Origin and Common Names
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides is a plant species that is native to Southern Africa, particularly in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly referred to as "flame creeper" or "bushveld leadwood" due to its striking fiery red flowers and its association with leadwood trees that can be found in the same regions.
Appearance
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides is a scraggly shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall with a spreading habit. It has a woody stem that is rough to the touch and is used to provide structure for the plant. The leaves are simple and arranged oppositely on the stems with a shiny green appearance that can sometimes have a bronze tint. The flowers bloom in clusters of tubular blooms that are a brilliant reddish-orange color.
Uses
The bark and leaves of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides have been traditionally used in African medicine to treat ailments such as diarrhea, stomach pains, and as a blood purifier. The plant's bark is also a source of tannins, which have been used for tanning leather and dyeing textiles. The plant is commonly used as an ornamental shrub due to its wondrous display of bright colors and is a popular choice for landscaping large gardens and public spaces.
Growth Conditions of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides grows well under bright, direct sunlight or partial shading. It is common in dry, rocky, and sandy soils, including coastal areas and degraded forests.
Light Requirements
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides grows best under direct sunlight, although it can tolerate some shading, especially during the hottest part of the day. It is typically found in open savannahs or areas with scattered trees where the plant is not overshadowed by taller vegetation.
Temperature Requirements
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides grows in warm and hot climates, and it is adapted to tolerate high temperatures. The plant can grow in areas with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. During the cooler months, the plant may experience reduced growth or become dormant.
Soil Requirements
The plant is common in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, with low nutrient and organic matter content. Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides is also tolerant of drought conditions, and it can survive long periods without water. However, the plant may require some irrigation during the dry season to maintain active growth.
Cultivation Method for Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides
Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides can be cultivated through the process of seedlings. The seeds of the plant should be collected during the fruiting season and sown in a well-drained soil, which can be supplemented with some manure. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 5 cm and spaced at an interval of at least 1 meter. It is important to water the seeds regularly and protect them from pests and diseases.
Watering Needs for Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides
Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides requires moderate watering. The plant can tolerate drought, but excessive watering can lead to root rot and kill the plant. It is therefore important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered once every three days or according to the climatic conditions of the region.
Fertilization for Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides
Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides requires moderate fertilization. The plant can be fertilized using organic manure or inorganic fertilizers such as NPK. Fertilizers should be applied at planting and subsequently at a regular interval of three months. The amount of fertilizer applied should be dependent on the soil fertility and plant growth rate.
Pruning for Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides
Combretum Celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. Celastroides requires regular pruning. The plant should be pruned to remove dead and diseased branches, and to control its growth rate. Pruning should be carried out during the dry season to reduce stress on the plant. It is important to use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides
Propagation is the process of multiplying and increasing the number of plants. There are different methods of propagating plants, including sexual and asexual propagation. In the case of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides, the plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through seeds
The propagation of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides through seeds is straightforward. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits. The collected seeds should be cleaned and soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in well-drained and fertile soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. The seedlings should be transplanted into pots or the field after they have developed true leaves. The recommended period for sowing Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides seeds is during the rainy season.
Propagation through cuttings
The propagation of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides through cuttings involves the use of stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be collected from the parent plant, preferably during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long with at least two nodes. The bottom end of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder or a solution of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil mixed with sand, and the soil should be kept moist until the cuttings grow roots. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into pots or the field.
Propagation through layering
The propagation of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides through layering involves the use of low-growing branches that can be bent down to the ground without breaking. The stem should be slightly wounded at the point where it gets in contact with the ground, and a rooting hormone should be applied. The wounded part of the stem should be covered with soil, and the plant should be kept moist until roots develop. Once roots develop, the new plant should be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into pots or the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides is generally a hardy plant that can resist several pests and diseases. However, some of the common diseases and pests that may affect this plant include:
Diseases
Leaf spot - This is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves, resulting in defoliation. The best way to control this disease is to remove and destroy the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity around the plant.
Powdery mildew - This disease is characterized by a grayish-white powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, ensure adequate air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
Root rot - This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and eventual death. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. If the disease sets in, remove the affected plants and their soil and discard them completely.
Pests
Mites - These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wither. To manage mites, use insecticides or simply wash off the pests using a strong stream of water.
Aphids - These are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and deformation. Use insecticides or simply wash them off using a strong stream of water to control them.
Caterpillars - These pests can easily defoliate young plants. Handpick and destroy them or use insecticides to get rid of them.
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. celastroides is generally a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention when it comes to pest and disease management. However, regular monitoring and proactive measures can go a long way in preventing pest and disease outbreaks that can damage the plant.
