Description of Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg
Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg is a small to medium-sized tree belonging to the family Gentianaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names of Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg
The plant has different common names depending on the region. In Nigeria, it is called "Sapo" by the Yoruba people, while the Hausa people call it "Katkara." In Ghana, it is known as "Nkontomire" in the Twi language, "Obonsamnawa" in Akan, and "Kwe)" in the Ewe language. In Cameroon, it is known as "Mboa-mboa."
Uses of Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg
The different parts of the plant have several traditional uses. The bark, leaves, and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory tract infections, and skin diseases. The plant also has antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant's wood is used to make furniture, tools, and utensils and is also used as firewood. The leaves are used as fodder for domesticated animals.
General Appearance of Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg
The tree can grow up to 25 m tall and has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a thick, rough, and dark gray bark. The leaves are lanceolate, dark green, glossy, and measure up to 25 cm long and 8cm wide. The flowers are white and trumpet-shaped, measuring up to 12 cm in diameter. The fruit is a woody capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg prefers moderate shade to partial sunlight. Too much sunlight can lead to leaf scorching and stunted growth. However, too little light can cause the plant to become weak and spindly. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive dappled sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. It cannot grow in temperatures below 10°C, and frosts can cause severe damage or death. During the winter months, it is best to keep the plant indoors, in a room where the temperature ranges between 18-25°C. Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH ranging from 5.5-7.0. Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot. It is best to mix a coarse material like sand or perlite with the soil to ensure optimal drainage. The plant prefers slightly acidic or neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, applying a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can enhance plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg, commonly known as the Nigerian Pausinystalia, is a species of plant found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 5 to 6.5 and partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods such as stem cuttings or layering. When planting, ensure that the hole is deep enough to accommodate the root ball and that the plant is planted at the same depth as it was in the nursery bag.
Watering Needs
Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg requires moderate watering to thrive. It is essential to water the plant deeply enough to reach the roots, but avoid overwatering, which may cause root rot. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and ensure that the water penetrates the soil to a depth of at least six inches. During the dry season, increase watering frequency to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
The Nigerian Pausinystalia requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize the plant twice a year, in the spring and fall using an organic, slow-release fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the roots or cause leaf drop.
Pruning
Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg requires minimal pruning, mainly to control its size or to remove dead or diseased branches. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant and make clean cuts, leaving no stubs. Prune back to a leaf or bud to encourage new growth and maintain the desired shape of the plant.
Propagation of Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg
Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg, commonly known as the African star flower or the lance-leaved anthocleista, can be propagated through several methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg can be collected from the ripe fruits that often split open to release the seeds. The seeds should be thoroughly cleaned and sown in a mixture of sand and peat in a nursery bed or tray.
The seedlings should be transplanted into pots after about six months when they have developed their second set of leaves, and they should be kept in a shaded area with adequate watering until they are big enough to be planted in their permanent positions. Seed propagation may take up to two to three years to produce mature plants.
Hemispherical grafting
Hemispherical grafting can also be used as a propagation method for Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg. This technique involves making a cut in the bark of the stem and inserting a wedge-shaped piece of scion taken from the selected plant of choice. The scion and the rootstock are held together with plastic tape, and the grafted plant is kept in a shaded area with regular watering until it has produced new leaves.
This method is often used for individuals who want to acquire a specific species of the plant or for nurseries that want to produce large numbers of the plant for sale.
Cuttings propagation
Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken from Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg and propagated. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, and they should be about 8-10 cm long.
The leaves on the lower half should be removed, and the stem should be dipped into rooting hormone powder. The cutting should then be placed in a rooting medium such as sand and peat, and kept in a shaded area with adequate watering until roots are formed.
Once the cuttings have formed roots, they can be transplanted into pots or directly into the soil in their permanent positions.
Disease and Pest Management for Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg
Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg, commonly known as the Snake tree, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause damage or even death if left unchecked.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms of anthracnose include dark brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers, which eventually spread and cause affected parts to wilt and die. To manage anthracnose, infected plant parts must be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide designed to control the disease.
Another disease that can affect Snake trees is leaf spot, caused by the fungi Phaeoisariopsis griseola and Cercospora species. Leaf spot presents as small tan or gray spots on the leaves that gradually get larger and turn brown. To control leaf spots, remove all the infected leaves or parts of the plant. Avoid overhead irrigation to reduce the moisture content around the plant.
Common Pests
Several pests can affect Anthocleista lanceolata Gilg, including mealybugs, scales, and spider mites. Mealybugs can be detected by the white waxy substance they produce on different parts of the plant. They look like small cottony masses on the stem, leaves, and flowers. To control mealybugs, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil sprays.
Scales, on the other hand, feed on the plant sap and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as stunted growth. They produce an armor-like covering that makes them challenging to manage. You can use systemic insecticides to control scales effectively. Spider mites survive in hot, dusty conditions. They suck the sap out of plant cells and cause premature yellowing and leaf browning. To control spider mites, wash down the plant regularly, ensure proper watering and shorten the infested branch.
It is essential to implement a prevention strategy, consisting of regular inspection and control of insects, by keeping the plant healthy. Keep the plant in a location that promotes good air circulation and good light conditions. Healthy and strong plants have a better chance of fighting off pests and diseases. Proper fertilization schedule with low nitrogen levels will maintain plant vigor and help monitor the plant's health.
