Combretum Ghasalense Engl. & Diels Var. Pobeguinii Aubrév.

Origin and common names

Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. is a plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and the Republic of Congo. The plant is commonly known as "bois flotté" or "floating wood" in French, and "esu" in local dialects.

General appearance

Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. is a climbing vine that can grow up to 25 meters in length. The plant is characterized by its woody stem, which has a smooth and reddish-brown bark. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and lanceolate, which measures about 10 to 15 cm in length. The leaves have a glossy green color and a smooth texture. The plant produces yellowish-green flowers that are arranged in terminal panicles. Its fruit is a capsule that contains dark-brown seed.

Uses

Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. has various uses in traditional medicine. The plant is used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. Its bark is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is also used to treat wounds and other skin diseases. The plant has a high tannin content, which makes it useful in the tanning industry. In addition, the plant is valued for its wood. Its stem is tough, durable, and resistant to rot, making it suitable as a material for construction, furniture, and handicrafts. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance. Overall, Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. is a valuable plant species that has various traditional medicinal and economic uses.

Light Requirements

Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. usually prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate moderate shade, but excessive shade can lead to poor growth and leaf drop.

Temperature Requirements

The plant thrives in warm temperatures, optimal temperature ranges from 22 to 32 °C, and can withstand short periods of frost. Temperatures below 10 °C can cause damage to leaves, stem, and roots, leading to stunted growth and death.

Soil Requirements

The plant can grow in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it thrives in well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. Soil with poor drainage can lead to root rot and affect plant growth. Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. is moderately tolerant of salt in the soil but can show signs of stress if the salt concentration is too high.

Cultivation of Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév.

Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév., commonly known as the African Blisterbark, is a deciduous tree with a unique bark that peels to reveal a lighter-colored bark underneath. This plant requires specific conditions to grow and thrive. The following are essential conditions for cultivating Combretum ghasalense:

• Light: The plant requires full sunlight exposure for at least six hours every day.
• Soil: This tree species prefers well-drained, loamy, and sandy soil, which is rich in organic matter. The soil can be slightly acidic or slightly alkaline.
• Temperature: Combretum ghasalense grows well in areas with warm temperatures, around 20-26°C (68-79°F).
• Humidity: The tree prefers moderate to low humidity levels, but it can tolerate high humidity levels.

Watering Needs

Regular watering is essential for Combretum ghasalense growth and survival. The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season and reduced watering during the dormant season. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can result in the death of the plant. The following are some guidelines for watering Combretum ghasalense:

• It is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season.
• The amount of water should be sufficient to saturate the soil and reach the roots.
• Watering should be reduced during the dormant season and increased during hot, dry weather conditions.

Fertilization

Combretum ghasalense requires proper nutrition to grow and thrive. The following are guidelines for fertilizing Combretum ghasalense:

• The plant should be fertilized annually during the growing season, preferably in the spring.
• Slow-release fertilizers are recommended as they provide long-term nutrition to the plant.
• It is advisable to use fertilizers with a balanced N-P-K ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
• Fertilizers should be applied at a distance of at least 15 cm from the base of the plant to avoid burning the roots.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of Combretum ghasalense and promoting healthy growth. The following are guidelines for pruning Combretum ghasalense:

• Pruning should be done during the dormant season (winter) or just after the flowering season.
• Dead and diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of disease.
• Long, trailing branches should also be pruned to maintain the tree's shape and promote healthy growth.
• Clean, sharp pruning shears should be used, and cuts should be made at a slight angle.

Propagation of Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév.

Propagating Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. can be done through various means, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.

Seed propagation

The propagation of Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. through seed is one of the recommended methods and is preferred over other methods. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits, which are black and leathery. Using fresh seeds is ideal for a higher germination rate. The seeds should be washed with soap and water to remove pulp before sowing. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and water lightly. Germination can take 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings should be regularly watered.

Vegetative propagation

Vegetative propagation in Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. includes propagation by cuttings and layering.

Propagation by cuttings: Select a healthy stem and take a cutting that has a few leaves attached. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. After 3-4 weeks, check for the presence of roots and after sufficient growth of the roots, transplant the cutting.

Propagation by layering: Layering involves bending a low hanging stem and placing it in a small hole in the soil. Cover the area with soil and weigh the bent area down to hold it in place. After the stem has developed roots, cut it below the new root zone and transplant the new plant.

Disease Management

Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. is generally a hardy plant species, but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:

• Leaf spot: This is caused by fungi and can be identified by the formation of black or brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is best to ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and the infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading.
• Root rot: This is caused by overwatering, and it can lead to wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and reduce the frequency of watering the plant.
• Powdery mildew: This is caused by a fungal infection that leads to the formation of a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, you can apply a fungicide spray and make sure that the plant is well-ventilated to reduce humidity.

Pest Management

Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels var. pobeguinii Aubrév. can also be susceptible to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the plant, leading to the formation of yellow or white spots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray a mixture of water and dish soap on the affected parts of the plant.
• Thrips: These pests can cause the leaves of the plant to become distorted and discolored. To manage thrips, you can apply a pesticide spray or release beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to prey on the thrips.
• Caterpillars: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by eating the leaves. To manage caterpillars, you can manually remove them from the plant or apply a pesticide spray.

Regular inspection of the plant and taking preventive measures like ensuring proper watering, adequate sunlight, and proper fertilization can help combat diseases and pest infestations. If the problem persists, it is best to seek the guidance of a horticulturist or an expert in plant care.