Overview
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a shrub species that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is endemic to Cameroon and was originally discovered in the Lastoursville region in Gabon. This plant is known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional African medicine.
Common Names
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is commonly known as “Allombo,” “Allomo,” and “Uchun.” These names are used in different parts of Cameroon where the plant is cultivated or grows naturally.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as diarrhea, stomachaches, and joint pains. The bark and roots of the plant are boiled to make a decoction that is consumed orally. It is also used to treat headache, fever, and toothache. Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and its extracts have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro studies.
General Appearance
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a shrub that grows up to 5 meters in height. It has a smooth, grey or brown bark with prominent lenticels. The leaves are alternate, compound, and measure up to 15 cm in length. Each leaf has 5 to 7 leaflets that are ovate, acuminate, and serrate. The flowers are small, greenish, and grow in clusters at the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a spherical drupe that is yellow or orange when ripe, and each fruit contains a single seed.
Growth Conditions for Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr.
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr., commonly known as African allophylus, is a shrub or small tree that is native to tropical Africa. In order to foster its growth, it is important to provide suitable light, temperature, and soil conditions.
Light Requirements
African allophylus performs best in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. It can also tolerate light shade, but excessive shade may hinder its growth and produce sparse foliage. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in locations that receive bright, filtered light, avoiding areas with persistent gloominess or intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. growth is between 18°C and 27°C. It can tolerate brief drops to 10°C or occasional hot weather, but it may not survive repeated exposure to freezing temperatures or extreme heat for prolonged periods. The plant is sensitive to frost, which can cause significant damage to its leaves and stem tissues, so it is best to protect it from cold drafts and frost-prone areas during wintertime.
Soil Requirements
African allophylus prefers well-draining soils with good fertility and organic matter content. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are rich in nutrients and pH-neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0). Heavy, compacted soils can impede root development and cause waterlogging, which could lead to root rot disease. The addition of a good-quality compost or organic fertilizer can enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy growth and foliage production.
In summary, providing adequate light, temperature, and soil conditions can help promote the growth of Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. in tropical and subtropical regions. Paying attention to these factors can also help prevent or mitigate common problems such as wilting, stunted growth, leaf drop, or pest attacks, ensuring a healthy and thriving plant.
Cultivation methods
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a plant that thrives well in warm and humid conditions. For successful cultivation, ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained, loamy soil that has adequate organic matter content. It does well in partial shade to full sun. Ensure that the planting area has enough space for the shrub to bush out fully as the plant reaches an average height of 6 feet.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering to thrive but be careful not to overwater as the roots can easily rot. Water the plant until there is enough moisture to penetrate a depth of 6-inches. During the growing season, water the plant regularly to avoid drought stress.
Fertilization
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a light feeder, and it is not necessary to fertilize the plant frequently. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season once in every six months, which can provide enough nutrition. Adding a compost layer every spring season is also beneficial to the plant's growth and development.
Pruning
The best time to prune Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is in the late spring before new growth. Avoid winter pruning as the plant may be susceptible to cold damage. The shrub requires minimal pruning, and it’s only necessary to remove the diseased or dead branches. You can also remove any unwanted branches that hinder the plant's shape or growth.
Propagation methods for Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr.
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering. These methods are discussed below:
Seed propagation
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. can be propagated through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the ripe fruits of the plant. The collected seeds must be cleaned and dried before sowing. The seeds can then be sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they reach a height of around 8-10 cm.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. Cuttings of around 10-15 cm in length can be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings must be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a shady and humid location until new growth emerges.
Air layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. A section of the stem of around 15-20 cm in length can be chosen and a ring of bark can be removed from the stem. The exposed area can then be covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with a plastic wrap. The moss must be kept moist and within a few weeks, new roots will start to emerge. Once the roots are well established, the stem can be cut and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr.
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr., commonly referred to as the Lastoursville Allophylus, is a plant that is mainly affected by diseases and pests. Managing these diseases and pests would require proper care and attention. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
There are several fungal diseases that can affect Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. These include leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and verticillium wilt. To manage these diseases, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and with plenty of air circulation. Avoid overwatering and remove any infected plant parts. Fungicides may also be used to control these diseases, depending on the severity of the infection.
Pests
Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is also prone to insect pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and soap. Scale insects can be removed by gently scrubbing the plant with a soft brush or cloth. Spider mites can be reduced by spraying the plant with water regularly.
In conclusion, effectively managing diseases and pests of Allophylus lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is crucial to ensure the healthy growth and survival of the plant. Regular inspections of the plant will help identify any problems early, and appropriate actions can be taken immediately.
