Origin
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is a plant that is native to Africa. It can be found in countries such as Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Common Names
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is commonly referred to as the White-leaved Combretum or Large-leaved False Buckthorn.
Uses
The bark of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is used in African traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, diarrhea, and stomach ache. Additionally, the plant has been used in the treatment of snake bites.
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is also used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. Additionally, it is used in erosion control and reforestation planting due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions.
General Appearance
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is a medium-sized tree or shrub that can grow up to 12 meters in height. The leaves are large, about 15cm long and 9cm wide, with a dark green color on top and a white underside. The plant produces a white to creamy-yellow flower in clusters that bloom from August to November.
The bark is grayish-brown, with a rough texture. The fruit is a capsule that contains one or two seeds that are dispersed by wind or water.
Light requirements
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum typically grows in full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate full sun exposure in the morning or afternoon, but in the hotter regions, partial shade is preferred. It may struggle in heavily shaded areas as it requires some direct sunlight to thrive.
Temperature requirements
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum is native to tropical and subtropical regions and thus requires warm temperatures all year round. The plant prefers temperature ranges of 20-30°C (68-86°F), though it can also tolerate temperatures slightly beyond this range, up to around 35°C (95°F). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) as it may cause damage to its leaves or roots.
Soil requirements
The Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum plant typically grows well in well-drained soils having a pH range between 5.5 and 8.0. The soil should be rich in minerals, preferably organic matter. The plant may not grow optimally in heavy clay soils that do not drain well, or in sandy soils that dry out too quickly. Regularly add organic matter to the soil to maintain its nutrients, and also ensure that it is moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils and environments. The plant prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought conditions. For ideal growth, the plant should be placed in full sun and in areas with temperatures that do not fall below 20°C.
Watering Needs
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell has moderate water requirements. The plant should be watered frequently during the growing season, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. However, the soil should not be waterlogged since the plant does not tolerate waterlogging well. During the dry season, watering should be reduced, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering.
Fertilization
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell does not require heavy fertilization, but regular application of a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 would be beneficial. Fertilizer application should be done every four months, especially during the growing season, to enhance plant growth and flower production.
Pruning
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed. Once the plant has finished flowering, any unwanted or unsightly branches can also be removed. However, pruning should be kept to a minimum to avoid damaging the plant's natural shape and impairing its growth potential.
Propagation of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell can be propagated using various methods including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed propagation
This is the most common method of propagation for Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell. In this method, the seeds should be collected when they are ripe and allowed to dry in a well-ventilated place. After drying, the seeds should be cleaned, planted in a well-drained potting mix and covered lightly with soil. To increase the germination rate, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination may take several weeks to a few months depending on the conditions.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell. Cuttings of about 15 to 20 cm long should be collected from healthy and mature plants, preferably from the top parts of the plant. The leaves should then be removed from the lower two-thirds of the cutting and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-drained potting mix, watered and kept in a shady spot with high humidity. Rooting should occur within a few weeks.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell. In this method, a small section of the stem of the plant is slit and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. The wound is then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist, and after roots have formed, the stem can be cut off the parent plant and transplanted to a new pot.
Disease Management
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is susceptible to various diseases that include:
- Leaf Spot: The fungal disease causes black spots on the plant's leaves leading to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage, remove and destroy infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots and irregular patches on the leaves, leading to defoliation. The disease spreads through wet and humid conditions. Remove and destroy infected leaves and twigs, improve air circulation, and apply a fungicide.
- Rust: The fungal disease causes orange, yellow, or brown pustules on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation. To manage, remove and destroy infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. laxiflorum (Welw. ex M.A.Lawson) Exell is also susceptible to pest attacks from:
- Mealybugs: The sap-sucking insects feed on the plant's leaves, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: The pests attach themselves to stems and leaves and cause yellowing and wilting. They also produce a sticky substance that attracts ants. Remove scale insects manually and apply the neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Mites: The pests feed on the plant's leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and eventually defoliation. To control, spray the plants with a stream of water and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
