Overview
Canthium euonymoides (Schweinf. ex Hiern) Baill. is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as the African parsley tree. It is a native plant of the African continent, specifically found in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant has been widely used for traditional medicine and is also used for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful flowers and foliage.
General Appearance
Canthium euonymoides is a small evergreen tree or shrub that can reach a height of 5-7 meters. The bark of this plant is grey and smooth when young, but becomes rough and fissured with age. The leaves of this plant are simple, opposite, and entire, with a glossy dark green color and a lanceolate to elliptic shape. The size of leaves varies from 5-10 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. Its flowers are small, white, and fragrant and are arranged in terminal cymes. The fruit is a red or orange, fleshy, and ellipsoid drupe, which is edible and has medicinal importance.
Common Names
Canthium euonymoides is known by various common names in different regions. In South Africa, this plant is known as "Wilde-els" or "tulbaghia tree," while in Zimbabwe, it is called "Mubvinji" or "Musukuswe." In Swaziland and Mozambique, this plant is popularly known as "UmNgonisina," and in Tanzania, it is called "Mjinga" or "Mnungumbi" while in Nigeria, it is known as "Mukura" or "Mugomba."
Uses
Canthium euonymoides has been widely used for medicinal purposes. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids that have various pharmacological properties. The roots, leaves, and bark of this plant have been used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and malaria. The plant also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The fruits of this plant are edible and are used to make jelly and wine. In addition to its medicinal uses, Canthium euonymoides is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, thanks to its beautiful foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
Canthium euonymoides requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can tolerate higher temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) but may require frequent watering to prevent stress. During the winter season, it can tolerate cooler temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Canthium euonymoides is well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red clay soil. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0-7.0. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soil up to pH 7.5 but may show signs of nutrient deficiency if soil pH becomes too alkaline.
Cultivation Methods
Canthium euonymoides grows well in full sun to partial shade. It is adapted to a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Cuttings root easily, but seeds may take longer to germinate. The best time to plant is during the rainy season when the soil moisture is high.
Watering Needs
Canthium euonymoides requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. This plant is tolerant of short periods of drought, but prolonged drought can affect its growth and survival. In areas with high rainfall, it may not require additional watering.
Fertilization
Canthium euonymoides is not a heavy feeder, but benefits from occasional fertilization. A general-purpose fertilizer applied once or twice a year is sufficient. The fertilizer should be applied in early spring or late fall when the plant is in an active growth phase. Too much fertilizer can produce excessive vegetative growth, reducing the plant's flower production.
Pruning
Canthium euonymoides may require pruning to limit its size or shape. The best time to prune is after the plant has finished flowering. Pruning can be done by removing up to one-third of the overall plant size. Dead or diseased wood should also be removed as needed. Pruning can help improve the plant's shape, vigour, and flower production.
Propagation of Canthium euonymoides
Canthium euonymoides (Schweinf. ex Hiern) Baill. is a medicinal plant that can be propagated through various methods:
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Canthium euonymoides can be collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds should be dried and cleaned before sowing. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil in a nursery bed. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds usually germinate within 1 to 2 months. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Propagation through cuttings
Canthium euonymoides can be propagated through stem cuttings. Collect stem cuttings that have 2 to 3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a rooting mixture comprising of sand, soil and organic matter. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until the roots have developed. The cuttings usually root within 2 to 3 months and can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Propagation through layering
Canthium euonymoides can also be propagated through layering. Bury a branch or a portion of a branch in the soil, leaving the tip exposed. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade. After a few months, roots will develop from the buried portion of the branch. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Canthium euonymoides is known to be susceptible to various diseases such as:
- Leaf spot disease: This condition is characterized by brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by pruning and removing the affected parts and applying fungicides.
- Anthracnose disease: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. Pruning and removing infected parts of the plant is recommended, and fungicides may also be used to manage it.
- Powdery mildew disease: This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected parts of the plant, regulating humidity, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Canthium euonymoides is also susceptible to pest infestations. Common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the leaves of the plant and cause stunted growth and deformities. They can be managed by removing affected parts and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: These are small, winged insects that feed on the underside of leaves. They cause yellowing and falling of leaves, and can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap and cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. They can be managed by removing affected parts and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring and hygiene practices such as keeping the plant clean and removing dead plant matter can prevent these pests and diseases from affecting the plant. It is also important to follow proper watering and fertilization practices to keep the plant healthy and less susceptible to infestations.
