General information
Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f. is a plant species belonging to the family Icacinaceae. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. The plant is native to West Africa and is found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Common names
The plant has several common names including Orange Star, African Orange Star, and Bush Banana. In Nigeria, it is commonly referred to as "Agwugwu" in Igbo and "Gedu" in Hausa.
Appearance
Clitandra visciflua has glossy green leaves that are about 10 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. The flowers are bright orange and shaped like stars, hence its common name. The fruit is a green, round berry that is about 2 centimeters in diameter and contains a single seed.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine in West Africa. The leaves and bark of the plant are used to treat stomach ailments, fever, and infections. The roots are used as a purgative. In addition to its medicinal uses, the fruit of the plant is edible and is used as a food source in some West African countries.
Light Requirements
The plant Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f. prefers bright indirect light but can also tolerate moderate shade. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf burn and reduced growth. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant near a window that receives bright indirect light or provide artificial light sources such as fluorescent or LED lamps.
Temperature Requirements
This particular plant species is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 18-26°C (65-80°F). Temperatures below 16°C (60°F) can cause damage to the plant, and exposure to frost can be fatal. Therefore, it is essential to keep the plant away from cold drafts and provide adequate heating during winter months.
Soil Requirements
Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f. grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mixture with a pH range of 6.0-6.5 is ideal for its growth. It is also recommended to use a container with proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot. Adding perlite or sand to the soil mixture can improve drainage and prevent soil compaction.
Cultivation of Clitandra Visciflua K.Schum. Ex Hallier f.
Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f. is commonly known as the sticky Clitandra. It is a small tree that is endemic to tropical regions and grows up to 15m tall. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
The ideal location for cultivation is in areas with warm temperatures of about 20-30°C. In areas with extreme temperatures, it is advisable to grow it in a shaded area. The soil should be continuously moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f. requires regular watering to remain healthy and lush green. It is recommended to water the plant every two or three days, depending on the environmental conditions. The aim is to maintain a consistently moist soil. However, overwatering should be avoided at all costs.
Fertilization
The sticky Clitandra requires fertilization to maintain its growth and health. A balanced fertilizer should be applied every two months, preferably during growing season. Applying too much fertilizer may lead to vegetation at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
The plant benefits significantly from pruning. It is recommended to remove the dead or dry twigs and shoots, cutting them at the base. Additionally, removing any diseased or damaged parts of the plant helps maintain the health of the tree. Pruning the plant every two years helps maintain its shape and promotes healthy growth.
Propagation of Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f.
Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f., commonly known as the sticky clitandra, is a tropical shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. This attractive plant features glossy foliage and produces showy red and yellow flowers throughout the year. If you want to propagate your Clitandra visciflua, there are four methods to consider:
Seed propagation
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most common method for Clitandra visciflua. The seeds of the plant can be planted indoors or outdoors during the spring or summer seasons. Sow the seeds in a pot or a tray with well-drained potting soil and keep them watered until they germinate. After germination, you can transplant the young seedlings to their permanent location.
Cutting propagation
Propagation by cuttings is also a successful method for Clitandra visciflua. Take a 3-4 inch cutting from the plant, ideally with 2-3 leaves attached, and dip it in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-drained potting soil and water it thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should root within 6-8 weeks. You can transplant the new plant to its permanent location once it has established roots.
Air-layering propagation
Propagation by air layering is another excellent method for Clitandra visciflua. Wrap moist sphagnum moss around a section of the plant's stem, cover it with plastic wrap, and secure the edges with tape. Over time, roots will grow from the stem into the moss. Once the new roots have established, you can cut the stem from the original plant and transplant it to its permanent location.
DIVISION
Propagation by division is a method for Clitandra visciflua where you divide the plant into sections and replant them. This method is best done during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections. Replant each section in a new location and water thoroughly. The new sections should start to grow once they have established roots in their new surroundings.
Disease and Pest Management for Clitandra Visciflua
Clitandra visciflua K.Schum. ex Hallier f., commonly known as the African walnut, is a tropical tree species that is mostly found in West and Central Africa. The plant is valuable for its timber and other products such as food, medicine, and cosmetics. However, like any other agricultural crop, the plant is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can pose threats to its productivity and survival.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Clitandra visciflua is leaf spot, a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves, which can grow and merge. This can lead to defoliation and poor tree growth, which can impact timber production. Another disease that can damage the tree is powdery mildew, a fungal infection that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems, leading to leaf distortion and stunted growth.
Disease Management
To manage these diseases, a combination of cultural, chemical, and biological control methods can be used. Good cultural practices such as maintaining good tree nutrition, avoiding overcrowding of trees, and removing infected plant debris can help to prevent further spread of the diseases. Planting disease-free seedlings, applying fungicides, and using biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma spp. can also be effective in controlling fungal diseases.
Common Pests
The African walnut tree is susceptible to insect infestations, which can contribute to reduced yield and tree growth. One common pest is the African walnut moth (Stathmopoda aequalis), which causes significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves, fruits, and flowers. Another pest that can attack the tree is the African walnut weevil (Curculio spp.), which feeds on the nuts and can cause yield loss.
Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can be used to manage pest infestations in African walnut trees. This includes the use of insecticides, biological control, and cultural practices such as good sanitation and pruning infested parts of the plant. Preventive measures such as the use of pheromone traps to monitor pest populations and the promotion of natural enemy populations can also be effective.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management practices are essential for maintaining healthy Clitandra visciflua trees and ensuring good production. A combination of preventive measures, cultural practices, and chemical or biological control methods can be used to combat diseases and pests, leading to increased productivity and profitability for the plant growers.
