Overview
Combretum laxiflorum, also known as Combretum welwitschii, is a tropical shrub species that is native to Africa. It was first described by Michael A. Lawson and was formerly named after Friedrich Welwitsch, an Austrian botanist who discovered this species in Angola in 1859.
Common Names
Some of the other common names for Combretum laxiflorum include "Fever Bush", "Green Thorn", "Large-fruited Combretum," and "Sickle Bush". The common names of a plant varies depending on the region and community where it is grown, but the names relate to some of the plant's properties.
General Appearance
Combretum laxiflorum is a small tree or shrub species that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It has a characteristic feature of green, twisted and thorny branches. Its leaves are alternate, simple and elliptic and grow up to 15 cm long and 8 cm wide. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a light greenish-yellow color. Fruits are four-winged, and can reach up to 3 cm in length.
Uses
The most notable use of Combretum laxiflorum in traditional African medicine is for treating illnesses and diseases such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach ache. It is also used as a remedy for coughs and colds. The bark of the plant is used to prepare herbal medicine to treat wounds and dysentery. Apart from its medicinal properties, the plant's wood is used for making poles, and leaves are used to feed animals during the dry season in some parts of Africa. Combretum laxiflorum is also commonly used as an ornamental shrub or hedge in gardens and parks.
Light requirements
Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson requires a lot of sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
Temperature requirements
This plant thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It cannot survive in freezing temperatures and is not recommended for cultivation in areas with cold winters.
Soil requirements
The Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and does not tolerate acidic soils. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged as the plant is sensitive to waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson grows best in well-draining and loamy soil. The plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in full sun or partially shaded environments. Successful cultivators of Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson recommend planting the shrub or small tree in the early spring or fall when the temperature is milder.
The planting size depends on the specific species of the plant, but generally, a three-gallon container would suffice for most cultivars. The plants require frequent watering throughout their first growing season, with a bonus of a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.
Watering Needs
Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson requires frequent and consistent watering during the growing season. The plants need regular irrigation to support their densely packed root systems. In dry climates, however, too much water could be detrimental and result in rotting roots.
One way to monitor the moisture level of the soil is by inserting a finger into the ground around an inch deep. If the soil is dry, it is time to water the plant. Watering in the early hours of the day is better than late after dark as it prevents standing water on the foliage, which could increase the chances of fungal infection.
Fertilization
Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson requires regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced nutrient ratio would benefit the plant, with a recommendation of 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The fertilizer should be applied in the early spring or late winter before the new growing season commences.
Avoid over-fertilizing the shrub as it could result in weak growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Applying too much fertilizer could also damage the root system of the plant and, in extreme cases, cause death.
Pruning
Pruning Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson is essential to promote healthy growth and flower production. Pruning annually would help maintain the desired shape, size, and reduce the crowding of branches that could block sunlight and air circulation.
Early spring is the best time to prune the shrub, before the new growth begins. Cut back overgrown, dead, or damaged branches using a sharpened and sterilized pair of pruning shears or loppers. Ensure that you make clean and precise cuts, close to the branch collar.
Propagation of Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson
Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson, commonly known as the forest bushwillow, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is native to central and southern Africa and is grown for its ornamental value.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Combretum laxiflorum is through seed propagation. Seeds are readily available, and they can be sown in early spring or late winter in a well-draining propagation medium.
To improve the germination rate, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours before planting. After sowing the seeds, the propagation tray should be kept in a warm and bright environment with consistent moisture levels. The seeds will generally start germinating within 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Combretum laxiflorum is through cuttings. Stem cuttings of 10-15 cm in length can be taken from the parent plant during the dormant season.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining soil medium with appropriate watering and humidity. A greenhouse or similar environment is generally required for successful rooting. The cuttings can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to root, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or beds.
Air Layering Propagation
Finally, air layering can also be used to propagate Combretum laxiflorum. This method involves wounding a branch of the parent plant and encouraging it to produce roots at the wound site.
To do this, a section of bark is removed from the branch, and rooting hormone is applied to the wound site. The wound is then covered with a growing medium such as sphagnum moss and wrapped in plastic to hold moisture in. Within a few weeks, roots will develop at the wound site. The rooted section can then be cut off from the parent plant and planted in a separate container.
Combretum laxiflorum is a beautiful and valuable plant, and propagating it can be a rewarding experience. By using one of the propagation methods discussed above, gardeners and horticulturists can easily grow new plants from an existing healthy plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Combretum Laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson
Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson is a beautiful plant that's relatively easy to grow, but just like any other plant, it's susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. Below are some of the common pests and diseases that might affect your plant, as well as ways to manage them:
Pests
1. Mealybugs: These pests are small, white, and fluffy insects that feed on the sap of your plant, causing stunted growth and leaf yellowing. To manage mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off your plant or use a neem oil spray to suffocate them.
2. Spider mites: These pests are tiny mites that can cause discoloration and premature leaf drop. You can manage spider mites by spraying your plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common disease that causes red or brown spots to appear on the leaves of your Combretum laxiflorum. It's caused by a fungus and can be managed by removing the infected leaves and increasing the air circulation around your plant.
2. Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering your plant, which leads to the roots becoming waterlogged and unable to absorb nutrients properly. To manage root rot, you need to reduce the watering frequency and improve your plant's drainage by either repotting it in a container with drainage holes or adding perlite to the soil.
By following the above pest and disease management strategies, your Combretum laxiflorum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson should remain healthy and vibrant, allowing you to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
