Origin and Common Names
Cassipourea mollis (R.E.Fr.) Alston is a tropical plant species that can be found in various parts of Africa including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. It is commonly known as the African fish poison tree, lobolly, or limba.Uses
The African fish poison tree has several medicinal uses. The bark and leaves have been used traditionally to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, stomach pain, and respiratory infections. The plant contains alkaloids, quassinoids, and terpenoids which have been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimalarial properties. The bark and leaves are also considered useful in treating wounds, sores and skin infections. Cassipourea mollis has also been used as a fish poison. The plant has a toxic effect on fish, which makes it an effective tool for fishing in some parts of Africa. The bark and leaves are crushed, and the sap is released into the water, which stuns the fish and makes them easier to catch.General Appearance
The African fish poison tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to a height of 30 meters. The tree has a straight trunk with a brownish-grey bark that is smooth and thin. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler and matte on the lower surface. The flowers are small and white, arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, red berry that contains one or two seeds. The tree is evergreen and can be found in various types of forests, including lowland and montane forests.Light Requirements:
The Cassipourea mollis plant is well adapted to growing under low or medium ripe shades. It can grow in deep forest undergrowth, a swampy area, or at the forest edge where it can receive sunlight intermittently. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch; hence, the plant prefers growing under partial shading. Therefore, the plant is ideal for indoor or outdoor growth in areas where natural light is limited/heavy shade.
Temperature Requirements:
The Cassipourea mollis plant prefers a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20-27°C, and it can tolerate temperature fluctuations around this range. However, the plant is not tolerant of extremely high or low temperatures. During the colder months, it is advisable to move the plant indoors to avoid stunted growth.
Soil Requirements:
The Cassipourea mollis plant can grow in different soil types, but it requires a well-draining substrate with average moisture retention. The ideal soil pH range for healthy growth should be 5.5-7.5, and soil should be rich in organic matter. It thrives in loamy, sandy, or clayey soil types, as long as it is not waterlogged. It's important to note that the plant is sensitive to excessive salts in the soil, so it's essential to avoid using fertilizers that contain high levels of salt.
Cultivation Methods
Cassipourea mollis (R.E.Fr.) Alston, commonly referred to as soft-leaved velvet, does well in well-draining soil, a slightly acidic pH level, and partially shaded areas. Younger plants require extra care to grow tall, straight and develop a canopy. The plant isn’t difficult to grow, but it needs regular watering, fertilization, and pruning for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
Soft-leaved velvet prefers regular watering, but in a manner that does not leave waterlogged soil. They do well with evenly moist soil that can’t dry out, but they cannot handle standing water for long.
Fertilization
It is important to provide adequate nutrition to your soft-leaved velvet. Fertilize the plant three times a year with a balanced fertilizer solution containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ensure that you dilute the fertilizer as per the instructions on the package; over-fertilization can lead to water stress and damage to the plant roots.
Pruning
Pruning promotes healthy growth, removes dead foliage, and helps keep the plant looking neat. Aim to prune the plant before it becomes too bushy; this will encourage lateral growth and prevent excessive top growth. Regular pruning is essential when the plant is young to establish its shape. Remember to use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure quick healing of the wounds.
Propagation of Cassipourea mollis (R.E.Fr.) Alston
Cassipourea mollis (R.E.Fr.) Alston, commonly known as Soft-leaved Cassipourea, is a woody shrub or tree species that belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, where it grows in rainforests, savannas, and riverbanks. Cassipourea mollis is valued for its medicinal properties and is also used as a timber species.
Propagation methods
Cassipourea mollis can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and may be preferred depending on the availability of resources, time, and the desired outcomes.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Cassipourea mollis in its natural habitat and botanical gardens. Seeds collected from mature fruits are sown in a container or directly in the ground. The seeds require a well-drained and moist soil to germinate, which can take up to three weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they have a few pairs of true leaves and are strong enough to survive in the field.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a reliable method of producing clones of Cassipourea mollis with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, uniformity, and growth rate. Cuttings are taken from the semi-hardwood or hardwood of the parent plant during the dormant season. The cuttings are treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a soilless medium, such as sand or peat moss, under high humidity and bright light. The rooting process can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the environmental conditions. Once the cuttings have rooted and developed enough foliage, they can be transplanted to a larger container or directly in the ground.
Propagation by air layering
Propagation by air layering is a method of propagating Cassipourea mollis that involves creating a new plant from a stem or branch of the parent plant without separating it from the parent plant until it has developed roots. This method is suitable for larger plants, and it involves wounding a selected stem or branch and covering it with a rooting hormone and a moist medium, such as sphagnum moss. The wound is then wrapped with plastic or foil to maintain high humidity. Roots will develop at the wounded site, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Cassipourea mollis (R.E.Fr.) Alston
Cassipourea mollis (R.E.Fr.) Alston, commonly known as soft-leaved bark creeper or Bonabilis, is a tropical plant found in the rainforests of Africa. The plant is susceptible to diseases and pests, which can adversely affect its growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management practices are required to safeguard the plant and maximize its productivity.
Common Diseases Affecting Cassipourea mollis
1. Leaf Rust: Leaf rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the Cassipourea mollis plant. Symptoms of the disease include brownish-yellow spots on the leaves, which turn rusty-brown as the disease progresses. The leaves may eventually fall off, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Management: Leaf rust can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and using fungicides. Applying copper-based fungicides can help prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the Cassipourea mollis plant. The disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Management: Powdery mildew can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts and using fungicides. Applying sulfur-based fungicides can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests Affecting Cassipourea mollis
1. Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that feed on the sap of the Cassipourea mollis plant. The infested plant may exhibit yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
Management: Scale insects can be managed by removing and destroying infested plant parts and using insecticides. Applying mineral oil-based insecticides can help suffocate and kill the insects.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like pests that feed on the sap of the Cassipourea mollis plant. The infested plant may exhibit yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
Management: Mealybugs can be managed by removing and destroying infested plant parts and using insecticides. Applying neem oil-based insecticides can help deter and kill the insects.
In conclusion, Cassipourea mollis (R.E.Fr.) Alston is susceptible to diseases and pests, which can adversely affect its growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management practices, such as the use of fungicides and insecticides and removal of infected plant parts, can help protect the plant and maximize its productivity.
