Overview
Chazaliella subcordatifolia (De Wild.) E.M.A.Petit & Verdc. is a species of plant that belongs to the family Connaraceae. It is a woody climber that is native to tropical Africa.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, depending on the region where it is found. In Central Africa, it is commonly referred to as "mongololo" or "lola". In West Africa, it is known as "sankrini" or "sankari".
Appearance
The plant is a woody climber that can reach up to 10 meters in length. It has a thin stem that is covered in brown or black bark. The leaves are compound and are made up of several leaflets. The leaflets are elliptical to oblong in shape and measure up to 11 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. The flowers are small and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that contains up to 10 seeds.
Uses
The different parts of the plant have various medicinal applications. The leaves, stem, and root are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including stomach ache, fever, and diarrhea. The plant has also been tested and found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant has other applications. The bark is used as a source of fiber, and the wood is used for carving and making utensils. The plant is also used in traditional rituals, such as the initiation rites of young men.
Light Requirements
Chazaliella subcordatifolia is a plant that thrives in areas with partial shade to full shade. It can grow under moderate to dense canopy cover where it receives diffused or filtered light. Direct sunlight can be detrimental to the plant as it can cause sunburn or leaf scorch.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature requirements of Chazaliella subcordatifolia are moderate. The plant can tolerate temperatures that range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). During the nighttime, the temperature can drop to 10°C (50°F). Low temperatures can cause leaf damage, while high temperatures can cause dehydration and stress to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Chazaliella subcordatifolia prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from 5.0 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in soils that are nutrient-poor, but it will benefit from the addition of fertilizers. However, the excessive use of fertilizers can cause damage to the root system.
Cultivation
Chazaliella subcordatifolia is a plant that can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. For outdoor cultivation, choose a spot that gets partial shade and has well-drained soil. The plant can also be grown indoors in a well-lit room or in a conservatory. The plant prefers warm temperatures, so keep it away from cold draughts and place it in a warm spot.
Watering Needs
Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to once every two weeks. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil, so you can add a small amount of vinegar to the water.
Fertilization
Chazaliella subcordatifolia should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. During the winter months, reduce fertilizer applications to once a month. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Prune the plant in early spring to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Use sharp and clean scissors or shears. You can also pinch back new growth regularly to encourage a more compact and bushy form.
Propagation of Chazaliella subcordatifolia
Chazaliella subcordatifolia can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Here are the various methods:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be sown in well-draining soil mixtures. The seeds require light to germinate, hence it is important to scatter them on the soil surface and lightly press them, then cover with a transparent polythene bag or clear glass to allow maximum light to penetrate the medium. Also, the medium should be kept moist until germination takes place. However, it may take up to 6 months for the seeds to sprout.
Cuttings
Chazaliella subcordatifolia can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken with a clean, sharp knife from healthy stems. The cuttings should be about 12 cm in length, with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil mixture. It is important to keep the cuttings moist and humid by enclosing in a clear plastic bag or under intermittent mist. Roots should develop in about 6-8 weeks.
Division
The plant can also be propagated through division. The root system should be divided into smaller, viable sections that can be potted in well-draining soil mixture. It is important to select healthy stems for division and plant them at the same depth they were growing in their previous container. Water plants immediately after division, and they will quickly establish roots.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method for propagating Chazaliella subcordatifolia. In this method, a stem is notched, and a tip inserted into a container of soil mix, then the container is covered with clear plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut away from the parent plant and potted in a separate container.
Propagation is an effective way to expand your collection of Chazaliella subcordatifolia. Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy this stunning plant for years to come.
Disease Management
Chazaliella subcordatifolia is generally a healthy plant that is not affected by many diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from some fungal infections such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. To control this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation and avoid overwatering the plant. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant can be treated with fungicides.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It appears as a white powdery coating on the surface of the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves when watering. Infected plants can be treated with fungicides.
Pest Management
Chazaliella subcordatifolia is generally not affected by many pests. However, spider mites and mealybugs can occasionally infest the plant.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and dryness of the leaves. To control spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and regularly spray the leaves with a strong stream of water. Infected plants can be treated with insecticides.
Mealybugs are small white pests that feed on the sap of the plant. They are often found in the crevices of the plant and can cause leaves to yellow and fall off. To control mealybugs, dab them with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or spray the plant with insecticides.
