Origin
Combretum elgonense Exell is a species of plant that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is commonly found in the high-altitude montane forests of East Africa, specifically in Kenya and Uganda. These plants can grow into large shrubs or small trees, usually measuring up to 6 meters tall.
Common Names
Combretum elgonense Exell is often referred to by a variety of names. In Kenya, it is called Mukinduri, Mukinduri (Meru), Muthitolgoi, and Muvumu. In Uganda, locals call it Omuyele, Olwo, and Oluga. Its English name is Elgon Combretum.
Uses
Combretum elgonense Exell has several uses in traditional medicine. It is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal properties. In Kenya, the plant is used to treat dysentery and stomach-related problems. Additionally, some Africans use the plant's bark to treat snakebites, and its roots for toothaches and fertility issues. The plant's leaves are also used to feed livestock.
Appearance
The Combretum elgonense Exell has distinctive characteristics that make it easy for identification. The plant's bark is dark and rough, with wide fissures that break up into rectangular blocks. Its leaves are simple, up to 15cm long and 6cm broad, with a petiole of about 5 mm. The leaves have a green color and are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small and occur in axillary spikes, usually about 10 cm long. They are reddish-orange in color and bloom between August and March. The fruit of Combretum elgonense Exell is an oblong-shaped capsule that contains one seed.
Typical Growth Conditions for Combretum elgonense Exell
Combretum elgonense Exell, also known as the Elgon combretum, is a plant species endemic to the tropical forests of East Africa. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall under favorable conditions.
Light Requirements
Combretum elgonense requires plenty of light to thrive. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopies of tall trees, receiving dappled or partial sunlight. It can also do well in full sunlight. Therefore, when cultivating this species indoors, it is advisable to place it near a south-facing window or under grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
Combretum elgonense Exell is adapted to warm climatic conditions, and it prefers a temperature range of 18-28°C. It cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures, and the lowest temperature it can withstand is about 10°C. Growers should keep this species in a warm, sheltered location to ensure optimal growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
The Elgon combretum requires well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. This species is adapted to acidic soils, with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. A good potting mix for this species can be prepared by mixing peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts.
Overall, the key to growing Combretum elgonense Exell is providing optimal light conditions, maintaining warm temperature levels, and using well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Cultivation of Combretum Elgonense Exell
Combretum elgonense Exell prefers well-draining acidic soils with rich organic matter and a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant grows best in an area with full sun exposure and temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. It can also tolerate mild frost, making it suitable for cultivation in cooler regions.
Watering Needs of Combretum Elgonense Exell
The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Watering should be done once a week during the dry season and reduced to a minimum during the rainy season to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization of Combretum Elgonense Exell
The plant requires regular fertilization to thrive, especially during the growing season. The recommended fertilizer should have a balanced NPK ratio, with N (nitrogen) being the highest nutrient component. Organic manure can also be applied to improve soil fertility and increase plant growth.
Pruning Combretum Elgonense Exell
Pruning should be done regularly to remove broken, diseased or dead branches, and to shape the plant. The best time to prune is during the dry season when the plant is dormant. Pruning can also be done after flowering to encourage new growth and flowering.
Propagation of Combretum elgonense Exell
Combretum elgonense Exell, commonly known as Elgon Combretum, is a shrub species that belongs to the Combretaceae family. The plant is native to the tropical regions of East Africa, specifically in the areas of Kenya and Uganda. It is popularly grown for decoration purposes due to its bright yellow flowers and attractive foliage. Propagation of Combretum elgonense Exell can be done through several methods including seeds, division, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common propagation method for Combretum elgonense Exell is through seeds. To propagate this plant through seeds, the first step involves collecting mature seeds from the parent plant. Mature seeds are usually black or brown in color and can be easily harvested when they fall off the tree. Once the seeds are collected, they are sun-dried for several days and separated from the chaff.
The next step involves preparing a seedbed using well-drained soil mixed with manure. The seeds are then sowed in the seedbed, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedbed is watered regularly to keep it moist, and the seeds usually germinate within three to four weeks.
Propagation by Division
Combretum elgonense Exell can also be propagated by dividing the parent plant. To propagate this plant through division, the first step involves identifying the parent plant and digging up the roots. The roots are then divided into several parts, each containing a stem and a portion of the root system. The divided parts are then planted in individual pots or directly into the ground using well-drained soil mixed with manure.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another propagation method for Combretum elgonense Exell is through stem cuttings. To propagate this plant through cuttings, the first step involves selecting a healthy stem from the parent plant. The stem is usually about 10 to 15 cm long and does not have any flowers or buds.
The stem is then cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node. Any leaves on the lower part of the stem are removed, and the stem is dipped into rooting hormone powder. The cutting is then planted into a pot or directly into the ground using well-drained soil mixed with manure. The cutting should be regularly watered to keep the soil moist, and it usually takes about four to six weeks for the cutting to develop roots.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for Combretum elgonense Exell. To propagate this plant through layering, the first step involves identifying a stem that is flexible enough to bend to the ground without breaking. The stem is then bent to the ground and covered with soil, leaving a small portion of the stem exposed.
The covered stem portion is then regularly watered to keep it moist, and roots usually develop within four to six weeks. Once roots have developed, the stem portion is then cut from the parent plant and planted in a pot or directly into the ground using well-drained soil mixed with manure.
Disease Management
Combretum elgonense Exell is relatively resistant to diseases. However, certain conditions can make it more susceptible. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove affected plant parts and improve air circulation by pruning the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, apply fungicides and prune infected parts of the plant. This will reduce the humidity around the plant and improve air circulation.
Pest Management
Here are some common pests that might affect Combretum elgonense Exell and ways to manage them:
- Scale insects: These insects suck the sap from the plant, leading to wilting and stunted growth. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects. Regularly check the plant for signs of infestation.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of the leaves and cause yellowing. To manage spider mites, apply a miticide and prune affected parts of the plant.
- Mealybugs: These insects look like white cotton balls on the plant and suck sap from it, causing weak growth. To manage mealybugs, prune affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
