Description:
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. is a member of the family Malvaceae and is a shrub typically found in the understory of forests in Central and West Africa. It can grow up to 3 meters tall, and its branches have a distinct flaky bark and a hairy surface.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as "Esia" or "Eria" in the Yoruba language in Nigeria, "Gonda" in Guinea, and "Boyo" in Sierra Leone.
Uses:
Various parts of the Chazaliella obovoidea plant have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. In Nigeria, the leaves, bark, and stem are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pains. In Guinea, the roots and bark are used to aid digestion, and the plant is used as a natural insecticide to deter pests from crops. Additionally, the plant's twigs are commonly used to create household items such as baskets.
General Appearance:
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. has green, ovate-shaped leaves with serrated edges that are around 10 centimeters long. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are 5-petalled and grow in clusters. The fruits are small, hard, and woody capsules that contain multiple seeds.
Growth Conditions of Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc.
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. is a perennial plant that is an epiphyte or a lithophyte. The plant is typically found in tropical forests of Africa, where it grows under the shade of high trees or on rocky outcrops. For the optimum growth of the plant, several factors must be considered, including light, temperature, and soil requirements.
Light
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. requires moderate to low light intensity for optimal growth. The plant thrives under well-shaded areas, especially in the understory of high trees in the tropical forest. Direct sunlight usually harms the plant, leading to leaf scorching, which ultimately affects plant growth and development.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. growth is between 20°C to 28°C. The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperatures such as heat and frost. Therefore it is essential to maintain moderate temperatures to promote healthy plant growth.
Soil Requirements
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. requires a well-drained soil medium that is rich in organic matter. The plant typically grows in rocky habitats and therefore prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils. The soil must be kept moist for the best results, but waterlogging of the soil must be avoided, as it would lead to root rot, which is detrimental to plant growth.
Cultivation Methods for Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc.
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. is an easy-to-grow tropical plant that requires good drainage and bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
These plants can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 and above. In colder regions, they can be grown indoors as houseplants in bright, sunny areas.
When planting, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining. Adding sand or perlite to the soil can increase its porosity and improve drainage.
Watering Needs for Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc.
It is crucial to ensure that Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. plants are not overwatered, as this can cause root rot and other water-related problems. Watering should be done thoroughly but infrequently.
During the hot summer months, when the plants are actively growing, they may require more frequent watering than during the colder months. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, and any excess water should be drained away.
Fertilization for Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc.
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label when fertilizing, as over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Pruning for Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc.
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. can be pruned to control their size and promote branching. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins.
Dead or damaged leaves should be removed, and any crossed or rubbing branches should be pruned to prevent damage to the plant.
If the plant has become overgrown and leggy, it can be pruned back to promote bushier growth. However, it is essential to avoid cutting back too much of the plant, as this can shock and damage it.
Propagation of Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc.
Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. can be propagated through two methods - seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. should be collected from fully mature fruits. The collected seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and bright location. The seeds usually take around 2-4 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown a few leaves, they should be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method for propagating Chazaliella obovoidea Verdc. subsp. rhytidophloea Verdc. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant. A stem cutting of around 4-6 inches in length should be selected and cut just below a node. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm and bright location with regular misting of the leaves to increase the humidity around the cutting. The cutting usually takes around 4-6 weeks to root and can then be transplanted into individual pots.
Common Diseases
Chazaliella obovoidea subsp. rhytidophloea is susceptible to a few diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Root rot is often caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to decay of the roots. Leaf spot is caused by a fungal infection that causes brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. Powdery mildew is also caused by a fungal infection, but it appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems.
Disease Management
To manage root rot, it's important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure that the pot has drainage holes. If root rot has already set in, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh soil, removing any mushy or decaying roots. To manage leaf spot and powdery mildew, it's important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. If the infection is severe, it may be necessary to use a fungicidal spray to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Chazaliella obovoidea subsp. rhytidophloea is generally not bothered by pests, but it can occasionally be affected by spider mites or mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves, causing yellow spots and webbing. Mealybugs are small white insects that live in colonies on the leaves and stems.
Pest Management
To manage spider mites and mealybugs, it's important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any affected leaves or stems. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with a fine mist of water to dislodge them, or using an insecticidal soap. Mealybugs can be removed by gently wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
