Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore Description
Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore, commonly known as white milkwood or umNyamana, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is endemic to Africa and is found in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana. The tree grows in a wide range of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and riverine forests.
General Appearance
The white milkwood tree has a rounded crown that can reach an average height of 6 to 10 meters. The bark is smooth and has a light grey color when young, eventually turning to grey-brown with age. Its leaves are large, glossy, and leathery, measuring an average of 15 to 20 cm long and 5 to 10 cm wide. The leaf margins are entire and wavy, and the base is rounded. It produces fragrant, small, creamy-white flowers that appear in spring and summer, followed by raspberry-like juicy fruits that ripen in late summer.
Uses
The tree has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine, which include treating diarrhea, fever, snakebites, and stomach ailments. Its bark contains alkaloids, which have antimalarial properties. The leaves and fruits are used to make a refreshing, sweet drink that has a slightly bitter aftertaste. The wood is hard and durable and is often used for making tool handles, furniture, and construction timber.
In conclusion, Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore is an important tree to the African ecosystem, providing food, medicinal, and commercial uses. Its broad leaves, fragrant flowers, and juicy fruits make it an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
The Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore plant prefers partial to full sun exposure. It thrives well in areas that receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. Extreme temperatures or frost can negatively affect the plant’s growth and cause leaf wilt or death.
Soil Requirements
The Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow well in a wide range of soil pH levels, ranging from neutral (pH 6.5-7.5) to slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Soil that is too wet can cause root rot, and sandy soil should be enriched with organic matter to enhance moisture retention and nutrient content.
Cultivation
The Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore is a fairly hardy plant that thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions. It is suitable for cultivation in both open fields and containers. If planting in pots, it is advisable to use well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Full sunlight is preferred, but it can also grow in partial shade conditions. In addition to sunlight, the plant requires sufficient air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of the cultivation of Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore. Inadequate watering can lead to wilting and even death of the plant, while overwatering can cause root rot. Therefore, it is essential to provide the plant with a regular and consistent water supply. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. The general rule is to water once every two days, but this may vary based on weather conditions and soil type.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is vital for the healthy growth of Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used every three months. A granular slow-release fertilizer is recommended for potted plants. Ensure that the fertilizer is well-balanced, but avoid overfertilizing, as it can cause damage to the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to shape and maintain the growth of Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, which is usually towards the end of winter or the beginning of spring. The pruning process involves removing damaged, diseased, or dead branches. It is also an opportunity to thin out overly dense areas, to promote better air circulation and penetration of sunlight.
Propagation of Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore
Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all of them are relatively easy and successful in propagating this plant.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the simplest method, but it can take longer to produce mature plants. Collect ripe fruits from the parent plant, remove the seeds and sow them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location with partial shade. The seeds will typically germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings grow to a size of 3-4 inches, transplant them into bigger pots or to an outdoor location.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a faster method than seed propagation, and it also ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent plant. Take a cutting about 4-5 inches long from a healthy stem of the plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, and place it in a warm, bright location with partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cutting will typically root within three to four weeks, and once rooted, it can be transplanted into a bigger pot or an outdoor location.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another easy method and works well for mature plants. Choose a low, flexible stem that is close to the ground. Remove the leaves from the portion of the stem that will be buried in the soil. Dig a small hole near the stem and bury that portion of the stem in that hole. Pin the buried part of the stem to the ground by using a small stick or rock. Water the soil around the buried stem regularly. The stem will develop roots in about 2-3 months. Once the new roots are formed, cut the rooted stem from the parent plant and transplant it into a pot or an outdoor location.
Disease Management of Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore
Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore, commonly known as African cherry, is susceptible to various diseases. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes spotting on the leaves, stems, and fruits. To control anthracnose, affected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, affected plant parts should be removed, and fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management of Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore
Canthium lactescens Hiern var. grandifolium S.Moore is also prone to pest infestations. The following are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider mites: Spider mites suck the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance. To control spider mites, affected plant parts can be sprayed with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects feed on the sap, causing the plant to weaken. To manage scale insects, affected plant parts can be wiped with a cloth soaked in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew the leaves, causing the plant to defoliate. To control caterpillars, affected plant parts can be sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticidal soap.
