Overview
Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague, commonly known as 'Lapacho Negro', is a species of tree from the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to South America, specifically found in Bolivia and Peru.
Appearance
Lapacho Negro is a small tree that usually grows up to 8 to 12 meters tall. It has a smooth, grey-brown bark, and its wood is dark and has a beautiful texture. The leaves of the tree are pinnately compound, with 7 to 9 oval-shaped, shiny green leaflets. They also have small, pale-pink flowers that grow in clusters, which bloom in the spring and summer months.
Uses
Cephalonema polyandrum has several medicinal uses, including the treatment of coughs, fever, and viral infections. The inner bark of the tree is often used in traditional medicine as it is believed to be a natural antifungal and antibacterial. The tree is also used to make a popular herbal tea, which is said to have many health benefits. Additionally, the tree's wood is often used for furniture making and other carpentry projects.
In conclusion, Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague, commonly known as 'Lapacho Negro', is a tree species from the Bignoniaceae family that is native to South America. It has several medicinal uses and is often used in traditional medicines, and its wood is commonly used in carpentry projects.
Light Requirements
Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague, generally prefers bright, indirect sunlight. This species can tolerate direct sunlight, but it’s not recommended. Low light conditions can result in stunted growth and low flower production. So, providing bright, filtered light is best for the growth of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague to grow is between 15°C and 24°C. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but not sudden changes. It can be grown in a range of temperatures but prefers slightly cooler temperatures in the evening. Too much heat can make the leaves droop and stunt plant growth.
Soil Requirements
These plants prefer soil that is moist but well-draining. Soil that is too sandy drains too quickly, while soil that is too dense will retain too much water. Use a soilless mix of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite that drains well to maintain moisture but also allow proper aeration. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.5.
Cultivation
Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague, commonly known as the African blood lily, requires well-drained soil and should be planted in a spot that receives partial to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but too much sun exposure can scorch the leaves. The plant grows from bulbs that should be planted at a depth of 5 to 7 cm under the soil surface and spaced about 10 to 15 cm apart.
Watering Needs
African blood lily prefers to be kept in moderately moist soil but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, which is from spring to late summer or early fall. During the dormant season, which is late fall to early spring, watering should be reduced to prevent rotting of the bulbs. It is crucial to avoid wetting the foliage when watering to prevent the onset of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering of the African blood lily, fertilizer should be applied at least once a month during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is ideal. The fertilizer should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and should be watered in thoroughly after application.
Pruning
Deadheading spent blooms can help encourage the plant to produce more flowers in the future. After the blooming season is over, the plant can be cut back to the ground, leaving only the leaves intact. This will allow the plant to go dormant during the winter, which is essential for the next growing season. If the foliage is damaged or dead, it can be removed at any time of the year.
Propagation of Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague
Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague can be propagated using different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division. Here is a detailed description of each propagation method:
Propagation by Seeds
To propagate Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague with seeds, you need to collect the mature seeds from the fruit, which is a capsule. The ideal time for seed collection is when the capsule starts to split open. Once you have collected the seeds, clean them, and sow them in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a warm, bright area. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings are big enough, you can transplant them into individual pots or into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings of about 4-6 inches long from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water it. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or a plastic dome to increase humidity and place it in a bright, warm area. The cutting will root within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have formed, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or into the ground.
Propagation by Division
Propagating Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague through division is another method. This can be done when the plant has formed clumps that can be separated. Dig up the clumps and carefully separate them into smaller sections, each with their own roots and leaves. Plant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and water them. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a bright, warm area. The separated sections will establish into individual plants within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague is susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. One common disease that affects the plant is Powdery Mildew, which is characterized by a powdery white coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, ensure proper plant spacing to increase air circulation, and avoid overhead watering as this promotes the growth of the fungus.
Another disease that affects the plant is Gray Mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. Symptoms include brown spots on the leaves that later develop a grayish-brown appearance. To manage this disease, ensure proper ventilation and remove any infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
Cephalonema polyandrum K.Schum. ex Sprague is also prone to pest infestations that include spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage this pest, regularly mist the plant to increase humidity levels and reduce spider mite population on the plant.
Mealybugs, on the other hand, are small white insects that suck the sap from the plant and produce a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage this pest, wipe the leaves and stems with rubbing alcohol or a solution of water and soap. Alternatively, introduce natural predators like lacewing larvae and ladybugs to control their population.
