Canthium keniense auct.
Canthium keniense auct. is a deciduous shrub or tree that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly referred to as East African False Olive or Muratina in the Kikuyu language.
Origin
This plant is native to East Africa, specifically in Kenya and Tanzania. It is commonly found in wooded grasslands, rocky hillsides, and riverbanks.
Appearance
The East African False Olive can grow up to 8 meters tall. Its bark is smooth and greyish-brown in color. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small, green drupe that turns black when it matures.
Uses
Canthium keniense auct. has many traditional uses in East Africa. The bark and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as headache, stomachache, and diarrhea. Its bark is also used to make rope and baskets. Additionally, the fruit of the plant is edible and is a source of food for birds and animals.
Light Requirements
Canthium keniense auct. typically grows in partial shade to full sunlight. It can tolerate low light conditions but grows best with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for Canthium keniense auct. is between 15°C and 35°C. It can withstand occasional fluctuations outside this range but extreme temperatures may cause harm to the plant. It is generally recommended to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C.
Soil Requirements
Canthium keniense auct. prefers well-draining soils with good water holding capacity. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate different soil types, including sandy, loamy or clay soil. However, the soil must be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Canthium keniense auct.
Canthium keniense auct. is a woody plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a hardy plant that can survive in different climatic conditions. To cultivate it, start by selecting a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils.
The plant should be placed in an area that receives partial to full sunlight. It can also grow in the shade but will have fewer flowers. The best time to plant the Canthium keniense auct. is in early spring, or at the beginning of the rainy season.
Watering Needs for Canthium keniense auct.
Water the Canthium keniense auct. plant regularly, especially during the growing season. It needs adequate water to flourish. However, the soil should not be waterlogged since the plant is susceptible to root rot.
It's recommended to use a simple irrigation system, like a drip system, to ensure that the plant receives water uniformly. Ensure that the soil is moist but not soaking wet.
Fertilization of Canthium keniense auct.
Fertilize the Canthium keniense auct. plant regularly to improve its growth. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, which is usually in the spring and summer.
To avoid over-fertilization, follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and cause stunted growth.
Pruning of Canthium keniense auct.
Pruning Canthium keniense auct. is essential to maintain its shape and health. It is best to prune this plant during the early stages of growth.
Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are growing too long or out of shape. Pruning also encourages bushier growth and an increase in flower production.
Propagation of Canthium keniense auct.
Canthium keniense auct. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Canthium keniense auct. are readily available from mature plants. To propagate by seeds, first, choose healthy mature fruits and collect the seeds. Clean and remove any pulp from the seeds. Soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil at a depth of about 0.5 cm to 1 cm. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm place. Germination should occur within 4-5 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is one of the easiest methods of propagating Canthium keniense auct. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems of the plant. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to make cuttings that are 5-8 cm long. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and dip it in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into well-draining soil in a pot. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a shady place until roots develop.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another easy method of propagating Canthium keniense auct. First, select a healthy and mature branch of the plant. Prepare the selected stem by removing any leaves and creating a wound in the bark. Dust the wound with rooting hormone powder. Using a stake, bend the prepared stem towards the ground and cover the wound with soil, leaving the tip of the stem exposed. Water the soil and wait for the roots to develop. Once the roots have developed, cut the stem from the parent plant and plant in a new container.
Disease and Pest Management for Canthium keniense
Canthium keniense, also known as Kenyan shaddock or white alder, is a hardy and fast-growing evergreen tree that is native to Eastern and Southern Africa. While it is generally resistant to common pests and diseases, it can still fall prey to some of them. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways of managing them:
Common Diseases
Leaf spots: Leaf spots are one of the most common diseases that affect Canthium keniense. They are caused by fungi and can cause yellowing and premature dropping of leaves. To manage this, prune and remove all the infected leaves and branches and spray the plant with a fungicide like copper oxychloride or mancozeb.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by waterlogged soils and can cause the tree to wilt and its leaves to turn yellow. To manage this, avoid overwatering the plant. Improve the drainage system of the soil by adding compost or sand to it. Use a fungicide like carbendazim to treat the plant.
Common Pests
Mites and spider mites: The pests suck out sap from the leaves and cause them to yellow and distort. To manage this, spray the plant with a miticide like pyrethrin or neem oil. Remove any infected leaves and branches and spray the underside of the leaves with water to wash out the mites.
Aphids: Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that cause stunted growth and deformation in the leaves. To manage this, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove the aphids from the plant. You can also release ladybugs or lacewings into the garden as they are natural aphid predators.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are known to feed on the leaves of Canthium keniense. The damage caused can lead to defoliation and reduced growth. Identify and handpick the caterpillars and destroy them. You can also use a biological insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad to control their population.
Practicing good sanitation and regularly inspecting and monitoring your Canthium keniense plant can help manage these diseases and pests and keep your plant healthy and thriving.
