Origin and Common Names
Afrocrania volkensii (Harms) Hutch. is a plant native to tropical Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. This plant species is commonly known as konda-lomami or ewirhwir in Nigeria.
General Appearance
Afrocrania volkensii is a woody climber that grows up to 18 meters long. The plant’s stems, which are hairless, have a diameter of about 1 cm. Its leaves are simple and alternate, and they have an oval or oblong shape. The leaf blades measure up to 11 cm in length and 6 cm in width. The upper surface of the leaves is green and glossy, while the lower surface is dull green. The flowers of the plant are arranged in clusters of 12-20 on a 3 cm peduncle, and they are small, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter. The fruits of Afrocrania volkensii are fleshy, black, and shiny berries that are about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
The stem and roots of Afrocrania volkensii are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In Cameroon and Gabon, the stem bark is used to treat diarrhea, while in Nigeria, it is used to treat fever. The plant’s root is used in Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo as an anti-inflammatory and for treating rheumatism. Additionally, the plant is used in some communities for protection against witchcraft.
Light Requirements
Afrocrania volkensii typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with a lot of shade, the plant may become leggy and sparse.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid temperatures. In general, it does well in temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. However, it can tolerate short periods of frost and temperatures down to 0 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Afrocrania volkensii grows best in well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant does not do well in soils that are too heavy or compacted. It also prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.
Water Requirements
The plant requires consistent moisture but does not tolerate standing water or waterlogged soil. It is important to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season. During periods of drought or dry weather, the plant should be watered regularly to prevent wilting or stress.
Cultivation
Afrocrania volkensii is a tough and hardy plant that can adapt to various environmental conditions, making it suitable for outdoor planting. The plant grows best in sandy or loamy soils that have good drainage. It requires full sun exposure or partial shade with temperatures ranging from 12 to 35 degrees Celsius. When planting Afrocrania volkensii, ensure that you space the seedlings at least 6 feet apart to allow enough room for growth.
Watering needs
Afrocrania volkensii requires moderate watering, avoiding both overwatering and underwatering. Water the plant once a week during the dry season and reduce watering during the rainy season. Ensure that the soil is soaked with water, but avoid waterlogging the plant's base. It is good to mulch the soil to retain moisture and protect the plant's roots from direct sunlight.
Fertilization
Apply fertilizer during the growing season to boost the plant's growth and development. Use an all-purpose fertilizer, applying it at the base of the plant and spreading it evenly around the area. Do not apply too much fertilizer as this can harm the plant. It is advisable to fertilize the plant every three months to maintain its health and vigor.
Pruning
Prune the plant during the dormant season to remove dead, broken, or diseased branches. Use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant's healthy branches. Pruning helps the plant grow in a compact and attractive shape while allowing enough sunlight to reach the plant's interior. It is advisable to prune the young plant regularly to encourage proper branching and to remove any unwanted growth.
Propagation of Afrocrania volkensii (Harms) Hutch.
Afrocrania volkensii (Harms) Hutch. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods depending on the availability of suitable resources and materials.
Sexual propagation
The sexual propagation of Afrocrania volkensii (Harms) Hutch. involves the collecting of mature seeds from the parent plant. The seeds are usually collected when they have fallen or just before they fall by gathering the seed pods before they burst.
The collected seeds need to be cleaned and treated for any infection or damage before planting. In order to increase the chances of successful germination, a basal medium is used. The medium should have essential nutrition, moisture, and a suitable pH level.
The seeds can then be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm below the soil surface. After sowing, the soil should be kept moist and covered with a transparent plastic material to help maintain humidity. Germination can take place within 2-3 weeks of sowing.
Asexual propagation
Afrocrania volkensii (Harms) Hutch. can also be propagated asexually through two main methods: stem cutting and division.
Stem cutting involves the collection of healthy stem tips that are 5-10 cm in length and have at least two to three nodes. The stem cuttings should be prepared by removing the lower leaves and dipping them into a rooting hormone. The stem cuttings should then be planted in a suitable growing medium such as sand and placed in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cuttings will form roots and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division is another method of asexual propagation that involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections that contain both the roots and shoots. The sections should be replanted into their own pots or spaces in the garden taking care to ensure each part retains enough roots and foliage to grow properly.
Disease and Pest Management for Afrocrania volkensii
Afrocrania volkensii (Harms) Hutch., commonly known as the forest bell bush, is a plant found in African countries like Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and parts of West Tropical Africa. This plant, like any other, is subject to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Afrocrania volkensii and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Afrocrania volkensii is root rot. This can be caused by various fungi, including Phytophthora, Pythium, and Fusarium. Root rot can cause wilting, leaf-yellowing, and eventually, plant death. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain proper drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control root rot.
Another disease that can affect Afrocrania volkensii is leaf spot. This is caused by fungi like Colletotrichum and Cercospora. Leaf spot causes circular black or brown spots on the plant's leaves, which can lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control leaf spot.
Common Pests
Afrocrania volkensii can also be affected by pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can cause plant wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Managing these pests requires regular inspection of the plant and the use of insecticides to control them. It's important to use insecticides that are safe for the plant and the environment.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for Afrocrania volkensii. They can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. Managing caterpillars requires the use of insecticides or handpicking them and removing them from the plant. It's important to choose insecticides that are safe for the plant and the environment.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Afrocrania volkensii is crucial for its growth and development. Proper drainage and avoiding over-watering can help manage root rot, while the removal of infected leaves and the use of fungicides can help manage leaf spot. Regular inspection and the use of insecticides are necessary to manage pests like aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and caterpillars.
