Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms: Overview
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. It is a rare plant native to Tropical West Africa, which includes countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant is known for its beautiful flowers, which make it a popular ornamental plant among gardeners. Additionally, the plant is also used for medicinal purposes within its native regions.
Common names
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms is known by several common names designed for this plant, including African Green Heart, African Tulipwood, Akomannie, Ntieum, Bophelo, Mbembella, Mfilo, Bakurom, Esenhaman, and Ntaba.
Uses
The Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms plant is an important medicinal plant in West Africa. The bark is used in herbal medicine for treating a wide range of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach aches. The leaves and roots of the plant are also used to make traditional medicines for various illnesses.
Furthermore, the Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms plant is a popular ornamental plant, prized for its beautiful flowers that bloom throughout the year, adding an aesthetic value to gardens and parks. The plant is also used for shade and erosion control planted along watercourses, river basins, and disturbance-prone areas like mining sites.
General Appearance
The Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms plant is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30m in height. The plant has a straight trunk with rough, scaly, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are simple with oblong to elliptical shapes measuring about 8-14cm long, 3-6cm wide with a broadly acute apex and bluntly acute to emarginate base, and hairless. The plant produces beautiful, yellow or orange, tubular-shaped flowers that are arranged in large clusters. The fruit is a capsule measuring about 4cm in diameter which contains many small, brownish-red seeds.
Growth Conditions for Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms is a flowering plant species native to tropical West Africa. It belongs to the family of Rubiaceae and can grow up to 20m high in the wild.
Light Requirements
The plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some levels of shade. However, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can damage the leaves and cause sunburns.
Temperature Requirements
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 18°C and 28°C. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should be protected from frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 is optimal for growth. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this may lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms is a plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It is usually grown in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. This plant requires partial shade or dappled sunlight for optimal growth and development. It is best grown in areas with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Propagation of Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms can be done either through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with at least two nodes and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in moist soil or water and ensure that it gets sufficient sunlight. In air layering, select a healthy branch and make a cut at the bottom of the branch. Apply rooting hormone and wrap the area with moist sphagnum moss. Roots will develop after several weeks, and the branch can be cut and potted.
Watering Needs
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. During periods of drought, ensure that the plant is adequately watered to prevent the leaves from drying out. However, too much water can result in root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth and development. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every three to four months during the growing season. You can also supplement with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks to boost growth and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms care. It helps to promote bushy growth, discourage leggy growth, and ensure a more attractive appearance. Prune the plant in early spring before the growing season begins. Remove any damaged or dead branches, as well as those that are growing in the wrong direction. You can also pinch off the tips of young branches to promote bushy growth.
Propagation of Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms is a tropical tree native to west and central Africa. It is commonly known as the African teak or Afrormosia and is widely valued for its durable wood and decorative foliage. Propagating Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms is relatively easy and can be accomplished through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruit and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and warm, with temperatures maintained between 21-27°C (70-80°F). Germination of Calpocalyx macrostachys seeds can take up to three weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature trees during the active growing season. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long with a few leaves attached. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed to prevent moisture loss through transpiration. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and warm, with temperatures maintained between 21-27°C (70-80°F).
Air Layering
Air layering is a more advanced method of propagation but can produce a larger plant in a shorter period of time. To air layer a Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms tree, a small branch should be selected, and a ring of bark removed from the middle of the stem. A rooting hormone is applied to the wound, and the wound is covered with a moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be wrapped in plastic and kept moist. After several weeks, roots will appear in the sphagnum moss, and the branch can be cut from the parent tree and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Propagation of Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms can be rewarding, and the resulting trees can be planted in gardens and landscapes, providing both decorative foliage and valuable timber.
Disease and Pest Management for Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms is a relatively resistant plant to diseases and pests. However, it may sometimes develop health issues when in inappropriate culture conditions or care. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them:
Diseases
The common diseases that affect Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms include:
- Fungal infections: This plant is vulnerable to fungal cultivations like powdery mildews, downy mildews, and root rot. Once you notice any signs of fungal infections like discoloration, curling of leaves, and presence of a white, powdery substance on leaves, you should isolate the plant and find the kind of fungus attacking it. Treatment may include fungicide and pruning of affected parts.
- Viral infections: The common symptoms of viral infections include yellowing, stunting, and wilting of leaves. Unfortunately, it is not easy to identify the specific virus attacking the plant. It is thus advisable to remove the plant and destroy to prevent it from spreading to other plants in the garden.
Pests
Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms is relatively resistant to pests, but some may still cause damage. They include:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests known to infest the undersides of leaves, causing them to yellow and have a stippled appearance. Treatment involves isolation of the affected plant and spraying with an insecticide.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs appear as small, white, fluffy masses on leaves or along stems. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and causes black mold and fungal infections in the plant. The best strategy for treating mealybugs is to isolate the affected plant, use alcohol-dipped cotton balls to wipe mealybugs off and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects appear as brown, waxy bumps that are usually found on the underside of leaves. They suck sap from the plant causing yellowing, wilting, and even death. Treatment involves isolating the affected plant and brushing or using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap to wipe away the scales.
It is important to note that proper plant care can prevent diseases and pests from attacking your plant. Regularly check the plant's health, maintain proper watering, and ensure it gets the correct amount of light, temperature, and humidity. With a little attention, your Calpocalyx macrostachys Harms can remain healthy and pest-free.
