Overview
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor is a plant that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is commonly found in Nigeria and other African countries and is known for its medicinal properties and ornamental value.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Bushman's candle" due to its cylindrical shape and woody appearance. In Nigeria, it is known as "Opepe" or "Omo" whereas in some parts of Africa, it is referred to as "Nyalo" or "Kaboo".
Appearance
The Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor is a tall, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The trunk is straight, cylindrical, and up to 1.5 meters in diameter with a grayish-brown bark. The leaves are elliptical to oblong, with a leathery texture and glossy green color. They can grow up to 12 centimeters long and six centimeters wide. The plant produces dense clusters of small, white flowers and long, cylindrical fruits with pointed ends.
Uses
The Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor has various medicinal uses. The bark of the plant is used in the treatment of diarrhea, stomach ache, and dysentery. Its leaves are used to make a decoction that is used to treat fever and high blood pressure. The plant is also used as an astringent and for wound healing. The wood is used in construction, furniture making, and as fuel. Furthermore, the plant is used in horticulture as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance and dense foliage.
Growth Conditions of Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor
Light: The plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in locations where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature: Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor thrives in warm to hot temperatures with a temperature range of 25 to 35°C being optimal. The plant is intolerant to frost and low temperatures, so it should be protected from cold weather during winter months.
Soil: The plant grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Sandy soil is preferred, but the plant can also grow in loamy soil with good drainage. The plant is intolerant to waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot and decreased growth.
Water: Young plants require regular watering to establish well until they are mature enough to tolerate periods of drought. Once the plant is fully established, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, it is important to provide regular watering during the growing season to promote optimal growth.
Fertilizer: The plant responds well to nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which should be applied during the growing season. However, excessive fertilization can lead to increased vegetative growth with little to no flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor, commonly known as the Sulu Combretum, is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types. It requires full sunlight exposure for better growth and development. You can grow Sulu Combretum in gardens, landscapes, or as potted plants indoors.
The plant should be planted in well-draining soil. You can add organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil to enhance its nutrient content. Planting should be done during the rainy season, especially for outdoor planting, to give the plant enough water to establish its root system.
Watering Needs
The Sulu Combretum requires moderate watering. It can withstand long periods without water, but it thrives better under conditions of regular watering, especially during the dry season. Watering should be done in the early morning or late evening to avoid excessive evaporation, which can dry out the soil. Overwatering, especially in heavy soils, can cause root rot and, hence, should be avoided.
Fertilization
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor does not require frequent fertilization. However, if the soil seems depleted of essential nutrients, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be applied to the soil to improve its nutrient content. Care should be taken not to apply an excess of fertilizer, which can burn the roots of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning should be done to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain the plant's shape and size. It should be done during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring, before the growing season starts. Regular pruning also encourages new shoots and increases flower and fruit production. Care should be taken to avoid excessive pruning, which can weaken the plant and affect its overall health.
Propagation of Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. It is important to note that this species is better propagated vegetatively as it is difficult to obtain seeds.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor can be done using stem cuttings. Softwood stem cuttings are taken from young plants, with a length of approximately 15 cm. The leaves on the lower part of the stem are removed, and the cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a rooting medium.
A rooting medium can be a mixture of sand, soil, and peat moss. The cuttings require a high humidity environment, which can be achieved by covering them with a clear plastic bag or placing them in a greenhouse. The cuttings will take approximately two to three months to produce roots and can then be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation of Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor involves obtaining seeds from the plant. However, it should be noted that seeds are difficult to obtain from this species. The seeds can be sown in a mixture of sand and soil and require a warm and humid environment to germinate. Once seedlings have emerged, they should be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor is prone to various diseases that can cause damage to the plant. One of the common diseases is leaf spot. This disease is caused by a fungal infection that manifests in the form of brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves. Also, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and receives enough sunlight and air circulation.
Another disease that affects this plant is root rot. It is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which leads to fungal infection and can cause the plant to wilt, turn yellow and eventually die. To manage root rot, ensure the plant is not overwatered and has good drainage. If the plant is already infected, repot the plant with fresh soil and remove any infected parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor can also be affected by various pests that can cause damage to the plant. One of the common pests is mealybugs. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the leaves. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to control the population.
Aphids are another pest that can cause damage to this plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. This can cause the leaves to become distorted and stunted. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another effective way is to introduce natural predators such as lacewings or parasitic wasps to control the population.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial in ensuring that Combretum collinum Fresen. subsp. suluense (Engl. & Diels) Okafor thrives and remains healthy. By following the suggested methods above, you can help protect the plant from common diseases and pests.
