Origin
Artabotrys stenopetalus Engl. & Diels is a species of flowering plant in the Annonaceae family. It is native to West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
Artabotrys stenopetalus is commonly known as African climbing yam, snake berry, and gbongbo in Nigeria.
Uses
The fruit of Artabotrys stenopetalus is edible and is sometimes used to make a local drink. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in the treatment of malaria, fever, and coughs. The stem bark and root of the plant are used to treat fever, stomachache, and constipation. The leaves are used to treat coughs and rheumatism. The plant also has potential as a natural insecticidal agent, as extracts from the leaves and stem bark have been shown to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
General Appearance
Artabotrys stenopetalus is a woody climbing shrub that can grow up to 30 meters in length. Its stems are green when young, turning brown or gray as they mature. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate, with a glossy green surface and a slightly hairy underside. The flowers are small and yellow, and are borne on axillary peduncles that can grow up to 5 cm in length. The fruit is a cylindrical, green, and warty berry that can reach up to 50 cm in length and 8 cm in diameter. The fruit contains numerous seeds that are embedded in a white, juicy pulp.
Light Requirements
Artabotrys stenopetalus is a shade-loving plant that requires moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause its delicate leaves to burn, so it should be placed in an area that receives filtered or diffused light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Artabotrys stenopetalus is between 20°C to 25°C. Temperatures lower than 15°C can cause the plant to suffer, and temperatures above 30°C can become detrimental to its growth and development. It is important to keep the plant in a stable and consistent temperature range to prevent any temperature-related stress.
Soil Requirements
Artabotrys stenopetalus prefers a well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, between 6.0 to 6.5. The plant is not very tolerant of waterlogged soils, so it is essential to ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. A soil mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be an excellent choice for Artabotrys stenopetalus.
Cultivation
Artabotrys stenopetalus, commonly known as climbing ylang-ylang, requires a warm and humid climate. It is best grown in areas with an average temperature of 25-30°C. It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. When planting, it is recommended to use well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering Needs
This plant requires consistent watering. It is recommended to water regularly, never allowing the soil to completely dry out. In hot and dry weather, it may be necessary to water every day.
Fertilization
Artabotrys stenopetalus requires regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer, with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of Artabotrys stenopetalus. It is recommended to prune after flowering to encourage new growth. Dead or damaged branches should also be removed. Regular pruning will help ensure healthy growth.
Propagation of Artabotrys stenopetalus Engl. & Diels
Artabotrys stenopetalus Engl. & Diels, also known as the climbing ylang-ylang, can be propagated through different methods. These include:
1. Seed propagation
Artabotrys stenopetalus seeds are usually collected from mature fruits and should be sown immediately. The seeds are washed to remove any pulp and then soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours. After soaking, the seeds are sown in sand or a mixture of sand and peat moss in a ratio of 1:1 and kept in a warm and humid place until germination, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.
2. Cutting propagation
The stem cuttings of Artabotrys stenopetalus can be used for propagation. The cuttings are usually taken from the tip of the stem, and they should have at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes are removed, and the cuttings are treated with a rooting hormone and then inserted in a well-drained potting mix. The cuttings should be misted regularly, kept in a warm and humid place, and protected from direct sunlight until they have rooted. This usually takes 4-8 weeks.
3. Layering propagation
Artabotrys stenopetalus can be propagated by layering as well. This method involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and burying a part of it in the soil. The stem is kept securely in place by a wire, and a layer of soil is placed on top of the buried stem. Over time, roots will form at the buried section. Once a sufficient number of roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted elsewhere.
Disease Management:
Artabotrys stenopetalus Engl. & Diels is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, just like every other plant, it may still be susceptible to some diseases. The common diseases that affect this plant are fungal and bacterial diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
The best way to manage powdery mildew is to prevent it from happening in the first place. You can do this by ensuring that the plant gets proper airflow. If the disease has already affected the plant, remove the infected parts, and throw them away to prevent the disease from spreading. For leaf spot and root rot, the best way to manage these diseases is to avoid overwatering the plant. Make sure the soil is well-drained, and water only when the soil is dry.
Pest Management:
Artabotrys stenopetalus Engl. & Diels may also be attacked by pests, with the most common pests being scale insects and spider mites. Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck sap from the plant while spider mites feed on the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and a general decline of the plant.
The best way to manage scale insects is to prune off any affected parts and destroy them. You can also use horticultural oils to smother the scale insects. For spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps to control them. Ensure that you spray the undersides of the leaves, where the spider mites are mostly located. It's also essential to provide adequate water to the plant since spider mites thrive in warm and dry environments.
