Overview:
Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill. is a tropical evergreen plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This plant is native to Madagascar, and it can also be found in tropical regions of Africa, India, and the Malay Archipelago. The plant is commonly known as White Star Apple or “Kahala jaambakka” in Sinhalese language.
Appearance:
The White Star Apple is a medium-sized shrub that grows up to 3-6 m tall. The tree has a dark grey, smooth trunk with light green branches that grow outward. The plant’s leaves are glossy, dark green, and pointed, measuring approximately 3-10 cm in length. The White Star Apple has beautiful, cream-colored flowers that bloom throughout the year. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and grow in clusters of 2 to 5. The fruit is a yellow-white, round, or oval-shaped drupe that measures 1 to 2 cm in diameter and has a hard seed in the center.
Uses:
The White Star Apple has many uses. The fruits are edible and have a pleasant, juicy, and slightly tangy taste. The fruit is eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat various ailments. The fruit is used as a cure for constipation, fever, and dysentery, and the leaves are used to treat headaches and wounds. The bark and roots of the plant are used to treat diarrhea and venereal diseases. The tree’s hard and durable wood is used to make walking sticks, tool handles, and furniture.
Cultivation:
The White Star Apple prefers a warm, humid climate and grows best in well-drained soils. The plant requires full sunlight and regular watering. It is propagated by seeds, which take about 4 to 6 weeks to germinate. The plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for gardeners and landscapers.
In conclusion, Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill. has various uses and benefits. It is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that offers both aesthetic and medicinal value. The plant’s fruits, wood, and leaves are used in different sectors, which makes it a valuable plant for the tropical regions where it grows.Growth Conditions of Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill.
Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill., commonly known as the forest tea or umlalazi, is a small tree native to sub-tropical regions of South Africa and Swaziland. It is often found in dense forests and can grow up to 6 meters in height.
Light Requirements
Canthium phyllanthoideum grows well in shaded areas with dappled sunlight. It is not tolerant of direct sunlight and can be damaged in hot and open areas. Therefore, it should be grown under partial shade or filtered light. It is ideal to plant this tree near tall and established trees or in shaded areas in gardens or nurseries.
Temperature Requirements
Canthium phyllanthoideum is adapted to sub-tropical regions and prefers moderate temperatures. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 0°C but is sensitive to frost. In optimal growing conditions, the tree prefers temperatures between 15-28°C. Extreme temperatures can cause damage to the plant, including leaf drop and reduced growth.
Soil Requirements
The optimal soil for Canthium phyllanthoideum is well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The ideal soil should also be rich in organic matter such as compost or leaf mulch. This tree prefers moist soil, but excessive watering should be avoided. If grown in containers or pots, make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water accumulation.
In summary, Canthium phyllanthoideum is a tropical plant that prefers shaded areas with moderate temperatures and well-draining soil. By providing the optimal growth conditions, this tree can be maintained as a beautiful addition to any garden or outdoor space.
Cultivation Methods
Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill. can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. For best results, it should be planted in well-draining soil with good organic content. It needs partial shade to grow well and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Watering Needs
The plant thrives in moist soil, so it should be watered frequently but not overwatered. It is best to allow the topsoil to dry out slightly before watering again. In the case of young plants, it is prudent to water them more often as they have not yet developed an extensive root system.
Fertilization
Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill. benefits from regular fertilization to maintain its health and growth. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer should be applied every two to three months during the growing season. Alternatively, a liquid fertilizer can be applied monthly to the plant during the same period.
Pruning
To keep the plant looking healthy and attractive, it should be pruned regularly. Dead or diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can be shaped to promote bushier growth by pinching off the tip of new shoots. Alternatively, it can be pruned to control its size or to let more light into its center.
Propagation of Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill.
Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill. can be propagated by various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from the ripe fruit of the plant. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before sowing. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist and in a warm place until they germinate, which can take several days to months.
Cutting propagation
Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings of about 15-20 cm in length should be taken from the plant. The leaves at the base of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a warm place until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks to a few months.
Air layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill. This method involves making a wound on a branch of the plant and applying rooting hormone to the wound. A ball of moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the wound and covered with plastic wrap. Roots will develop in the moss ball, and once they have developed, the branch can be cut off and planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill.
Canthium phyllanthoideum Baill., commonly known as the forest canthium, is a medicinal plant that is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause significant damage, reduce growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests affecting the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common disease that affects the foliage of Canthium phyllanthoideum. The spots appear as small yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which later enlarge and develop into black or brown necrotic lesions, causing defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves promptly, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides containing copper or mancozeb.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of Canthium phyllanthoideum. The disease appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves, causing them to dry and wither. To manage powdery mildew, maintain proper air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Canthium phyllanthoideum. The disease is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne pathogens, leading to root decay, wilting, and death. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides containing thiophanate-methyl or metalaxyl.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that infest Canthium phyllanthoideum, feeding on the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and defoliation. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy heavily infested branches, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to suffocate the insects, or introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that infest the leaves, stems, and roots of Canthium phyllanthoideum, feeding on the sap and secreting honeydew, causing leaf drop and mold growth. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy infected plant parts, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate the insects, or introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of Canthium phyllanthoideum, causing leaf distortion, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. To manage thrips, use sticky traps to monitor and trap adult thrips, remove and discard infested plant parts, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate the insects, or introduce natural enemies such as predatory mites or nematodes.
In conclusion, Canthium phyllanthoideum requires proper disease and pest management to maintain healthy growth and productivity. Regular monitoring, cultural practices, and the use of appropriate pesticides or natural enemies can help control pests and diseases and minimize chemical inputs.
