Overview
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique is a tropical, medicinal plant that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is a large shrub or small tree, reaching up to 3-4 meters in height and is characterized by its distinctive cone-shaped clusters of yellow flowers and green fruits.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to tropical regions of Africa, specifically Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. It can be found growing in the underbrush of rainforests, along riverbanks, and in other damp, shady locations.
Common Names
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique is commonly known as "Lambayeque" in the Congo, "Etikukwo" in Nigeria, and "Mufunza" in Cameroon.
Uses
The plant has several traditional medicinal uses in Africa, where it is used to treat numerous ailments, including fever, headaches, toothaches, and malaria. The bark and leaves contain several compounds that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-malarial properties. In addition, the plant has potential applications in agriculture, as its extracts have been shown to be effective in controlling certain pests and diseases in crops.
General Appearance
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique is a small tree or large shrub, with a dark bark with pronounced fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate and oblong-elliptic. The flowers are yellowish-green and have a strong, sweet fragrance that is often compared to the scent of anise. The fruit of the plant is shaped like a cone and is green in color, eventually maturing to a woody brown. The plant produces its flowers and fruits throughout the year.
Light Requirements
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique requires bright, indirect light to grow well. The plant can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical regions and prefers warm temperatures between 18°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but must be protected from cold drafts and frost.
Soil Requirements
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant benefits from regular applications of fertilizer during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used every two weeks. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied every two to three months.
Cultivation
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique, commonly known as "Annona Climbing Ylang" is native to Madagascar and commonly cultivated in tropical regions. It grows best in warm temperatures of about 25-30°C (77-86°F) and humidity levels of about 60-70%. The plant thrives in well-draining soils rich in organic matter and with a pH range of 6.0-6.5.
Watering
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique requires sufficient water to grow and bear fruits. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week to maintain uniformly moist soil. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to waterlogging and root rot. During the dry season, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the plant from wilting.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the plant every three months. Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide a gradual supply of nutrients to the plant. Additionally, apply organic matter such as compost and manure to the soil to improve soil fertility and structure.
Pruning
Prune Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique to maintain its shape, promote healthy growth, and control its size. The best time to prune the plant is after the flowering season. Cut off any dead or diseased branches and prune back any branches that are growing too long. Avoid pruning too much as it may reduce the yield of the plant.
Propagation of Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique, commonly known as the Climbing Ylang Ylang, is a tropical plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a woody vine that typically grows in forests, with its flowering season occurring from April to August. This plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Artabotrys robustus can be propagated through seed, but this method is only recommended for experienced gardeners. The seeds require a lot of care and attention, as they have a hard outer shell that needs to be scarified before planting. Hence, seeds need to be soaked in water for 24 hours and then filed or nicked with a razor blade or sandpaper. After preparing seeds, plant them in a well-drained soil mix and moisten the soil surface. They will germinate in about 4-6 weeks.
Cutting propagation
The most common method of propagation for Artabotrys robustus is through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings obtained from the plant's current growth can be placed in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting soil. Place the pot under filtered light and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root in around 4-6 weeks and will be ready for transplant to a bigger pot or garden bed.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation technique that involves the creation of a wound in the stem of the plant to stimulate root growth. Artabotrys robustus can be propagated through air layering during the growing season. The process involves selecting a suitable branch, removing the bark from the desired area, and packing the wound with moist peat moss or sphagnum moss. Cover this with plastic wrap and secure its ends with a string. Roots will develop at the wounded area and will be ready for transplant within two to three months.
Disease and Pest Management for Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique
Artabotrys robustus Louis ex Boutique is a tropical plant species. Hence, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests prevalent in the tropical regions. Below, we discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Leaf spot disease: This disease manifests as small, circular, or angular, water-soaked leaf spots that expand and merge to form large areas of dead tissue. Leaf spot diseases are caused by different fungal pathogens, such as Cercospora, Alternaria, and Myrothecium species. To manage leaf spot disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Apply a fungicide containing copper or chlorothalonil on the plant foliage, following the label instructions.
2. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal infection that causes white, powdery patches on the plant leaves, stems, and flowers. Powdery mildew thrives in warm, humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering, prune dense foliage to increase air circulation, and apply a fungicide containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate on the affected plant parts.
3. Anthracnose: This disease causes yellowing and curling of plant leaves, followed by the death of the affected tissue. Anthracnose is caused by different fungal pathogens, such as Colletotrichum and Glomerella species. To manage anthracnose disease, prune infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide containing copper, mancozeb, or thiophanate-methyl, following the label instructions.
Pests
1. Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the plant sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth of the leaves. Spider mites thrive in warm, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, spray the plant foliage with a miticide containing abamectin or pyrethrin, following the label instructions.
2. Scale insects: These insects attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. Scale insects secrete a waxy coating that protects them from predators and pesticides. To manage scale insects, apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap on the plant parts where scale insects are present, using a soft-bristled brush to remove the waxy coating before applying the treatment.
3. Caterpillars: These insects feed on the plant leaves, causing defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant and destroy them. You can also apply a biological pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis on the plant foliage, following the label instructions.
