Origin
Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus is a plant native to tropical East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. It grows naturally in forests, riverbanks, and grasslands.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as East African Greenheart, African Artabotrys, and Mwavuli in Swahili.
Uses
The stem bark, root bark, and leaves of Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like stomachache, headache, and fever. The stem bark also possesses insecticidal properties and is used for protecting stored maize and beans from insect damage. Additionally, the plant is also used in perfumery, and the bark is used for tanning leather.
General Appearance
Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus is a climbing shrub that can reach a height of up to 12 meters. It has green, velvety leaves that are heart-shaped and about 10 cm long. The flowers are greenish-white and grow in clusters of up to 20. The fruit is an oblong capsule, about 6-8 cm long, which splits open when ripe to reveal numerous seeds. The stem is woody, and the bark is smooth and greenish-brown, becoming darker with age.
Growth Conditions of Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus
Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus is a tropical plant requiring specific growth conditions for optimum growth. Below are some essential growth conditions:
Light Conditions
The plant needs a moderate amount of sunlight to grow correctly. It does not grow well in low light conditions. However, too much direct sunlight can damage the plant and stunt its growth. Thus, indirect or partial sunlight is preferable.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive; it grows well in temperatures ranging from 26-30°C. Temperatures below 20°C can lead to stunted growth or even death. The plant is also intolerant to frost and cold weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant needs fertile, well-draining soil conditions to grow correctly, with an optimal pH range of 6-6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, minerals, and nutrients. Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus can grow in sandy or loamy soil, but it cannot tolerate heavy clay soil that is poorly drained.
Water Requirements
The plant requires frequent watering but does not like to be waterlogged. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. The plant also requires high humidity levels to grow well. Thus, it is advisable to mist the plant often to keep the humidity levels high.
Cultivation Methods
Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil and partial shade for optimal growth. The plant can be grown in pots or in the ground, as long as the soil is enriched with organic matter. It is recommended to propagate the plant through stem cuttings or layering.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is essential for Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus's growth and development. Water the plant thoroughly and deeply once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and temperature levels. Avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot and damage the plant. Always ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Feeding Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus with balanced fertilizers regularly helps to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Apply a slow-release fertilizer every four months or a liquid fertilizer every two months during the growing season. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers, which may promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining a healthy and vigorous Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus. Prune the plant after flowering to remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Pinch the growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and promote the production of new shoots. Remove any suckers from the base of the plant to prevent overcrowding and improve circulation.
Propagation of Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus
There are several methods of propagating Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus, including:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated by seed. The seeds need to be harvested from ripe fruits and sown immediately after collection. The seedlings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist, warm, and out of direct sunlight until they establish roots.
Stem Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the stem tips in the early spring or summer. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in the late autumn or winter. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm long and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm and out of direct sunlight until they establish roots.
Air-layering
Another way to propagate Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus is through air-layering. The stem of the plant is girdled, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound, and a moist growing medium is applied to the girdled portion. The stem is then wrapped in a plastic bag, and after roots have developed, the stem is cut, and the new plant is potted.
Division
The plant can also be propagated by division. The plant can be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has roots and stems. These divisions can be planted into separate pots or directly to the garden after transplanting shock has been minimized through careful watering and protection from excessive sun and wind exposure.
Disease Management
Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus may be susceptible to various kinds of fungal infections. One common disease that can affect the plant is anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Fungal diseases usually thrive in wet and humid conditions, so maintaining good sanitation practices can help prevent their growth. If the infection has already occurred, it is recommended to prune and remove all infected parts. Fungicides can also be used, but only after a proper diagnosis of the disease has been made.
Pest Management
The Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus plant can be susceptible to different pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Mealybugs are small insects that secrete a powdery wax-like substance, making them difficult to identify. Aphids and scale insects, on the other hand, are visible and can easily be spotted on leaves or stems.
Controlling these pests can be challenging, but physical methods such as manually removing them from the plant and using a blast of water to dislodge them can help. Insecticides can also be applied to the plant, but they must be selected after considering their potential impact on beneficial insects.
It is important to note that healthy plants are more resistant to disease and pest infestation. Therefore, it is necessary to provide proper care and nutrition to the Artabotrys velutinus Scott-Elliot var. velutinus plant, including adequate watering, fertilization, and pruning to maintain its health and growth.
