Canthium schimperianum A.Rich.
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. is a plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is commonly known as African cherry, bitter berry, or bush cherry. This plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
General Appearance
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptic to oblong, measuring 6 to 12 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide. They have a glossy green upper surface and a pale green underside with a few hairs. The flowers are small and white, and borne in axillary and terminal cymes. The fruit is a drupe, round or ellipsoid, measuring about 1 cm in diameter, and turning from green to blackish-red when fully ripe.
Uses
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. has various traditional medicinal uses throughout Africa. It is used to treat malaria, diarrhea, fever, and respiratory infections. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to make decoctions, infusions, or extracts. Some compounds isolated from this plant, such as iridoids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids, have shown antimalarial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in scientific studies.
The fruit of Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. is also consumed by humans and animals. It has a sour and bitter taste, and is often added to soups, stews, or sauces to impart a tangy flavor. The fruit pulp also contains some nutrients, such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Light Requirements
The Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. plant requires moderate to high levels of sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight for a few hours is beneficial during the morning and late afternoon. However, too much direct sunlight can lead to scorching of the plant leaves. Partial shade is advised for areas with strong afternoon sun or for plants grown indoors.
Temperature Requirements
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. grows well in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 15°C during the night for proper growth and survival. Exposure to temperatures below 10°C can cause the plant leaves to drop, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may lead to plant death.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with medium to high fertility and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should have good water-holding capacity, but should not be waterlogged. Adding organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil mix can improve soil fertility and moisture retention, leading to better plant growth and health.
Cultivation
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. is a tropical plant that grows well in warm, humid areas. It is best cultivated in well-draining, loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so it is best to find a spot that receives some shade during the hottest parts of the day. It is a slow-growing plant, so it needs to be placed in a spot where it can grow unimpeded for several years.
Watering Needs
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. plants require regular watering to thrive. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot weather. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. It is important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. plants benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer months. Be sure to follow the package instructions for application rates. Do not fertilize during the winter months. It is also a good idea to top-dress the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to provide additional nutrients.
Pruning
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. plants require minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged branches as they occur. It is also a good idea to remove any suckers or water sprouts that emerge from the base of the plant. The plant may also benefit from light shaping and thinning to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season, which is usually in the late winter or early spring.
Propagation of Canthium schimperianum A.Rich.
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich., commonly known as African Birthing Bush, can be propagated by various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. can be collected from mature fruits that are fully ripe. The collected seeds can then be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. This helps to soften the hard seed coat and promote germination. The seeds can be sown in seedling trays filled with well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The trays should then be watered regularly and placed in a warm, bright location until germination occurs. Once the seedlings have grown to a reasonable size, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the soil.
Cuttings
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. can be propagated from hardwood or softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken during the dormant season, while softwood cuttings should be taken during the active growing season. The cuttings should be between 10-15cm in length and should have at least two leaf nodes. The bottom leaves should be stripped, and the cuttings should be dipped into a rooting hormone powder before being planted into a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist but not waterlogged and kept in a warm, bright location. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the soil.
Suckers
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. can also be propagated with the use of suckers. Suckers are young shoots that grow from the base of an established plant. These can be separated from the parent plant using a sharp, sterile knife and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The suckers should be kept moist but not waterlogged and kept in a warm, bright location until they become established. Once the plantlets have grown to a reasonable size, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the soil.
Disease Management
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can lead to severe damage or death of the plant. Some common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that infects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. Symptoms include small, dark lesions on the leaves that can cause defoliation, wilt, and even death of the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts, ensure good air circulation, and use fungicides as recommended.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that creates a powdery, white coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. Symptoms include stunted growth, leaf deformities, and reduced fruit yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts, ensure good air circulation, and use fungicides as recommended.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that creates brown spots on the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and premature dropping of leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant parts, ensure good air circulation, and use fungicides as recommended.
Pest Management
Canthium schimperianum A.Rich. can be attacked by several pests that can cause significant damage. Some common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and distortion of leaves. To manage aphids, prune infested plant parts, use insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
- Mites: These are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration, curling, and defoliation. To manage mites, prune infested plant parts, apply horticultural oil, or introduce natural predators like predatory mites.
- Caterpillars: These are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing large holes, defoliation, and reduced fruit yield. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad, or introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps.
