Origin
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell is a plant that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It is commonly found in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the Red-fruit Combretum, Bushwillow, or M'Tengula.
Uses
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell is commonly used by indigenous people for medicinal purposes. The leaves, bark, and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments, including coughs, sore throat, fever, and dysentery. The plant is also used to treat wounds and skin infections due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used in traditional practices. It is commonly used in African traditional medicine to protect against evil spirits and bad omens. The plant is also used in various cultural ceremonies and rituals.
General Appearance
The Red-fruit Combretum is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. Its leaves are oblong in shape, leathery, and shiny green in color. The plant produces small, white, or cream-colored flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit is a red-brown capsule that contains one seed. The plant is usually found in dry, semi-arid areas or in open woodland regions near rivers or lakes.
Growth Conditions for Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell
Light Requirements: Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell thrives in full sunlight. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow optimally. Shade can hinder the growth of the plant and even lead to stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements: Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell has a preference for warm temperatures. The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures varying from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, the ideal temperature for the plant to grow seamlessly is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements: Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell prefers a well-draining soil type. A soil with a pH range of between 5.5 and 7 is adequate for healthy plant growth. The plant can also grow in sandy soils, but the soil must be rich in nutrients. The soil should contain plenty of organic matter to enhance its nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum celastroides subsp. orientale is a plant species that requires a suitable environment to grow well. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions in well-drained soils with good fertility. The plant prefers full sunlight and can thrive in a range of pH levels between 6.0 to 8.0.
Propagation of Combretum celastroides subsp. orientale can be done using seeds or cuttings. For seeds, they should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water to speed up germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, trimmed, and treated with rooting hormone to encourage rooting.
Watering Needs
Combretum celastroides subsp. orientale requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered frequently during the initial growth stages to allow for root establishment. Once established, it requires watering at intervals of seven to ten days, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot, which can weaken and kill the plant. Well-drained soil is, therefore, essential to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Combretum celastroides subsp. orientale is necessary to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with essential nutrients should be applied regularly, mainly during the growth period and flowering stage.
The quantity of fertilizer should be adjusted according to the soil type and plant requirements. Overfertilizing can result in excessive vegetative growth, reducing the plant's quality and yield.
Pruning
Pruning Combretum celastroides subsp. orientale is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and size and promote air circulation. Removing dead or diseased branches should be done regularly to prevent the spread of infections.
Pruning should be done early in the growing season before the plant produces new shoots. The cuts should be made at an angle and treated to prevent infections.
Propagation of Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively through cuttings. Here are the propagation methods:
Propagation by seeds:
The seeds need to be collected from healthy plants, dried and stored properly until they are ready for sowing. The seeds have a hard coat and need to be scarified or soaked in hot water to break the dormancy before sowing. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays. The soil should be well-draining and fertile. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination. The germination period can take anywhere from two to four weeks. The seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds until they are strong enough to be transplanted into larger containers or into the field.
Propagation by cuttings:
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the tips of the branches during the growing season, while hardwood cuttings can be taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 10cm long and should have at least three nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth. The cuttings can be planted directly into the soil or in containers filled with well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from strong winds and direct sunlight until they establish roots and start to grow.
Disease Management
Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell is not commonly affected by diseases, but it may be susceptible to fungal infections such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. These can be managed by following these practices:
- Ensure proper air circulation and ventilation around the plants,
- Remove and dispose of infected plant material,
- Apply fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can potentially cause damage to Combretum celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell. Some common ones are:
- Spider mites - these pests often cause yellowing of leaves and can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Thrips - these pests can cause leaf distortion and yellowing. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars - these pests feed on the leaves and can be managed by handpicking or by using a biological control agent, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
Regularly inspecting your plant and ensuring good cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, can also help to prevent pest infestations. If an infestation does occur, it is important to take action quickly to prevent the pests from causing significant damage to the plant.
