Overview of Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is a tropical plant species belonging to the family Passifloraceae, commonly known as Barteria. It is named after the Belgian biologist Jean Dewevrei. The plant is found in West Africa, with its natural range extending from Sierra Leone to Gabon. Barteria dewevrei is a small tree that typically grows to a height of 6 to 10 meters tall and has a wide crown.
General Appearance
The bark of the tree is dark, rough, and fissured. The leaves are large, glossy, and leathery, measuring around 10 to 20 cm in length and 6 to 15 cm in width. The flowers are yellowish-green, with five lobed petals that measure around 3 cm in length. They are borne on long, slender stalks that hang downwards from the tree's branches. Barteria dewevrei fruit is a berry, which is initially green and then turns purple when ripe. The fruit is around 6 to 8 cm in length and contains many small seeds.
Common Names
Barteria dewevrei is commonly known by different names such as False Ashok, False Golden Chalice, Dewevrei's Barteria, and Dewevrei's Pot.
Uses and Importance
Barteria dewevrei has been used in traditional African medicine as a remedy for various ailments such as fever, headache, stomachache, and rheumatism. The bark and roots contain alkaloids. They act as a stimulant, reducing fever and inflammation. The bark also has astringent properties, which is useful in treating dysentery or diarrhea. The leaves are also used by traditional healers to treat skin conditions like eczema and scabies. The fruit is edible but not commonly consumed in West Africa. The timber of Barteria dewevrei is used for making furniture, construction, and fuelwood.
Light Requirements
Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand requires bright but indirect sunlight to thrive. It is best to place the plant near a window that receives partial sun or in a shaded area outside. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures below 15°C. It is recommended to keep the plant in a warm location away from drafts and cold air conditioning.
Soil Requirements
Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand prefers well-draining loamy or sandy soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can be used to create the ideal soil mixture.
Cultivation methods for Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand can be grown in areas that receive partial to full sunlight, making it a suitable plant for both indoor and outdoor environments. It thrives best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 4.5 to 6.0. It is important to note that the plant requires enough space to grow since it can reach up to 6 feet in height.
Watering needs for Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
The plant requires moderate watering levels to survive. It is important not to overwater the plant to prevent root rot. During the growing season, the plant requires more frequent watering intervals that ensure the soil is moist, and the plant is hydrated. Reduce the watering intervals during the dormant season, allowing the soil to dry slightly before watering.
Fertilization of Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand requires minimal fertilization. Fertilize the plant using a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The best time to fertilize the plant is during the growing season when the plant actively needs nutrients. However, it is important to avoid overfertilization as it can lead to the depletion of soil nutrients and even damage the plant.
Pruning of Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Pruning Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before the growing season to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also important to prune the plant to maintain a good shape and size since the plant can reach up to 6 feet in height. Avoid pruning too much foliage since it can weaken the plant.
Propagation of Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Barteria dewevrei is an interesting plant that belongs to the family Passifloraceae, which is commonly known as the barteria family. This plant is found in tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. It can grow up to 12 m in height and has yellowish-green flowers that produce edible fruits. Propagation of this plant is usually done by seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds from Barteria dewevrei are usually collected when the fruit is ripe. The fruit is carefully picked from the plant and allowed to dry naturally. The seeds are then extracted and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet. The seeds usually germinate within 2-4 weeks, depending on the environmental conditions. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain size, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings from Barteria dewevrei are usually taken from matured plants. The cutting should have at least two nodes. The bottom node should be submerged in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept in a shaded area and given regular watering. Once roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting of Barteria dewevrei is usually done to improve the plant's resistance to diseases or to speed up the growth process. The process usually involves taking a scion from a mature plant and grafting it onto a rootstock from a different plant. The graft should be wrapped with a grafting tape to hold it in place and to prevent moisture loss. Once the graft has taken, the plant can be transplanted into the desired area.
Disease and Pest Management for Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as African cherry, is a small tree or shrub that is native to tropical West Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can weaken or kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Barteria dewevrei and suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, defoliation, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant debris and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be applied if needed.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts, increase air circulation, and apply fungicides if necessary. Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides can also be applied if needed.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant, causing leaves to become speckled and discolored. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the pests.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, scrape them off the plant with a soft brush or cloth and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control any remaining pests.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat holes in leaves and cause significant damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand when possible or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to kill the pests.
By following these suggestions for disease and pest management, you can help keep your Barteria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand healthy and looking its best.
