Origin of Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron is a plant species that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It is native to tropical Africa, including countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names of Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron
This plant species is commonly known as Bush Willow or Muanamua in the local African communities. Its scientific name, Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron, reflects some of its key physical characteristics.
Uses of Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron
The Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron plant is commonly used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, stomach aches, and dysentery. Its bark is rich in tannins, which have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron has other practical applications. The flexible stems of the Bush Willow plant are used to make baskets, while the wood is used to make tool handles, furniture, and charcoal.
General Appearance of Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 15 meters tall. Its bark is greyish-brown, and its stems are slender and flexible. The leaves of this plant species are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape, with a glossy green appearance. Its flowers, which are pink or purple in color, are arranged in dense clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit resembles a small capsule, which splits open to reveal numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Campylospermum strictum thrives under full sunlight and partial shade. The plant requires a considerable amount of light to photosynthesize properly and grow well. It is advised to grow, or place the plant in areas that receive sunlight for at least 5-6 hours daily.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with high organic content. The soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5.
Temperature Requirements
Campylospermum strictum grows well in warm temperatures, between 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. The plant can also tolerate cold temperatures, as low as 0 degrees Celsius. However, it cannot withstand frost and can die in such conditions.
Watering Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering during its growth period, with deep watering being preferable to frequent shallow watering. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The plant can also withstand mild drought and can survive with less water during the dormant season.
Cultivation Methods
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height and is native to Madagascar. It can be cultivated in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-draining soils, and the site should be sunny to shaded. Propagation can be done by seeds or stem cuttings rooted in a well-draining medium.
Watering Needs
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron is drought-tolerant and can survive with little watering. However, during the establishment period, regular watering is necessary. Watering once a week during the dry season is recommended. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it is essential to avoid waterlogging of the soil.
Fertilization
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron requires little fertilization, as it can survive in poor soils. However, adding organic matter to the soil during the planting period can benefit the plant's growth. A slow-release fertilizer can be added once a year, and nitrogen-based fertilizers should be avoided as they can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron does not require pruning, but it can be beneficial to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Pruning should be done during the dormant period, usually in late winter or early spring, before the growing season. It is essential to use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Campylospermum strictum
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron commonly known as the small-leaved tamarind is a slow-growing plant. It can be propagated by seeds and cuttings, but seeds are mostly used due to its low success rate of rooting cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Campylospermum strictum easily germinate with a minimal amount of care. The seeds need to be scarified (by scarification) and stratified before sowing. The seed coat is extremely hard and impermeable, which can be softened by scarification. Stratification can be done by placing the seeds in moist sand or peat moss at 5°C for about 6 weeks prior to sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, covering them with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist. Germination occurs in around 2 to 4 weeks and can yield around 50% of the seedlings.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is possible, but it requires a lot of effort and has a low success rate. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the plant with a diameter of 6-8 mm and a length of 10-15 cm are used for propagation. The cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and placed in a rooting medium of sand and peat moss in equal proportions. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and protected from direct sunlight until they form roots, which may take up to 6 months.
Disease and Pest Management for Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron
Campylospermum strictum (Tiegh.) Farron is an evergreen shrub that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known to suffer from some common diseases and pests that affect the plant's growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management practices can help prevent and control these problems, leading to better plant health and higher yields.
Common Diseases
Campylospermum strictum is vulnerable to several diseases, such as the leaf spot and the powdery mildew.
Leaf Spot Disease
The leaf spot disease, caused by the fungus Cercospora moricola, is common in Campylospermum strictum. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small spots on the leaves, which later enlarge and turn brown. The disease can lead to the defoliation of the plant and reduce its yield. Pruning affected leaves and using fungicides can help control the disease's spread.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another common disease of Campylospermum strictum, affecting the leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease is caused by different fungi of the family Erysiphaceae. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the plant's parts, leading to deformation and stunted growth. To control powdery mildew, it is recommended to avoid overhead watering, increase air circulation, maintain good sanitation, and use fungicides.
Common Pests
Several pests can attack Campylospermum strictum, reducing the plant's vigor and yield. Some of the common arthropod pests that affect the plant are:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing wilting, yellowing, and deformation of leaves. They also secrete honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. Mealybugs can be managed by introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and deformation. They also secrete honeydew and attract ants. Aphids can be controlled by pruning affected leaves and using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or syrphid flies, can be used to control their population.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, feeding on the sap and causing yellowing and deformation. The insects produce a waxy coating that protects them from predators and pesticides. Pruning affected leaves and using horticultural oil or neem oil can help control the infestation."
