Overview
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. This plant is endemic to Cameroon, West Africa. The species was first named by Bullock in 1959 after John Leonard Burtt, a British plant collector who discovered the species in Cameroon in the 1950s. The plant is commonly known as Nanguanum Canthium, in reference to its origin.
Appearance
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is a small shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall. The plant has a round and dense crown with leaves that are glossy and leathery. The leaves grow to about 5-12 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, with 5 petals that are deeply lobed. The fruit is a small, red, fleshy berry that is approximately 10 mm in diameter.
Uses
In Cameroon, the bark of Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is used for medicinal purposes. The bark is boiled and the decoction is used as a treatment for diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach-related ailments. The fruits of the plant are also used as a food source by local communities. The dense crown of the plant provides a habitat for birds and other small animals in the forest.
Cultivation
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types. The plant requires adequate moisture and good drainage for optimal growth. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The plant is not commonly cultivated outside of its native range and is mostly found in its natural habitat in the forests of Cameroon.
Growth conditions of Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is a small evergreen tree that is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is commonly found growing in the understory of these forests, where it is shaded by larger trees and other vegetation. The following are the typical growth conditions required by this plant.
Light
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant requires a moderate amount of shade to grow properly. The plant is adapted to growing in the understory of the forest, where it is protected from direct sunlight by larger trees and other vegetation. When grown in full sunlight, the leaves of the plant may burn and the plant may become stunted.
Temperature
This plant grows best in warm and humid environments. The temperature should be kept between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It adapts easily to various types of soils including sandy soils and clay soils. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist but not water-logged. The soil PH of the soil should be kept between 5.5 to 6.5.
Cultivation of Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is a shrub that is native to Tanzania and South Africa. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of different soil types and pH levels, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add some variety to their gardens.
The best time to plant Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. It can be grown from cuttings or seeds, with cuttings being the most common method. The plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
Watering Needs of Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilization of Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant will benefit from regular fertilization, particularly during the growing season. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be used. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is a shrub that requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done in the spring, before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to promote healthy growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Propagation of Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant
Propagation of Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant can be done through seed or cuttings. Here is a detailed explanation of both methods:
Seed propagation
Collect mature fruits from the plant when they turn from green to black in color. Extract the seeds from the fruit pulp by washing in water. The seeds should be dried in a shaded area for one to two days to minimize fungal infections. The dry seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture, which can be a mixture of river sand and loam in 1:1 ratio. Sow the seeds approximately three times their size deep in the soil. Keep the soil moist by spraying water frequently. Seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location after six months.
Cutting propagation
Take semi-hardwood cuttings from the Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant plant during the growing season, which is usually between the months of May to September. Select healthy stems that are 6-8 inches in length with a few mature leaves. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mixture, which can either be a combination of river sand and loam in 1:1 ratio or vermiculite. Place the pot in a warm and bright spot while watering frequently to ensure the soil remains moist. Roots will develop after 4-6 weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted into its permanent location after six months.
Disease and Pest Management for Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant
Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can be affected by a few diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. When left untreated, powdery mildew can cause stunted growth and reduce the overall health of the plant.
To manage powdery mildew on Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant, the best approach is to maintain good cultural practices. This includes ensuring the plant has adequate air circulation, avoiding excessive watering, and removing any infected plant material. If needed, powdery mildew can be treated with fungicides labeled for use on ornamental plants.
Another disease that may affect Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. These spots can merge and cause the affected leaves to turn yellow and drop. To manage leaf spot, ensure the plant has good cultural practices, such as avoiding overhead watering and removing any infected plant material.
When it comes to pests, Canthium burttii Bullock var. nanguanum Tennant is susceptible to scale insects. Scale insects are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck the sap from it. This can cause the leaves to yellow and drop and can lead to stunted growth.
To manage scale insects, prune and dispose of any affected plant material, and consider treating the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. It's important to note that some species of scale insects can be difficult to control, so it may require multiple treatments to see results.
