Overview
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. is a plant species belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant is a deciduous tree, which typically grows up to 15 metres in height. The leaves are simple, alternate and elliptic to ovate, with a length of 2-10 cm and a width of 2-5 cm.
Common Names
This plant is known by several common names, including African bird cherry, Bridelia codonocarpa, pink ivory, and umnombolo.
Uses
The bark, roots, and leaves of Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. have been traditionally used in African culture for various medicinal purposes. The decoction of the bark or roots is used as a remedy for fever, dysentery, and as an anthelmintic. In Uganda, the bark is used to stimulate appetite in children and in the treatment of diarrhea. The plant is also used in many parts of Africa as a source of timber, fuel, and for making weapons. The wood is appreciated for its hardness, density, and durability, making it suitable for carving, furniture, and tool handles.
General Appearance
The plant is a deciduous tree that grows up to 15 metres in height, with a straight trunk and a roundish crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptic, measuring around 2-10 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width. The young leaves and shoots are often reddish, turning green as they mature. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, borne in clusters along the branches from November to February. The fruit is a small, round, and fleshy drupe, measuring around 1 cm in diameter, and turning reddish-orange when ripe. The bark is greenish-gray and smooth when young, becoming dark brown and fissured with age.
Growth Conditions for Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch.
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native to southern China and Southeast Asia, where it grows in a variety of habitats including forests, hillsides, and riverbanks.
Light Requirements
The plant prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some shade. In its native range, it often grows under the canopy of taller trees. Indoors, it should be placed in a well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. If the plant is not receiving enough light, it may produce smaller leaves and have slower growth.
Temperature Requirements
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 80°F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 12°C (54°F) but does not thrive in colder conditions. If the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F), the plant is at risk of frost damage and should be moved to a warmer location. It is also important to avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes, as this can cause stress and damage to the leaves.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a variety of soil types but does best in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. A soil mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and composted bark works well for Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. It is important to ensure that the plant is not sitting in water, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. is a slow-growing, small tree that can be grown in a garden as an ornamental plant. It is mostly propagated through seeds, and the best time to plant the seeds is during spring or early summer. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight to soften the covering before planting in well-drained soil. The plant requires well-drained soil with a pH value of 6.0 to 7.5, and it prefers full sunlight exposure but can tolerate light shade.
Watering Needs
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. requires moderate watering, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. The plant should be watered thoroughly every 3-4 days, and during hot summers, it may require more frequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow to its full potential. It should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 during the growing season, which is usually from spring to autumn. The fertilizer should be applied once a month in small amounts around the base of the plant. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it may cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. requires minimal pruning, and it should be done during the winter dormancy period. The pruning should be done to maintain the plant's shape and to remove any dead or damaged branches. The plant should not be pruned beyond 1/3 of its total volume in a single season. Over-pruning can lead to stunted growth and may even kill the plant.
Propagation of Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch.
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch. can be propagated through seed, stem cuttings and root cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii (Gehrm.) Hutch can be sown directly into the soil after removing the outer coat. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist by regular watering. Germination can take up to three months. Seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location once they have developed enough roots and leaves.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with strong stems and at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings should be planted into well-draining soil and kept moist. Rooting should occur in six to eight weeks. Once roots have developed, cuttings should be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
For root cuttings, select a healthy plant and dig up the entire root system. Cut the roots into pieces about 5 cm in length. Plant the pieces horizontally into well-draining soil. Keep moist and wait for plants to develop. It takes a few months to develop new buds and grow into a new plant.
Disease Management
Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii is a hardy plant with no known severe disease problems. However, it is susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections that can cause leaf spot, stem rot, and crown rot. These infections can be treated with proper cultural practices and fungicides.
To manage fungal and bacterial infections:
- Ensure good airflow by spacing the plants appropriately to reduce humidity levels.
- Practice proper irrigation by using drip irrigation or watering at the soil level in the morning to ensure that the leaves are dry before the night.
- Adopt good sanitation practices by removing diseased leaves and cutting and destroying infected plant parts.
- Use fungicides as a preventive measure or to treat severe infections. Ready-to-use fungicides available in the market can be sprayed on the plants, following the instructions on the package.
Pest Management
Several pests have been reported to affect Bridelia fischeri Pax var. lingelsheimii, including:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to curl up and turn brown. They can quickly reproduce and infest the entire plant if not controlled. To manage them, spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests are a common problem in hot, dry weather. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and premature dropping of leaves. They can also produce fine webbing around the leaves. To manage them, remove infested leaves and branches and spray the plants frequently with water to create a humid environment that discourages their growth. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests can damage the leaves and stem by chewing and making holes. They can be controlled by manually removing them and applying Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray to the plant.
- Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and hosts sooty mold. They can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
It is recommended to monitor plants regularly and identify problems early to manage pests and diseases successfully. Also, it is best to use organic and chemical control methods judiciously and follow the label instructions before applying.
