Overview:
Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus is a tropical plant species belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family. It is a small shrub or tree that grows to a height of 4-10m. This plant is native to the African continent and is found in several countries including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names:
The plant is known by common names such as Congo tree, Gabon fatal, and bushman's poison.
Appearance:
The leaves of the Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus are simple, spirally arranged, and have toothed edges. They are glossy and dark green in colour, with a leathery texture. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the plant produces small, round, green fruits that turn black when mature.
Uses:
The plant is primarily used for medicinal purposes. The bark, roots, and leaves contain toxins that are used to treat various illnesses such as arthritis, fever, and snakebites. However, the plant is also extremely toxic and can cause death if ingested in large quantities. The toxicity of the plant also makes it useful as a pesticide and as a poison for hunting game in some parts of Africa.
Light Requirements
The Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Partial shade is suitable for this plant as it cannot endure direct sunlight for long periods. Therefore, a location under a tree or near a shaded window would be perfect for the growth of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus is a tropical plant that can withstand temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). These plants cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C (59°F) or above 34°C (93°F). Therefore, when cultivating the Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus, ensure that temperatures remain within the recommended range to enable the plant to thrive.
Soil Requirements
The Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus grows optimally in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. These plants can thrive in both acidic and alkaline soils, with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist and not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can increase its fertility and help to retain moisture, which is vital for the growth of this plant.
Cultivation
The Cleistanthus inundatus J. Léonard var. inundatus, commonly known as the dark-leaved cleistanthus, is a tropical shrub that is native to Madagascar. It is usually grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful foliage. For successful cultivation, the plant must be grown in a warm and humid climate. It is best to plant it outdoors in a place that has partial to full shade. The plant can grow up to ten feet tall, so it is important to prepare adequate space for it to grow.
Watering Needs
The Cleistanthus inundatus J. Léonard var. inundatus requires adequate watering to thrive. It is important to water the plant regularly but sparingly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. This is important because the plant does not tolerate wet soil. Overwatering or allowing the plant to stand in water for too long can lead to root rot, which can eventually kill the plant.
Fertilization
To keep the Cleistanthus inundatus J. Léonard var. inundatus healthy and thriving, it is important to fertilize it regularly. You can use a balanced fertilizer, which is rich in nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. It is best to apply the fertilizer just before the start of the growing season. During the rest of the year, you can apply a light amount of fertilizer every few months to help the plant grow and maintain optimal health.
Pruning
Pruning is important for the Cleistanthus inundatus J. Léonard var. inundatus to maintain its shape, keep it healthy, and stimulate growth. Pruning should be done just after the growing season, preferably in the spring. It is best to use clean and sharp pruning shears for the task. You can prune the plant to remove any dying or damaged leaves and branches. Additionally, you can shape the plant by cutting it back to your desired size. However, be careful not to remove more than a third of the plant during pruning, as doing so can stress and weaken the plant.
Propagation of Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus
Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus, commonly known as the Manchadi plant, belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae, and is primarily found in the Western Ghats of India. It is a woody shrub that grows up to 4 meters in height and has small green leaves with a smooth texture.
There are two main methods of propagating Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is an easy and reliable method for propagating Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus. Collect mature, ripe seeds during the autumn season, and sow them in well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and keep them in a warm and humid place. The seeds will germinate in about 2-3 weeks if the conditions are favorable. Once the seedlings have sprouted, transplant them into larger pots.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using stem cuttings from an existing plant to grow a new plant. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant's healthy and mature branches during the spring season. The cuttings should have at least 2-3 nodes, and the leaves should be removed from the bottom of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a container filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the container in a warm, humid place and water it regularly. The cutting should start producing roots in about 4-6 weeks, after which it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Both seed and vegetative propagation methods are effective in propagating Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus. Regular pruning and shaping of the plant can help to maintain its shape and increase its foliage.
Disease Management
Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus is not known to be affected by any serious diseases. However, being a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, it can be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, bacterial leaf spots, and root rot.
To avoid fungal and bacterial leaf spots, it is important to keep the plant's foliage dry, especially during humid weather conditions. Avoid watering the foliage, and water the plant at the base instead. Also, ensure adequate airflow around the plant to prevent moisture buildup in the foliage that can lead to fungal or bacterial growth.
If root rot is suspected, it is important to inspect the roots for mushy, brown, or black roots. If any are found, remove them immediately and repot the plant in a fresh, well-draining potting mix. Avoid overwatering and ensure adequate drainage.
Pest Management
Cleistanthus inundatus J.Léonard var. inundatus is not known to be affected by pests, but like most plants, it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs.
To prevent spider mites and mealybugs, inspect plants regularly and isolate any affected plants immediately. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control the pests. Additionally, keep the plant clean and free of dust, and ensure adequate airflow around the plant.
If infestation is severe, a non-toxic insecticide or horticultural soap can be used to manage the pests. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the product label to avoid damaging the plant or harming beneficial insects.
