Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston is a rare and unique plant species belonging to the family of Rhamnaceae. It is commonly known as the "Arroyo Seco Nakedwood" and is native to the tropical deciduous forest of Guerrero, Mexico.
Appearance
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. Its trunk is smooth and has a greyish-brown color with a diameter of about 25 cm. The branches are long and spreading, with a dense and rounded canopy. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate-shaped, measuring about 5-13 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, with a dark green color and serrated margins.
The flowers of the Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston are small and greenish-yellow, measuring about 6 mm long, and are arranged in short dense clusters at the branch tips. The fruit is a small drupe which is about 5 mm long and is reddish-brown in color.
Uses
The Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston is used traditionally in Mexico for various medicinal purposes. The bark of the tree is used to treat wounds, sores, and other injuries, and the leaves are used to treat inflammation. The wood of the tree is used to make durable and strong utility items, such as tool handles, walking sticks, and furniture.
Due to its rarity, the Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston is not widely cultivated. However, it is an important species to study and conserve, as it is a unique and important part of the tropical deciduous forest ecosystem in Mexico.
Light Requirements
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. This plant is intolerant to shade, and prolonged exposure can lead to stunted growth and abnormal development. Therefore, it's best to grow this plant in areas where it gets at least six hours of sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirement
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston grows best when grown in warm temperatures, preferably between 20°C and 33°C. Extreme cold and freezing temperatures are detrimental to the growth and development of this plant. Therefore, it's essential to plant it in areas with consistent temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold.
Soil Requirement
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston prefers well-draining soils with a pH that falls between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant cannot tolerate stagnant or waterlogged soils, and it's essential to ensure proper drainage. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and you can add compost or manure to enhance soil fertility. Additionally, this plant can tolerate drought to some extent, but adequate water supply is necessary during the establishment period.
Cultivation Methods:
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It is best grown in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 6.0 and 7.5.
The plant needs to be propagated through cuttings or seeds. Propagation is best done during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be taken from the stem's tip and should be about 4-6 inches long. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should root within a few weeks.
Watering Needs:
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil is well-draining. The soil should be kept moist but not soaked. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature and humidity, but it is best to water the plant when the soil's top layer feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization:
The plant benefits from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, reducing the frequency during the plant's dormant period.
Pruning:
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston requires minimal pruning. Regular pruning should be done to remove any dead or damaged branches. The plant's growth habit is naturally shrubby, but it can be trained to grow into a small tree with some pruning. The best time to prune is during the plant's dormant period, usually in late fall or early winter.
When pruning, make sure to use sharp, clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. Cut the branches just above the leaf nodes to encourage new growth. It is important not to remove more than one-third of the plant's total foliage in one pruning session.
Propagation of Colubrina urbanii
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The preferable time for seed collection is during the fruiting season from October to December. The collected seeds can be sown immediately or stored for later. The seeds need to be cleaned to remove the pulp that may inhibit germination.
The seeds should be sown about 1 cm deep in a mixture of sand and peat moss or perlite. The substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 25-30°C. Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature branches preferably during the summer or early autumn. The cutting should be about 15-20 cm in length and should have at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone powder.
The cutting should be planted in a well-draining substrate such as a mixture of sand and perlite or vermiculite. Maintain humidity by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or a piece of clear plastic. The rooting process can take up to 3 months, and once they have rooted, the new plants can be transplanted to bigger containers.
Disease Management
Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston is considered to be a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, there are still a few diseases that can affect it:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overly wet soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can appear as a white, powdery coating on leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as dark lesions on stems. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used.
Pest Management
Like many plants, Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston is vulnerable to a few common pests:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves with water and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale Insects: These pests appear as small, raised bumps on the plant's stems and leaves. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and can also produce a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage scale insects, remove them with a soft brush or use insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests can appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and can also produce honeydew. To manage mealybugs, remove them with a soft brush or use insecticidal soap.
Regularly inspecting your Colubrina urbanii M.C. Johnston for signs of disease or pest infestations is the best way to prevent and manage any issues that may arise. Early detection and intervention are key to keeping your plant healthy and thriving.
