Plant Description
Campylospermum excavatum, also known as Tieghem's cup-shaped seed, is a small flowering plant that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is a woody shrub that grows up to 4 meters in height and has a dense canopy.
Origin and Common Names
Campylospermum excavatum is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Uganda. It is known by various common names such as Cup-seed, Tingi, Tieghem's cup-seed, and Cupseed.
Uses
The plant produces a small and hard-shelled nut that contains oil, which can be used for cooking or lamp fuel. The bark and leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. In Africa, the plant is also used for fuelwood, tool handles, and furniture.
General Appearance
The leaves of the Campylospermum excavatum are compound, alternate, and pinnate, with 4 to 6 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in axillary panicles. The fruit is a woody capsule that is deeply grooved and cup-shaped, hence the name cup-seed. The seed is also cup-shaped, with one flattened side and one convex side. The plant generally has a straight and cylindrical trunk with a branched crown.
Overall, Campylospermum excavatum is a useful and versatile plant, with its oil, medicinal uses, and traditional applications in Africa.Typical Growth Conditions for Campylospermum excavatum (Tiegh.) Farron
Light: Campylospermum excavatum thrives in full sunlight, but can also tolerate partial shade. It prefers about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight in a day for optimal growth.
Temperature: This plant species prefer warm and humid environments and can grow in a wide range of temperatures from 10 °C to 40 °C. However, the ideal temperature range for the growth of Campylospermum excavatum is between 20 °C and 30 °C.
Soil requirements: Campylospermum excavatum grows well on well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. This species has a low tolerance for saline soils.
It is important to note that it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, hence the soil must have efficient drainage systems to ensure meticulous growth. Regular irrigation is important during periods of prolonged drought to prevent the plant from drying up.
Cultivation
When cultivating Campylospermum excavatum, ensure to plant it in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It is tolerant to different soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. However, it thrives in deep soils that retain moisture, so sandy soils may require frequent watering.
The best time to plant Campylospermum excavatum is in the early spring, a few weeks before the last frost in your area. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. Proper spacing is necessary to prevent overcrowding, with a recommended distance of about three feet between each plant.
Watering Needs
Campylospermum excavatum requires moderate watering, particularly during the growing season (spring through summer). It prefers soils that are consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
During the winter months, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial to ensure the plant's optimal growth and development. Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, preferably in the spring. The fertilizer should have a balanced nutrient ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Avoid over-fertilizing as it can result in excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to control the size of your Campylospermum excavatum plant and promote bushier growth. Prune the plant in late winter to early spring before the onset of new growth.
Remove any diseased or dead wood, crossing branches, and unwanted stems that compromise the plant's appearance. Use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the healthy plant tissue.
Regular pruning also encourages the formation of new flowers, improving the plant's overall aesthetic appeal.
Propagation of Campylospermum excavatum (Tiegh.) Farron
Campylospermum excavatum (Tiegh.) Farron can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated by seed sowing. However, the seeds have a low germination rate and require specific conditions such as dark and humid conditions. It is useful to stratify the seeds before sowing. The stratification process involves placing the seeds in a moist medium at a temperature of 5°C for a few weeks before transferring them to the germination medium. It can take up to two months for the seeds to germinate. Asexual propagation is faster than sexual propagation, and this method is not commonly used.
Asexual Propagation
Campylospermum excavatum (Tiegh.) Farron can be propagated by stem cuttings. This method involves taking a healthy stem cutting that has two to three nodes and rooting it in a rooting hormone and well-draining soil mix. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground. This method is faster and more effective than seed sowing.
Grafting is another asexual propagation technique used for Campylospermum excavatum (Tiegh.) Farron. This method involves joining a stem scion of the desired plant onto a rootstock of another plant. Grafting is useful when the desired plant is hard to root or has a weak root system. The disadvantage of this method is that it can affect the plant's natural characteristics and survival rate.
Disease Management for Campylospermum excavatum
Campylospermum excavatum is primarily affected by fungal diseases, especially in warm and humid climates. Some common diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
To manage fungal diseases, it is important to ensure proper drainage in the soil to avoid waterlogging. Regular pruning of affected plant parts and removing any dead or decaying plant material can help prevent the spread of fungal spores. Using fungicides can also be effective in managing fungal diseases, but it is important to follow instructions carefully to ensure the safety of the plant and surrounding environment.
Pest Management for Campylospermum excavatum
Campylospermum excavatum is susceptible to attacks from various pests, including scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests feed on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and premature leaf drop.
One approach to pest management is to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and to remove any affected parts. Encouraging natural predators, such as ladybugs, can also help control pest populations. Insecticidal soaps and oils can be used to manage pests, but care should be taken to use the appropriate concentration and to avoid spraying during periods of high heat or direct sunlight.
Using a combination of cultural, physical, and chemical control measures can help effectively manage diseases and pests affecting Campylospermum excavatum, promoting healthy growth and overall plant vigor.
