Overview of Combretum altum Perr.
Combretum altum Perr. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly in the west and central parts of the continent.
Common Names
Combretum altum Perr. has several common names, including the following:
- African Poison Ivy
- Angolan Combretum
- Bush Willow
- False Jackalberry
General Appearance
Combretum altum Perr. is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. It has a dense crown with a spreading canopy. The trunk of the tree is typically straight, with a diameter of up to 60 centimeters. The bark is rough, dark grey, and deeply fissured.
The leaves of Combretum altum Perr. are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a length of around 8-16 centimeters and a width of 3-6 centimeters. They are dark green in color and have a glossy appearance, with a smooth upper surface and a slightly hairy undersurface.
The flowers of Combretum altum Perr. are small, yellowish-white, and arranged in dense clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a four-winged capsule that contains a single seed.
Uses
Combretum altum Perr. has several medicinal and non-medicinal uses, including the following:
- The tree's bark and leaves are used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, stomach pains, and skin infections.
- The wood of Combretum altum Perr. is hard and durable, making it suitable for use in construction, furniture-making, and carving.
- The tree's nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it useful in honey production.
- Some people also use Combretum altum Perr. as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and showy flowers.
Growth Conditions of Combretum altum Perr.
Light: Combretum altum Perr. prefers full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It can grow well in open, exposed areas and is not tolerant of shade. Therefore, it is suitable for planting in areas with direct sunlight exposure.
Temperature: The plant grows well in areas with warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 25°C and 35°C. Temperatures below 20°C or above 40°C could harm the plant's growth and development. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting in regions with extremely low or high temperatures.
Soil: Combretum altum Perr. prefers well-drained soils and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soil. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. However, the plant cannot grow well in waterlogged or poorly drained soil. Therefore, it is best to plant the Combretum altum Perr. in well-draining soils.
Water: It prefers medium to high rainfall and can withstand drought conditions to some degree once it is established. It requires frequent watering during the early stages of planting to establish a strong root system.
Fertilizer: The plant does not require much fertilizer to grow well. However, the application of a balanced fertilizer during the early stages of planting could facilitate the plant's growth and development. It is advisable to consult local agricultural experts to determine the proper fertilizer for the combretum altum Perr.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum altum Perr., also known as the forest bushwillow, is a deciduous to semi-deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soils, but it can tolerate partial shade and a wide range of soil types.
For optimal growth and development, it is best to plant Combretum altum Perr. during the rainy season, which can vary depending on your location. If you are cultivating it in a container, make sure to choose a pot with sufficient drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
Watering Needs
Young Combretum altum Perr. plants require frequent watering until they are established. After that, they are relatively drought-tolerant, but they still benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
When watering, make sure to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and less water will evaporate.
Fertilization
To keep your Combretum altum Perr. healthy and thriving, it is important to fertilize it regularly. You can use a slow-release granular fertilizer during the growing season or a liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and avoid applying too much fertilizer as this can lead to nutrient burn or damage to the plant roots.
Pruning
Pruning is important to maintain the shape and size of your Combretum altum Perr. plant and to promote healthy growth. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season (winter) or immediately after flowering.
You can remove dead or damaged branches, any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, and any suckers that are growing from the base of the plant. Avoid cutting back too much of the plant at once as this can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation of Combretum altum Perr.
Combretum altum Perr. can be propagated through several methods such as seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Combretum altum Perr. can be collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds should be washed and soaked in water for about 24 hours to enhance germination. After soaking, the seeds should be stratified in a cool, moist environment for 3 months. Later, the seeds can be sown in the nursery beds filled with well-drained soil. The nursery beds should be kept moist, and germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Combretum altum Perr. can be propagated through stem cuttings collected from the semi-hardwood portion of the plant. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and stripped of their lower leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should develop roots in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another method used for propagating Combretum altum Perr. In layering, a portion of the stem is bent and buried in the soil with the help of a stake. After a few months, roots develop, and the rooted portion can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted into the ground.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is not a common method used for propagating Combretum altum Perr. However, it can be used to improve the plant's characteristics or to propagate a specific cultivar. Grafting involves joining a stem or a bud of Combretum altum Perr. with another related plant capable of providing support and nutrients. The success of grafting depends on the compatibility of the selected plants.
Disease Management
Combretum altum Perr. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that attacks the leaves, twigs, and branches. It leads to the development of black spots on the leaves, which can spread to the stem and cause dieback. To manage anthracnose, prune the affected branches and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, use fungicides to control the pathogen.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots and cause them to rot. The plant becomes stunted, and the leaves turn yellow. To manage root rot, improve the drainage of the soil to prevent waterlogging. Also, remove the affected plant and destroy it to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by fungi that grow on the surface of the leaves, causing a powdery appearance. It can affect the growth of the plant and reduce its yield. To manage powdery mildew, use fungicides and prune the affected parts of the plant. Also, improve air circulation to prevent the growth of the fungi.
Pest Management
Combretum altum Perr. is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Caterpillars: These insects feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant or use biological control methods such as introducing natural predators.
- Spider mites: These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. Also, improve the humidity of the plant to prevent their growth.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the stem and leaves of the plant, sucking the sap and causing stunted growth. To manage scale insects, use insecticidal soap or prune the affected parts of the plant. Also, improve the hygiene of the plant by removing dead leaves to prevent their growth.
By implementing the above disease and pest management practices, you can maximize the yield and growth of Combretum altum Perr. and keep it healthy and vibrant.
