Overview
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg, commonly known as Upas tree or Antiaris, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Africa. It belongs to the Moraceae family and grows up to a height of 30 meters tall. The tree is well-known for its toxic bark, leaves, and sap.
General Appearance
The Antiaris toxicaria has a rough, dark, and fissured bark, which can be up to 2-3 centimeters thick. The leaves are alternate, simple, and up to 15 centimeters long. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers followed by small, round, brownish-red fruit which are up to 2 cm in diameter. Leaves and fruits are eaten by local people as a high protein and nutritious food source.
Origin
The Antiaris toxicaria is native to tropical Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tree is primarily found in tropical lowland forests and is often planted in urban areas for a range of purposes including medicine, wood, and fuel.
Common Names
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg is known by a variety of common names, depending on the region. It is commonly known as the Upas tree or Antiaris in English, Bois de mort (French), Luhya (Kiswahili), Owala (Yoruba), Uto (Luo), Atte (Igbo), or Mutuuba (Luganda).
Uses
The Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis has been used for centuries in African traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, rheumatism, hypertension, as well as being used as a laxative. However, it is highly toxic, with the bark having been used to make poison arrows in some African cultures. The tree is also used for timber, with the wood being durable and dense. Additionally, the tree is planted for shade, ornamental, and agroforestry purposes.
Growth conditions for Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg is a tropical plant species that is native to East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Uganda. It has a moderate growth rate and can reach heights of up to 30 meters in its natural habitat. For optimal growth and development, the following growth conditions should be considered:
Light requirements
The plant requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. In its native habitat, it is commonly found growing in open areas, such as along riverbanks and in forests that receive plenty of sunlight. As such, it is important to place the plant in an area that receives direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day.
Temperature requirements
This species thrives in warm temperatures and should be grown in areas with temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. During the cooler months, it is important to protect the plant from the cold by covering it with a protective cloth or moving it indoors to a warmer area.
Soil requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is nutrient-rich and has a slightly acidic pH. A soil mix that contains equal parts of loam, sand, and compost is ideal for growing this species. To aid in proper drainage, perlite or vermiculite can be added to the soil mix. It is also important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Antiaris Toxicaria Lesch. Var. Usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg
The Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg plant is native to Africa and is commonly known as the Upas Tree. It is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree that can reach up to 40 meters in height in the wild. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate and can be cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions.
The plant requires well-drained soil and full sunlight for optimal growth. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can be propagated by seed or vegetative methods such as cuttings, grafting, and air-layering. The optimal time for planting is during the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering Needs of Antiaris Toxicaria Lesch. Var. Usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg
The Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg plant requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Excessive watering can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is essential to avoid watering the leaves or flowers as this can cause fungal diseases.
The plant can tolerate drought conditions but may shed leaves and reduce growth if the soil is too dry for an extended period.
Fertilization for Antiaris Toxicaria Lesch. Var. Usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg
The Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg plant requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every three months during the growing season.
The amount of fertilizer applied should be based on the age and size of the plant. Young plants require less fertilizer compared to mature plants.
Pruning Antiaris Toxicaria Lesch. Var. Usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg
The Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg plant requires minimal pruning. Pruning should be done during the dry season to prevent the risk of fungal infections. The plant can be pruned to remove dead or diseased branches, promote air circulation, and encourage new growth.
The plant's canopy can be thinned out to control the height and spread. The pruning cuts should be made using sanitized equipment to prevent the spread of any diseases.
Propagation of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis, commonly known as the Upas tree or poison arrow tree, is an evergreen tree that is native to East Africa. The tree is usually propagated using seeds, cuttings, or air-layering.
Propagating Using Seeds
The Upas tree produces fruit that contains seeds. The fruit is typically collected when it is fully mature and has started to dry out. The seeds are then extracted from the fruit and cleaned. The seeds can be directly planted in a well-draining soil mix. Once planted, the soil needs to be kept moist, and the seeds should be kept in a warm, shaded area. The seeds usually germinate within two to three months.
Propagating Using Cuttings
The Upas tree can also be propagated using cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer. A six-inch-long piece of stem is taken from the tree, and all of the leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed. The cutting is then planted in pre-moistened, well-draining soil mix, and kept in a shaded area. The soil needs to be kept moist, and the cutting should take root within two to three months.
Propagating Using Air-Layering
Air-layering is also a viable option for propagating the Upas tree. This propagation method is typically done during the summer months. A branch on the tree is selected, and a one-inch-wide ring of bark is removed from the branch, exposing the inner wood. The ring is then treated with rooting hormone, and a ball of moist sphagnum moss is wrapped around the treated area. This area is then covered with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Once roots start to form, the branch can be cut off and planted in a well-draining soil mix in a shaded area.
Disease and Pest Management for Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. usambarensis (Engl.) C.C.Berg, commonly known as Mountain Antiaris, is a tropical tree species that grows up to 30 meters tall and is economically important for its timber and medicinal properties. However, it is also vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its yield potential and quality.
Common Diseases:
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that attacks the leaves, causing small, irregular shaped spots. The severity of leaf spot can vary, but it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and stems, use a fungicide, and ensure that the plant is well-ventilated.
Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that can cause wilting, sunken areas on the bark, and dieback of branches. The fungus enters the plant through wounds or natural openings and can spread quickly. Pruning infected branches may help reduce the spread of this disease, and applying a fungicide can also be helpful.
Common Pests:
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of black sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, spray the plant with a mixture of diluted rubbing alcohol and water or use insecticidal soap.
Mites: Spider mites are very small, and difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause significant damage to the plant. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn brown or yellow and can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with water to remove the mites, use a miticide spray, or release predatory insects such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped and have a hard outer covering. They pierce the plant and extract sap, which can weaken the plant, cause leaves to drop and ultimately kill the plant. To manage scale insects, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the plant stems and leaves.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestation and take appropriate action promptly to prevent further spread and damage. Use cultural techniques like pruning, fertilization, and irrigation to keep the plant healthy and reduce stress, making it less susceptible to diseases and pests.
