Origin
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. is a plant species that is mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is commonly found in Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia, particularly in moist forest regions.
Common Names
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. is commonly known by its vernacular name “Mulumbo” in the Congo Basin region, where the plant is primarily found.
Uses
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. is widely known for its medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the plant is used as an antiseptic to cure various diseases, including fever, malaria, and diarrhea. Its leaves, stems, and roots are boiled to make an infusion that is ingested orally or applied topically to treat skin infections.
Besides its medicinal value, the plant is also known for its culinary uses in some African communities. Its leaves are used as a condiment and spice to add flavor to soup and stews.
General Appearance
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. is a small herbaceous plant with a woody base. The plant can grow up to 50 cm high and often branches at the top. Its leaves are oblong, lance-shaped, and shiny green, arranged oppositely along the stem. The plant produces small yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stem. Its fruits are tiny nutlets that are dispersed by wind or other means of transport.
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. adapts well to different soil types, but it thrives in well-drained soils with sufficient moisture content. The plant is highly tolerant of shade and prefers a humid tropical climate for growth and development.
Light Requirements
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This means that the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot climates, it is advisable to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) and does not tolerate frost. In areas with cold winters, it is necessary to protect the plant from frost or move it indoors during winter. However, the plant can tolerate cooler temperatures during the autumn months as it goes into dormancy.
Soil Requirements
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and a mixture of sand, loam, and compost is suitable. The plant can also grow in rocky soils provided that they are well-draining. Regular watering is necessary to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Cultivation methods
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob., commonly referred to as Lupoto mint, is a perennial plant that grows in well-drained soils in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires full sun to partial shade to thrive optimally.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, they should be sown in well-prepared soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil.
Watering needs
Becium aureoviride requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in dry conditions. When watering, ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. The plant can withstand drought conditions but with reduced growth and productivity.
The frequency of irrigation can also depend on the rainfall amount, relative humidity, and the type of soil. Shallow watering is not recommended as it can lead to shallow rooting, making the plant more susceptible to water stress.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and productivity of Becium aureoviride, it requires regular fertilization with balanced fertilizers such as NPK. Fertilizers should be applied as per the recommended rates, and timing of application can depend on the growth stage of the plant.
The frequency of fertilization can vary depending on the soil type and the availability of nutrients. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced essential oil production, thus affecting the plant's quality.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the health and vigor of Becium aureoviride. It involves the removal of dead or diseased leaves and stems, which can harbor pests and diseases. This also stimulates new growth and enhances the plant's shape and architecture.
Pruning should be done in the morning or evening to avoid the harsh sun's effects on the plant. The frequency of pruning can depend on the growth rate of the plant, and it is advisable to prune off 30-40% of the plant, especially during the flowering season, to promote bushier and fuller growth.
Propagation of Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob.
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. can be propagated in various ways, including:
Seeds
The plant can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix during the beginning of the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes between two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly outdoors.
Division
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. can also be propagated through division. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring or early autumn when the plant is actively growing. The root ball should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have several shoots and a healthy root system. The divided sections can then be separately potted in a well-draining soil mix or planted directly outdoors.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. is through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season from non-flowering shoots. The cuttings should be approximately 5-10 centimeters in length and should have at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until the cutting has rooted and starts to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Becium Aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. Lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob.
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. is a susceptible plant to pests and diseases. It is essential to identify the most common diseases and pests and adopt disease and pest management practices to maintain the plant's health.
Common Diseases
The plant is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. include:
- Anthracnose: This disease appears as small black or brown spots on the foliage, and it can cause significant damage to the leaves. Preventative measures include maintaining proper plant hygiene and using chemical controls.
- Pythium Root Rot: This disease attacks the plant's root system, causing wilting and stunting of the plant. The best way to manage this is to maintain good drainage and soil moisture control.
- Mildew: Mildew appears as white or grey powder-like patches on the plant, and it can cause extensive damage if left untreated. Use fungicides to control the spread of mildew.
Common Pests
Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. is also prone to various pests such as:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites appear as tiny red or black dots on the foliage, and they can cause extensive damage to the plant. Control spider mites by ensuring proper plant hydration and using insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies look like small white moths and can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking its sap. Use yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soaps to control whiteflies.
- Thrips: Thrips are small slender insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and become discolored. Use insecticidal soap to eliminate thrips.
It is advisable to adopt integrated pest and disease management strategies to control diseases and pests on Becium aureoviride P.A.Duvign. var. lupotoense (P.A.Duvign.) Ayob. This involves combining various methods such as cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls to manage and prevent the spread of pests and diseases effectively.
