Origin
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is native to Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon in West Africa. It typically grows in tropical and subtropical regions, in both dry and moist forests.
Common Names
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson goes by several common names, including African eggplant, bushveld cherry, and lowveld cherry. These names are often used interchangeably with other plants in the Canthium genus, which can cause confusion.
Uses
The fruit of Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is edible and is used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. In traditional medicine, the fruit is used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and coughs. The fruit is also used to make jams and jellies, while the leaves are used for medicinal purposes.
The wood of Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is also used for various purposes, including making shafts for tools, handles for knives, and poles for building. The bark of the tree and roots are used in traditional African medicine to treat malaria and other illnesses.
General Appearance
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is a small tree that typically grows up to 10 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of 30 cm. The tree has an irregular, bushy appearance, with a sparse crown of leaves. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical, with a length of approximately 7 cm. The fruit is a small, round, yellow to orange berry with a diameter of 1.5 cm.
The bark of the Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is smooth and grayish-brown in color, while the wood is hard and durable. The tree is well adapted to the hot and dry conditions of its native habitat, and it is able to survive periods of drought.
Growth Conditions for Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson, commonly known as the forest canthium, is a shrub species with a height ranging from 1 to 5 meters. The plant is native to Africa and is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and thickets. For the growth of Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson, several growth conditions need to be considered.
Light
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth. The plant can grow well in partial shade, but it may not thrive in complete shade. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the species in an open area with enough sunlight.
Temperature
The plant grows best in warm and humid conditions with a temperature ranging between 20°C to 30°C. Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is not frost-tolerant and may suffer damage in harsh winter conditions. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 15°C to survive.
Soil requirements
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH ranging between 6 to 7.5. The plant can also grow well in sandy soils and loamy soils. However, the soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging. Additionally, the species prefers soils that are rich in nutrients, and it is recommended to use organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
Therefore, growing Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson requires optimum levels of light, warm temperatures, and well-drained, rich soils. By providing these growth conditions, the plant can thrive and grow healthy.
Cultivation
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is a beautiful plant that can survive in different soil types and conditions. However, the plant thrives best in well-drained and fertile soil with a neutral pH level.
You can propagate Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson through seeds or cuttings. If you opt for the cutting method, ensure that you take a cutting from healthy stems in spring and keep it in a slightly moist potting mix or soil mixture until it develops roots to transplant.
Watering
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson requires regular watering during its growing season. You must ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. If the soil is waterlogged, the plant is vulnerable to root rot, which may cause severe damage or even result in death. Ensure that you water the plant thoroughly, especially during the dry season.
Fertilization
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season. During the spring season, use a slow-release fertilizer, and supplement the plant with liquid fertilizer every so often throughout the year.
A properly fertilized Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson exhibits rapid growth and beautiful foliage, making them aesthetically pleasing in any setting.
Pruning
Trimming back Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson promotes dense growth, and it can be done in the fall or early spring. Lightly prune branches with the use of sterilized pruning shears or scissors to maintain the plant's shape and enhance its appearance.
Additionally, you can remove any weak or dead branches, as they can be a space for pests or diseases to develop.
Propagation of Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson can be propagated through various means including seed, cuttings, and simple layering.
Propagation by Seed
To propagate Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson by seed, collect ripe fruits from the parent plant and extract the seeds. The seeds should then be sown directly into seed trays filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the trays in a warm, bright location. Seedlings will emerge within a few weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed a few leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a quicker method of propagating Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson. Take cuttings from the parent plant, making sure to use a sharp, clean tool. The cuttings should be about 10cm long and have a few leaves at the top. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it into rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot once it has grown enough.
Propagation by Simple Layering
Propagation by simple layering involves bending a branch of the parent plant to the ground, where it is covered with soil. The buried portion of the branch will begin to root, and a new plant will grow from it. Once the new plant has grown enough, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a new pot.
Disease and Pest Management of Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, there are a few issues that can affect the plant, and it is essential to identify them early and take appropriate action.
Pests
The most common pests that can affect Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson are aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests feed on the plant juices, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced vigour.
To manage these pests, it is essential to inspect the plants regularly and remove any affected parts. You can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to control these pests. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control the pest populations naturally.
Diseases
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson is susceptible to few diseases. However, some fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot can affect the plant, especially during humid conditions. These diseases manifest as powdery growth or spots on the leaves, leading to leaf drop and reduced vigour.
To manage these diseases, remove any affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant. It is essential to maintain proper air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity levels and prevent the growth of fungal diseases.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management are crucial to ensure the health and vigour of Canthium oligocarpum Hiern subsp. intermedium Bridson. Regular inspection, proper sanitation, and timely action can help prevent the spread of diseases and control pest populations before they cause severe damage to the plant.
