Overview
Campylospermum engama (De Wild.) Farron is a tropical shrub belonging to the Clusiaceae family. This plant is native to Central Africa and plays a significant role in African traditional medicine.
Common Names
Campylospermum engama is commonly referred to as "Masonjoanyie" or "Masonjoyie" in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it is extensively used in traditional medicine.
Appearance
Campylospermum engama is a woody shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The plant has brownish-black bark and thin, wavy branches. The leaves are simple, elliptical, and shiny, measuring roughly 4 to 10 cm in length and 2 to 7 cm in width. The flowers of the plant are small and yellowish, with a diameter of 2-3 cm.
Uses
Campylospermum engama is extensively used in African traditional medicine to treat various respiratory disorders, including asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The plant is also used to reduce fever, relieve pain, and alleviate gastrointestinal problems. In addition, the roots and bark of the plant are used to treat infertility in women and men.
Light Requirements
The Campylospermum engama thrives in full sunlight exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow properly. Without adequate sunlight, the plant's leaves may turn yellow, and growth may be stunted. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in a location where it can receive enough light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate warm temperatures, with the average temperature ranging from 20 to 27 °C. The minimum temperature required for growth is around 15°C. Therefore, it is important to maintain the right temperature range for the plant's proper growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH of between 5.0 and 6.5. It can grow in various soil types, such as sandy loam, clay loam, and sandy clay loam, with a moderate level of fertility. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The addition of organic matter to the soil is recommended to enhance the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Campylospermum engama (De Wild.) Farron is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity. It prefers well-draining soils with a neutral pH between 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can be grown outdoors in warm regions or indoors in colder climates, but it requires adequate sunlight exposure for proper growth. Cellular multiplication through meristem culture propagation has been the most successful and widespread method for the multiplication of this plant.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot, thus damaging the plant. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. It is important to check the moisture content of the soil and water it accordingly. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to provide the plant with adequate nutrients for proper growth. Using a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 every two weeks during the growing season is recommended. Over-fertilization can result in the burning of leaves and can damage the root system of the plant.
Pruning
Campylospermum engama (De Wild.) Farron does not require much pruning. However, it is recommended to trim dead or damaged leaves and stems as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases. It is also recommended to trim leggy stems to promote branching and to shape the plant as desired. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, preferably in early spring to stimulate new growth.
Propagation of Campylospermum engama (De Wild.) Farron
Campylospermum engama (De Wild.) Farron can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering. It is recommended to propagate the plant during the spring and summer months when the temperatures are warm and favorable for seed germination and rooting of cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Campylospermum engama is through seeds. The seeds of the plant can be collected when they are ripe during the fall and winter months. To improve germination rates, it is best to soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting them in a well-draining soil mixture. The seeds should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location that receives indirect sunlight until they germinate.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Campylospermum engama. Select healthy, young stems that are free from diseases and pests, and cut them into 4-6 inch sections. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cuttings in a rooting hormone before planting them in a soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect sunlight until the cuttings have developed roots and are ready to be transplanted.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves wounding a section of the stem and allowing roots to develop before cutting it off and planting it as a new plant. This method can be a bit more complicated and time-consuming but can yield excellent results. To propagate Campylospermum engama by air layering, select a healthy stem and make a small cut in it. Apply a rooting hormone to the wound and wrap it with damp moss or other appropriate rooting medium. Secure the moss with plastic wrap and wait until roots develop before cutting the stem and planting it in a soil mixture.
Disease Management
Campylospermum engama is generally a healthy plant, but it may suffer from fungal leaf spots, rust, and root rots. These diseases can significantly reduce plant productivity and lead to the plant's death if they are not controlled.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices. This involves removing all dead and diseased plant materials from around the plant. You should also rotate the plant with non-host crops and avoid planting in areas where the disease has been previously observed.
Fungicides can also be used for disease management. You should apply the fungicide at the first signs of disease development and repeat the application according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Pest Management
Campylospermum engama is vulnerable to pest infestations, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, reducing the quality and quantity of the yield.
One of the most effective ways to manage pest infestations is through the use of biological control. This involves introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to the field to feed on the pest insects.
You can also use chemical control methods, such as insecticides or miticides, to manage pest infestations. However, it is important to use these methods with caution to avoid harming beneficial insects and pollinators.
Cultural practices such as removing weeds from around the plant, regular pruning, and maintaining good soil health through fertilization can also help manage pest populations and prevent further infestations.
