Origin
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. is a species of plant native to tropical Africa. It can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Nettle-leaved Artabotrys". In Cameroon, it is referred to as "Kwodon" in the Bakossi language and "Gborbong" in the Aghem language. In Gabon, it is known as "Mboungou-mboungou" in the Lumbu language.
Uses
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. has several traditional medicinal uses. The bark and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and respiratory disorders. The plant contains alkaloids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
The plant is also used in the production of essential oils. The oil extracted from the stem and roots is used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
General Appearance
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. is a climbing shrub that can grow up to 10 meters long. It has thin, green leaves that are ovate or elliptic in shape, and have a pointed tip. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that emit a pleasant fragrance. The fruit is a fleshy, orange-red berry that contains numerous small seeds.
The stem and roots of the plant are covered in fine hairs, which give the plant a fuzzy appearance. The plant has a woody stem and is able to climb trees and other plants in order to reach sunlight.
Growth Conditions for Artabotrys hispidus:
Artabotrys hispidus is a tropical, evergreen plant that typically grows in moist, lowland forests. It is commonly found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Light Requirements:
Artabotrys hispidus grows well in partial shade or dappled sunlight. It prefers a location with bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. It should be protected from intense sun exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements:
The temperature range for Artabotrys hispidus should be between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. It thrives in warm and humid conditions. The temperature should not fall below 13 degrees Celsius, or the plant may experience cold damage.
Soil Requirements:
Artabotrys hispidus grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular fertilization with balanced, slow-release fertilizer will enhance plant growth.
Cultivation of Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch.
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. is a climbing plant that loves warm and humid conditions. It thrives in a tropical climate, and it can be grown both in the ground and in pots. Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil adequately. Adding manure or compost can help improve the soil fertility and drainage.
Watering Needs of Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch.
The Artabotrys hispidus plant requires regular watering. Young plants require more water than mature ones as they haven't developed the extensive root systems yet. They appreciate a consistent moisture level, so make sure the soil doesn't dry out. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization of Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch.
The evergreen tropical vine of Artabotrys hispidus thrives in fertile soil. They appreciate regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer) to help support healthy foliage and the development of rich and aromatic flowers. You can use a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release one to supply the nutrients necessary for optimal growth. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to burnt leaves.
Pruning of Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch.
The Artabotrys hispidus plant requires periodic pruning to keep it under control, promote growth, and encourage the formation of new flowers. It is best to prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and prevent it from becoming too bushy. You can cut back the vines to the required height, and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to support vibrant growth.
Propagation of Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch.
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. is a climbing plant that can be propagated using several methods:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from the ripe fruits and sown immediately, as they lose viability quickly. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays containing a mix of compost and soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to six weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a warm and well-lit environment.
Cuttings propagation
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants in the early morning when the plant tissues are turgid. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should include a few leaves. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a rooting medium. The rooting medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment. The cuttings should root within four to six weeks.
Air-layering propagation
Another method of propagating Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. is through air-layering. This method involves making a cut in a stem, applying rooting hormone to the exposed tissue, and wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be wrapped with plastic or foil to keep it moist. Roots will develop at the cut end of the stem, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant once the roots are well-developed. This method may take several months to produce a new plant.
Overall, Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and with proper care and attention, these propagation methods can yield healthy and vigorous new plants.
Disease Management
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. or the climbing ylang-ylang is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: Infected leaves develop small, circular, water-soaked spots that expand to form larger lesions.
- Anthracnose: It causes the appearance of irregular, sunken, dark lesions on stems, leaves, and flowers.
- Rust: Infected leaves show orange-yellow pustules on the undersides.
To manage these fungal diseases, practice good sanitation by promptly removing and disposing of infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering, keep the plant foliage dry, and improve air circulation through proper spacing and pruning. Fungicides may be used if the disease is severe.
Pest Management
Artabotrys hispidus Sprague & Hutch. can also be attacked by insect pests such as:
- Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from leaves, causing them to yellow and drop prematurely.
- Mealybugs: They infest the plant and cause stunted growth and distortion of leaves and flowers.
- Aphids: These pests also suck sap from leaves and release honeydew, which attracts ants and other insects.
To manage insect pests, regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest infestations. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to the garden. Prune and discard infested plant parts and hand-pick insects when possible. Pesticides may be used if the infestation is severe.
Always follow the instructions carefully when using pesticides, and choose the safest product available. Apply pesticides during calm weather to reduce drift, and avoid spraying when beneficial insects are present.
