Origin and Common Names
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum, commonly known as "Mountain bushwillow" or "Harilik savannivaarikas" in Estonian, is a shrub species belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is native to Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.Uses
The Mountain bushwillow has various traditional medicinal uses by indigenous people of Southern Africa. The bark and leaves of the plant are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, coughs, colds, and flu. In some cultures, the bark is taken as a remedy for snakebites, while the leaves are applied as a poultice to treat wounds. The plant is also used in African traditional rituals as an enema to expel worms and evil spirits. Besides the medicinal uses, the Mountain bushwillow is also popular in horticulture and landscaping. The plant's beautiful foliage and attractive flowers make it an excellent ornamental shrub in gardens and parks. As a result, numerous cultivars of the Mountain bushwillow have been developed to enhance its aesthetic value.General Appearance
The Mountain bushwillow is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to six meters tall. It has a dense, spreading crown with a rough, grey bark. The leaves are simple, often oval or oblong in shape, with a pointed tip and a characteristic pale yellowish-green color. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in spike-like inflorescences in summer and autumn. The fruit of the Mountain bushwillow is a woody capsule with four to five sections, which contains one seed in each section.Light Requirements
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum commonly grows in full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. In areas with high-intensity light, new leaves may initially appear bleached, but they eventually adjust to the light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum grows naturally in tropical and sub-tropical climates. They require temperatures above 10°C (50°F) for growth. The ideal day temperatures are between 25-35°C (77-95°F), and the night temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F).
Soil Requirements
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant grows best in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in nature. It can also grow in slightly saline soils found in coastal areas.
The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, the plant does not grow well in compacted soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
The Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum is best planted during the hot and dry months of the year when temperatures are high. The plant thrives well in well-drained soils that have adequate organic matter. Plant the seedlings at least 3 feet apart and water them on alternate days to enable proper establishment. Mounding the plant can help improve drainage in areas with poor soil drainage. Additionally, the plant requires abundant sunlight to grow; hence it must be planted in areas with direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
The Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum requires moderate watering, especially during the initial growing stages. Do not overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. Watering should be done during early mornings or late afternoons to prevent water loss through evaporation. The plant requires more water during the dry season, making it important to monitor the soil moisture content. Additionally, it is important to note that the plant can withstand drought conditions.
Fertilization
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum is a heavy feeder that requires an adequate supply of nutrients to promote healthy growth. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in the early stages of growth. You can use organic fertilizers made from cow dung, poultry manure, or compost to enhance soil fertility and promote healthy growth. Apply the fertilizer around the plant, avoiding contact with the stem, and water it thoroughly after application.
Pruning
Pruning promotes healthy growth and enhances the plant’s aesthetic value. It is recommended to prune the plant when it’s young to promote the growth of lateral branches, which provides an attractive plant canopy. You should use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to the other. Prune the plant during the dormant season, preferably just before the start of the growing season. Remove unwanted or damaged branches, and cut back overgrown stems to promote new growth and enhance the plant’s appearance.
Propagation of Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum
There are various methods of propagating Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum. Some of these methods include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of this plant species requires scarification, which is the process of breaking or weakening the hard seed coat to promote germination. This can be achieved through various means such as soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours, chipping the seed coat or using sulfuric acid to dissolve the coat. Once scarified, the seeds can then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Germination usually occurs within 6-10 days and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers once they reach a height of 5-6 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum can be propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from young, vigorous plants during the growing season. A rooting hormone can be applied to the cut end of the stem to encourage root development. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm, humid area. Rooting usually occurs within 2-4 weeks and the new plants can be transplanted into individual containers once a strong root system is established.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum. This method involves creating a wound on a healthy, mature branch and then adding compost or rooting hormone to the wound. A ball of moist moss is then placed around the wound and wrapped in plastic to keep it moist. The roots will form within a few weeks and the new plant can then be detached from the parent plant and transplanted into a container.
Disease and Pest Management for Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, in certain conditions, it can still be affected by some common problems that can significantly impact its growth and productivity. Effective management measures can help minimize these impacts and ensure the plant's optimal health and performance.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that can infect Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum, especially during prolonged periods of wet weather. The disease typically appears as dark lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. If left uncontrolled, it can cause early defoliation and significant yield losses. To manage anthracnose, it is critical to practice good sanitation, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and apply fungicides early in the growing season.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on leaves, which can coalesce and result in leaf drop. The disease is prevalent in warm and humid conditions and can be effectively managed by maintaining good plant hygiene, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides preventively during the early stages of the disease.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum. They can cause significant damage, especially in large numbers, by weakening the plant and spreading diseases. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or a combination of both, applied directly to the affected plant parts.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny sucking insects that can cause severe damage to Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum, especially during dry and hot conditions. They produce webbing around the leaves and feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing, defoliation, and stunting. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain good plant moisture, use a forceful spray of water to dislodge the mites, and apply appropriate miticides to control their population.
Overall, the key to effective disease and pest management for Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. collinum is to maintain good plant hygiene, monitor plants regularly for any signs of diseases and pests, and take prompt and appropriate management measures to minimize their impact and ensure the plant's optimal growth and productivity.
