Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner, also known as the Upas tree, belongs to the family Moraceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, specifically Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo and Equatorial Guinea.
Common Names
The plant is also known by several names such as African poison arrow tree, arrow poison tree, and poison arrow wood.
Appearance
The Upas tree is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that typically grows up to 15 meters tall. It has a dense, spreading crown with branches that form a wide canopy. The bark of the tree is smooth and greyish-brown with vertical fissures and scales. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong to elliptical-shaped, with pointed tips and a glossy green surface.
The flowers of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner are tiny and greenish-yellow in colour, arranged in clusters on drooping spikes along the branches. The tree produces fruit in the form of brownish-yellow or pale green, fleshy, pear-shaped drupes that contain a large seed.
Uses
The Upas tree's sap and bark contain a potent toxin called antiarin, which is poisonous and can cause paralysis, severe respiratory distress and ultimately death if ingested or inhaled in sufficient quantities. However, the local communities in Africa have used these toxic properties for hunting purposes. The poison was once used to tip arrows and spears, hence the name Poison Arrow Tree.
The bark and leaves of the tree have been used in traditional medicine by local communities for various ailments such as fever, dysentery, malaria, and stomach aches. Some studies have revealed that they contain bioactive chemicals like tannins and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Overall, Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner is a fascinating but deadly plant with a rich history of uses by local communities in Africa.
Typical Growth Conditions for Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner, also known as the African upas tree, is a tropical plant that grows in specific environmental conditions. Below are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light
The African upas tree prefers full sunlight for optimal growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade but will grow more slowly and produce fewer fruits under such conditions. Therefore, it is important to plant this tree in an open area where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature
Being a tropical plant, Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner thrives in warm temperatures. It grows best when the temperature is between 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day and not below 20°C (68°F) at night. Extreme temperatures, either too high or too low, can affect the growth of this plant and reduce its fruiting capacity.
Soil Requirements
The African upas tree prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soil or soil with poor drainage as this can lead to root rot. The pH of the soil should range from 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth. Additionally, the plant requires regular fertilization with organic matter to improve soil fertility and provide nutrients for healthy growth.
In conclusion, the African upas tree requires full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained, loamy soil for optimal growth. By providing the right environmental conditions, growers can ensure healthy growth and maintain high fruiting capacity.
Cultivation of Antiaris Toxicaria Lesch. Var. Welwitschii (Engl.) Corner
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner, commonly known as the upas tree, is a tropical tree native to Africa. It is an attractive tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a dense canopy that provides shade.
Watering Needs
The Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Water the tree deeply at regular intervals, and make sure to water it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation due to hot temperatures.
Fertilization
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer, which is suitable for tropical trees.
Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, following the instructions on the label. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the tree.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner. Regular pruning helps to promote healthy growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and maintain an attractive shape.
Prune the tree during the dormant season, which is generally in late winter or early spring. Use a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears, and be sure to make clean cuts at the base of the branch or stem.
It is important to note that Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner has toxic sap that can cause skin irritation, so it is essential to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and long sleeves, when pruning the tree.
Propagation of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner Plant
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner is a rare and vulnerable plant species in East Africa that grows up to 30 meters tall. The plant's propagation can be achieved through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The production of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner seeds is quite rare, given the endangered status of the species. However, if available, the seeds should be sown immediately after they are harvested as they have minimal storage capacity. The seeds can be sown in organic, well-draining soil mixed with sand and coco peat. Frequent watering is also necessary to enhance seedling growth. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks after sowing.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings involves the use of stem or leaf cuttings to produce a new plant. The best cuttings for Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner are semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cutting should have a minimum of two leaves and be 15-20 cm in length. The cutting should then be planted in a mix of sand and compost and placed in a partially shaded area. It is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels until rooting occurs within a few weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is commonly used to propagate rare or challenging plants. In Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner, the propagation method of grafting is mostly used to reproduce desirable tree varieties. The grafting technique involves joining the of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii (Engl.) Corner scion with a rootstock from another plant in the same family. The grafted plant can then be grown in a pot or transplanted in a well-drained area in the garden.
Disease Management
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii is susceptible to a range of diseases, including:
- Leaf spot disease: This is a common fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves and may cause them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Root rot disease: This is caused by fungi in the soil and can cause wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure good drainage in the soil and avoid overwatering. Use fungicides on affected plants.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery growth on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune affected areas and spray with fungicides.
Pest Management
A number of pests can also affect Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii, including:
- Scale insects: These are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a sticky residue and yellowing of leaves. To manage scale insects, remove affected areas and apply insecticidal sprays.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests live on the undersides of leaves and cause yellowing and wilting of the plant. They can be managed by removing affected areas and applying insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can defoliate the plant and cause significant damage. To manage them, remove affected areas and apply insecticidal sprays.
Good cultural practices, such as regular pruning and removal of affected plant parts, can also help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests in Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. var. welwitschii.
