Overview
Combretum kottoense Exell is a woody plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is a rare and endemic plant species to Cameroon, specifically found in the Batouri and Doume regions.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as "Ngou Sso" by the local people in Cameroon.
Appearance
Combretum kottoense Exell is a climbing shrub that can grow up to 25 meters in length. It has a woody stem, with brownish bark that is rough to the touch. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-shaped, with a length of 6-15 cm and a width of 4-7 cm. The flowers are small in size, with a reddish-pink color. The fruit is a capsule that contains small seeds.
Uses
The plant has a variety of medicinal uses, especially for treating malaria and fever. The leaves are boiled and used as a decoction that is taken orally. The bark is also used to treat dysentery and diarrhea. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional African medicine to treat snake bites and scorpion stings. The bark and leaves of the plant are also used to make rope, while the wood is used for fuel and as a building material.
Growth Conditions for Combretum kottoense Exell
Combretum kottoense Exell thrives in tropical regions with a specific set of growth conditions. These growth conditions include:
Light Requirements
Combretum kottoense Exell prefers full sun or partial shade to grow optimally. It should be sited in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Lack of adequate sunlight may reduce the plant's growth potential and trigger weak growth, spindly stems, and yellowing of leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Combretum kottoense Exell thrives best within a particular temperature range of 15°C to 35°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and requires a warm and humid climate to grow optimally. A temperature above 35°C may be too hot for the plant, leading to drying out and wilting.
Soil Requirements
Combretum kottoense Exell prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soils that retain moisture but are not waterlogged. The plant prefers soils rich in organic matter, loamy, and sandy soils. Clay soils should be avoided as they tend to be heavy, and the plant's roots may not penetrate well, thereby limiting its growth potential.
The above-discussed growth conditions, including soil requirements, light, and temperature requirements, are essential for growing Combretum kottoense Exell optimally. Providing these growth conditions as required will lead to healthy, robust plants that will enhance your garden's beauty.
Cultivation methods for Combretum kottoense Exell
Combretum kottoense Exell is a plant that can grow very tall, between 15-30 meters high, which means it requires careful cultivation.
It is recommended to cultivate this plant in well-drained soil with high fertility, be it sandy, loamy, or clay soil.
In case the soil is not in good condition, you can add some organic materials to help in improving the fertility of the soil.
Watering needs for Combretum kottoense Exell
Water is essential for the survival of plants. Combretum kottoense Exell is no exception. This plant needs sufficient water to survive but does not tolerate waterlogging.
In dry seasons, it is important to ensure that the plant is sufficiently watered, especially if it is young or recently planted.
However, in more humid seasons, it is important to avoid overwatering, since it can harm the plant's development and growth.
Fertilization of Combretum kottoense Exell
Fertilizing the Combretum kottoense Exell helps in promoting growth and health.
You can regularly apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers to the plant's soil, but ensure that the fertilizer has a balanced nutrient composition to prevent excessive growth.
Besides, you can add other essential nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium to aid plant health and vigor.
Pruning of Combretum kottoense Exell
Pruning the Combretum kottoense Exell is essential in maintaining the plant's shape and health, and should promptly be done if you notice any dead or damaged branches.
The best time to prune this plant is during the dormant season, but you can also do minor pruning activities during its active growth season.
Always use disinfected tools when pruning, and remove any dead, diseased, or weakened stems, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches that may interfere with healthy growth.
Propagation of Combretum kottoense Exell
Combretum kottoense Exell, commonly known as African bushwillow, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to West Africa. The plant is typically propagated through seed, cuttings, or grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of the plant can be obtained from mature fruits that are collected from the wild. Once the seeds are extracted, they can be soaked in lukewarm water for a few hours to soften the hard seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be washed and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a warm, sunny location. Seed germination can occur within 2-4 weeks, and once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground.
Cutting Propagation
Combretum kottoense Exell can also be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken from mature trees during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should have at least three nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and prevent moisture loss. The cutting should be placed in bright, indirect light and misted regularly. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can be used to propagate Combretum kottoense Exell onto rootstock from another member of the Combretaceae family. The process involves taking a small branch with buds from the desired tree and attaching it to a rootstock using a grafting knife and grafting tape. The graft should be kept moist and placed in a warm, humid environment until the graft has taken and new growth has appeared.
Disease and Pest Management of Combretum kottoense Exell
Combretum kottoense Exell is a valuable medicinal plant used to treat various ailments. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Proper disease and pest management are, therefore, crucial in ensuring healthy growth and maximal yields.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes wilting, leaf blight, and defoliation. The disease is prevalent in humid and wet conditions. To manage anthracnose, pruning infected parts is recommended and the use of fungicides.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that manifests in the form of rust-colored patches on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage rust disease, removing infected parts of the plant and the use of fungicides is suggested.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens that infect the roots of the plant. The symptoms of the disease include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoiding over-watering, improving soil drainage, and using fungicides is recommended.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant. The symptoms of an aphid infestation include curling leaves and honeydew deposits. To control aphids, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil is recommended.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and browning of leaves. To control spider mites, spraying the plant with neem oil or releasing predatory mites can be helpful.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves and stems, causing extensive damage. To control caterpillars, manual removal and the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) are suggested.
Overall, effective disease and pest management strategies involve proper plant nutrition, regular monitoring, and prompt identification of problems. Adopting good cultural practices, such as crop rotation and avoiding overcrowding, can also help in preventing disease and pest outbreaks.
