Overview of Calycobolus oddonii (De Wild.) Heine
Calycobolus oddonii (De Wild.) Heine is a perennial plant from the Rubiaceae family that is native to the African continent. This plant is also known by other synonyms, such as Gardenia oddonii De Wild. & T. Durand, Gardenia spinulosa Hutch., and Urophyllum oddonii (De Wild.) Kuntze
Common Names
Calycobolus oddonii is commonly referred to as the Chinese gardenia, oddon's gardenia or spinous gardenia as a result of its thorny stems and the characteristic fragrance that its flowers emit.
Uses
Calycobolus oddonii has a variety of uses that have been recognized by traditional African medicine practitioners. Its roots, stem bark, and leaves are used to treat a wide range of health issues, including malaria, fever, edema, and respiratory tract infections.
The plant is also recognized for its ornamental value, with its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers that bloom during the summer months. As a result, it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
General Appearance
The Calycobolus oddonii plant is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 meters in height. It has a thorny stem and branches that are covered in small, needle-like spines.
The leaves of the plant are small, dark-green, and glossy, with a leathery texture. The blossoms are white or cream in color and have a sweet, fragrant aroma, which is why the plant is often referred to as 'Chinese gardenia.'
Calycobolus oddonii plants prefer sunny locations and thrive in well-drained soils but can tolerate partial shade and various soil types. They require occasional pruning to maintain their form and flowering.
Light Requirements
The Calycobolus oddonii plant prefers bright, indirect light and should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause damage to the leaves. It is best to keep the plant near a window that receives filtered light or under a shade tree.
Temperature Requirements
The Calycobolus oddonii plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). It is important to avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F) as it can cause harm to the plant and affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
The Calycobolus oddonii plant grows well in soil that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. A mixture of potting soil and perlite is best for this plant. The soil pH should be between 6 and 7.5. The plant prefers slightly moist soil, but be cautious not to overwater as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Calycobolus oddonii is a tropical plant that is often grown indoors. Cultivation of this plant requires adequate light, well-draining soil, and a warm, humid environment. It is best grown in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
When transplanting Calycobolus oddonii, it is essential to use a pot that is at least two inches larger than the current pot. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Calycobolus oddonii will vary based on the season and environment. In general, it is important to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to wilt.
It is best to water the plant when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering due to increased evaporation.
Fertilization
Calycobolus oddonii requires regular fertilization to thrive. During the growing season, which typically occurs in spring and summer, the plant should be fertilized with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. During the winter months, the plant requires less fertilizer and may only need to be fertilized once a month.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to salt build-up in the soil, which can harm the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Calycobolus oddonii to grow and thrive. However, if the plant becomes too large or unruly, it can be pruned as needed. When pruning, it is essential to use clean, sharp shears to prevent damage to the plant.
The best time to prune Calycobolus oddonii is in the spring before new growth appears. Pruning can help encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too sparse.
Propagation of Calycobolus oddonii
Calycobolus oddonii can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Both methods have been successfully used to propagate the plant, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method for propagating Calycobolus oddonii. The seeds are small and can be collected when the seedpods start to split open. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and covered lightly with soil. The pot or seed tray should be placed in a warm, bright location, such as a windowsill or greenhouse. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Once the seedlings are big enough, they should be transplanted into individual pots. They should be planted in a soil mixture that is well-draining and high in organic matter. The young plants should be watered lightly and kept in a warm, bright location until they are ready to be transplanted into their final location.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method of propagating Calycobolus oddonii. This method is often used to propagate mature plants. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant during its growing season. They should be taken from the tips of the stems and should be 4-6 inches in length.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, bright location. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the cuttings to root.
Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be transplanted into individual pots and treated like seedlings until they are mature enough to be transplanted into their final location.
Disease Management
Calycobolus oddonii is generally a sturdy plant with a low risk of being affected by diseases. However, the plant may be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, which is a fungal disease that results in wilting and yellowing of the leaves and eventual death of the plant.
To manage Fusarium wilt in Calycobolus oddonii, one can apply fungicides with active ingredients such as thiophanate-methyl, fluopyram, and fludioxonil. Proper sanitation practices such as removing and destroying infected plant material, avoiding overhead irrigation, and ensuring good drainage can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Calycobolus oddonii is also not known to be heavily attacked by pests. However, some common pests that could potentially affect the plant include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
To manage spider mites, one can use insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem oil. For aphids and whiteflies, one can use insecticidal soap, horticultural oils, or insecticides containing active ingredients such as acephate, imidacloprid or pyrethroids.
In addition to chemical control, cultural practices such as regular inspection of the plants, removing weeds and debris that harbor pests, and ensuring proper irrigation and fertilization can help prevent pest infestations.
