While Mitriostigma is not a gardenia, it certainly has many qualities of a well-known flower. African gardenias are another name for Mitriostigma gardenia plants. African gardenia – what is it? An ever-blooming, exquisitely-scented, non-hardy houseplant or patio plant for warm climates. Try planting African gardenias if you want a reliable source of gorgeous blossoms, an evergreen with glossy foliage, and amusing small orange fruits.
What is African Gardenia?
Mitriostigma axillare is a distinct and challenging plant to locate. This plant may grow into a small tree in its natural habitat, but in containers, it is more like a tiny shrub. Being intolerant of wet soil is one of the most crucial aspects of care for African gardenias. Because they occur in forests where higher plant species dapple the sun, these plants also require indirect light or even partial shadow.
From the Eastern Cape to Mozambique, coastal and dune woods are home to African gardenia. This evergreen shrub features arrow-shaped glossy leaves, greyish brown bark with green patterns, and the lauded 5-petaled white perfumed blossoms. The leaf axils are tightly packed with the one-inch (2.5 cm) blooms, which may be present for much of the year. In actuality, the placement of the blossoms is indicated by the last half of the scientific name, axillary.
A smooth, elliptical fruit with a skin like an orange rind develops from spent blooms. The plant is also known as dwarf loquat because of the fruit. Although hardy in zones 10 to 11 of the United States Department of Agriculture, Mitriostigma gardenia plants thrive indoors or in a greenhouse.
Growing African Gardenias
It might be challenging to find African gardenia. Although it is not often included in nursery catalogs, you may grow it using summer cuttings or ripe fruit seeds if you happen to stumble across someone with the plant.
Orange nutritious fruit seeds should be saved and planted on a moist flat. When seedlings are several inches (7.5 cm) tall, transplant them. When you water, fertilize with liquid fertilizer and maintain the plants in a bright environment.
In a container filled with sterile compost, the cuttings need to be placed, maintained wet, and exposed to indirect light. The African gardenia cutting will typically root in 4 weeks, after which it may be moved and continue to thrive.
Caring for African Gardenias
In decent store-bought potting soil combined with some sand, Mitriostigma grows effectively. Ensure there are enough drainage holes if the plant is in a container. If outside, enrich the soil with compost and find a spot with protection from the midday sun. Choose carefully since African gardenia has a big taproot that makes moving the plant challenging.
Every time you water an African gardenia from spring until late summer, you should feed it with liquid plant food.
By early September, bring plants indoors in chilly areas. Feed the plant with a high phosphorus plant food once a month throughout the winter while it is flowering. To avoid the accumulation of fertilizer salts, be sure to leech to the soil often.
African gardenias do not have any major insect or disease problems, therefore, caring for them is quite simple. You may have a long-lasting fragrant bloomer in your house or garden if you maintain the dry soil and shield the plant from direct sunlight.
