Overview
Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. is a species of small to medium-sized tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is found in various parts of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The plant is known by different common names in different regions, including African Bushwillow, Bushwillow, Diabe Tree, Red Bushwillow, and Mgwale.
Appearance
Combretum capituliflorum typically grows up to 12-30 m tall, with a cylindrical stem that is usually 30-70 cm in diameter. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming rough and scaly with age. The leaves are alternate and are lance-shaped or elliptic, with a pointed tip and a rounded base, and measure 8-15 cm long and 2.5-6 cm wide. The leaves are glossy dark green above and paler beneath, with a distinct network of veins. The flowers are arranged in terminal spikes, measuring 8-20 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, with each spike containing up to 100 individual florets. The flowers are small and cream-colored, with a sweet scent and are pollinated by insects.
Uses
The Combretum capituliflorum tree has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. In Nigeria, the bark and leaves are used to treat malaria, fever, stomach ache, and other ailments. The bark is also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory problems. In Ghana, the plant's leaves are used to treat hypertension, while in Cameroon, the bark is used to treat venereal diseases. The plant's wood is also used for fuel, making of furniture and construction purposes.
Growth Conditions for Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf.
Light: Combretum capituliflorum requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It cannot tolerate shade or indirect light. Therefore, it is advisable to plant them in an area with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: This plant species requires warm temperatures to grow and thrive. It cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures. The plant's growth is optimal at temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. If temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the plant may experience severe damage or may even die.
Soil: Combretum capituliflorum can grow in a range of well-draining soils. The species is typically found in sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Therefore, it is highly recommended to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure before planting to improve drainage and soil structure.
Water: This plant species requires moderate watering. It can withstand short periods of drought once established. Overwatering should be avoided as it may result in root rot and even death of the plant. Combretum capituliflorum prefers to grow in areas with a regular rainfall pattern of at least 500-1000 mm per year.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf., commonly known as bushwillow, can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and the cuttings should be taken from healthy, pest-free plants and rooted in a mixture of sand and perlite. The plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate dry conditions, but also benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.
Watering Needs
Bushwillow plants have moderate water needs and can withstand some drought. However, during prolonged dry spells, the plant will benefit from deep watering once a week. On the other hand, overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. does not require excessive fertilizer application, and overfertilizing can lead to excessive growth and decreased flower production. However, in poor soils, a slow-release fertilizer with balanced NPK ratios can be applied twice a year - in spring and fall - to enhance plant growth and flowering.
Pruning
Bushwillow plants require occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size. The best time to prune is during late winter or early spring. Prune any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossed or rubbing branches. The plant can also be pruned to encourage a more compact growth habit or to promote more flowering. However, it is recommended to avoid heavy pruning, as bushwillows tend to bleed profusely when cut, which can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to diseases and pests.
Propagation of Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf.
Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. can be propagated by various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagating Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. is by seed. To germinate, seeds require heat and moisture. Dry seeds readily germinate without any special treatment.
The seeds must be removed from the fruit or cone and planted immediately. Seeds can be planted in pots or nursery beds filled with fertile soil. Cover the seeds to a depth of approximately 1-2 centimeters. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within two to six weeks.
Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field. The seedlings should be nurtured for at least a year in pots before transplanting into the field.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another way of propagating Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. Cuttings are typically taken from mature branches in the spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 10 to 15 centimeters in length and should include at least three to four nodes or buds.
Prepare the cuttings and dip the cut ends into a rooting hormone to promote root development. Place cuttings into a container filled with potting soil or directly into the field. Water the cuttings thoroughly and cover with a plastic bag to prevent water loss. Keep the cutting moist and in a shaded area for about two months.
After two months, check for new roots by gently tugging on the base of the cutting. If there is resistance, there are roots present, and the plastic bag can be removed. The cuttings can then be transplanted either into individual pots or directly into the field.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method used for Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. This method is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch over and pinning it to the ground.
The exposed node is wounded with a sharp knife, and a small amount of rooting hormone is applied to the wound. Then, the node is covered with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. Roots will form at the node, and new growth will sprout from the tip of the branch.
After about a year, the layering can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf.
Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. is a hardy plant that is relatively disease and pest resistant. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, prune any affected leaves and provide proper air circulation around the plant. You can also spray a fungicide on the plant, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. This disease is caused by overwatering the plant. To manage root rot, reduce watering and only water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. You can also add a fungicide to the soil to prevent further damage to the roots.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and wilt. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. Alternatively, you can introduce natural predators to the plant such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider mites: Spider mites are small pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop off. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or ladybugs to the plant.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies and can eat the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, you can pick them off the plant by hand or spray the plant with a natural pesticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Overall, with proper care and attention, Combretum capituliflorum Fenzl ex Schweinf. can thrive and remain healthy, avoiding the risk of diseases and pests.
