Overview of Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild.
Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild., also known as wild yam, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is a rare species that is endemic to Central Africa. The plant is characterized by its unique appearance and several medicinal properties that make it valuable in traditional medicine.
General Appearance of Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild.
The Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild. plant is a woody climber that can reach up to 15 meters in length. The stem is slender and smooth, and the leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate. The plant bears flowers that are borne in groups of four or five on the axils of the leaves. The flowers are composed of three green sepals and six yellow petals. The fruit is an ovoid berry that turns yellow or orange-red when ripe.
Common Names of Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild.
Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild. has different common names in different African countries. In Cameroon, it is referred to as 'djolof', while in Gabon, it is called 'bidindji'. The plant is known as 'damalaa' or 'mbembe' in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 'mudiame' in Nigeria.
Traditional Uses of Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild.
The plant has several medicinal properties that have been recognized in traditional medicine. The bark of the plant is used to relieve stomach aches, and the leaves are used to treat skin infections. The fruit is said to have a sedating effect and is used to treat anxiety and insomnia. The plant is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild. also has cultural significance in some African communities. In Cameroon, the plant is used in traditional ceremonies to ward off evil spirits and protect the community from harm.
Light Requirements
Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. thrives in moderate to high light environments. It is best grown in locations that receive partial to full sunlight to ensure optimal growth conditions. Low light environments should be avoided as it might result in stunted growth and reduced fruit production
Temperature Requirements
The Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 21°C to 35°C. The plant cannot withstand extreme temperatures and should be protected from frost. The minimum temperature the plant can tolerate is approximately 5°C. Consistent temperatures are essential for proper growth and developmental stages.
Soil Requirements
The Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. requires well-draining soils that are enriched with organic matter. The pH levels of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. The plant prefers soils with good water retention capabilities but has low tolerance to waterlogged soils, which might cause root rot and stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. plant is a tropical flowering vine that is native to Africa. It grows well in warm, humid conditions, soil that is rich in organic matter, and partial to full shade. The ideal temperature for its growth is between 70°F to 85°F.
You can grow Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. in containers or in the ground. If you choose to plant it in a pot, ensure that the pot is at least 18 inches deep and wide. Plant the vine in well-draining potting soil to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. needs consistent moisture to thrive. Water it regularly, but avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot. The plant needs about an inch of water per week, but this can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
If you are growing Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. in a container, it may require more frequent watering than ground-planted vines. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer, and dilute it to half strength before application. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months when it is dormant.
You can also add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil, which will provide the plant with necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. requires minimal pruning to grow and flower well. However, you can prune it lightly to shape and manage its growth. Prune away any dead or damaged growth and remove any stems that are growing out of bounds.
Prune the vine after it has finished flowering to promote new growth and encourage a bushier shape. This will also help to keep the plant from becoming too leggy. You can prune it back by up to one-third of its size without harming the plant.
Propagation of Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild.
Artabotrys Malchairi De Wild., also known as "Ugenti's Climbing Ylang Ylang," is a tropical plant commonly found in African rainforests. Propagation of this plant is best achieved through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Artabotrys malchairi are small, about 1-2mm in size. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture with compost, river sand, and loam in a ratio of 2:1:1 respectively. The ideal time to sow the seeds is during the early months of spring. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for about 24 hours, then plant them in the soil mixture. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and mist thoroughly. Germination should commence within 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Artabotrys malchairi can easily be propagated through softwood cuttings using stem cuttings of 10-15cm taken from a healthy plant during early summer. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into a well-draining soil mixture containing equal parts of sand, compost, and perlite in a shaded area. Water the cutting thoroughly, cover it with a clear plastic bag, and spray mist the plant daily.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can also be used to propagate Artabotrys malchairi. This method is ideal for the propagation of sterile or weak varieties. Choose a healthy rootstock and remove its leaves. Prepare a scion from a healthy plant and remove its leaves as well. Cut both the rootstock and scion at an angle, ensuring that their diameters match. Join both stem surfaces together and wrap them with a grafting tape. Cover the graft union with a clear plastic bag and place the plant in a cool and shaded area. Keep the soil moist and remove the plastic bag after four weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Artabotrys malchairi De Wild.
Artabotrys malchairi De Wild. is a tropical plant that grows in dense woods and along rivers in Central Africa. The fruits and leaves of the plant have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments. However, the plant is vulnerable to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Here we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Artabotrys malchairi and their management.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose is one of the most common diseases that affect Artabotrys malchairi. It is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove the infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Use of fungicides can also help in preventing the spread of the disease.
Root rot is another disease that affects Artabotrys malchairi. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet and poorly-drained soil. To prevent root rot, it is essential to plant the Artabotrys malchairi in well-drained soil and avoid over-watering.
Common Pests
Mealybugs and scale insects are two common pests that can affect the growth of Artabotrys malchairi. They suck sap from the plant and cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage these pests, use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be effective. Frequent monitoring of the plant is also recommended to detect any infestations early.
Leaf miners are another pest that can affect the leaves of Artabotrys malchairi. They cause characteristic trails or tunnels on the leaves, reducing the photosynthesis efficiency of the plant. To manage these pests, removal of the infected parts of the plant and use of insecticides can be helpful.
In summary, the management of diseases and pests in Artabotrys malchairi involves preventive measures such as planting in well-drained soil, monitoring of the plant, and using appropriate chemicals for controlling the pests and diseases. With appropriate management practices, it is possible to maintain the health and growth of Artabotrys malchairi and reap its medicinal benefits.
