keep them under control.
- Mealybugs: Small, white, cottony-looking insects that can feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Using an insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage this pest.
- Scale insects: These small, flat insects can attach to the leaves and stems of the plant and feed on the sap. This can cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Using an insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage this pest.
It is important to regularly monitor the plant for signs of pests and to remove any affected leaves or flowers. Applying an appropriate pesticide can also help manage the pest infestation.
