Overview
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is a native to eastern and southern Africa, where it is found in countries such as Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common Names
Combretum makindense is known by several common names, including Pink-flowering Combretum, Mkondo, Mquala, and Mualamula.
Uses
The bark of the Combretum makindense plant is known to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine. It is believed to be effective in treating a wide range of ailments, including malaria, fever, and diarrhea. The leaves, fruits, and roots of the plant are also used in traditional medicine
Additionally, the wood of the Combretum makindense tree is used for making furniture, tool handles, and other household items. It is a hardy and durable wood that is resistant to rot and insect infestation.
General Appearance
The Combretum makindense plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a straight trunk that is about 40 cm in diameter, and the bark is dark grey and rough. The leaves of the plant are simple, elongated, and pointed at the tip, with a glossy surface.
The flowers of the Combretum makindense plant are pink in color, with a tubular shape and long, slender petals. They are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches and bloom during the summer months.
The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains small, winged seeds. When mature, the capsules split open to release the seeds, which are dispersed by the wind.
Light Requirements
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. typically grows in areas with full sunlight exposure. This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. It is not recommended to grow this plant in shaded areas, as it may not receive the necessary amount of sunlight to grow and flourish.
Temperature Requirements
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. grows well in warm temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. It is a hardy plant known for its ability to withstand drought and extreme temperatures. However, too much exposure to cold weather may harm the plant and hinder its growth. Therefore, it is advisable to grow this plant in areas with warm and mild temperatures for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. thrives in well-draining soils with good aeration. In their natural habitats, this plant can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. It is essential to maintain the soil's pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 to ensure optimal plant growth. It is also advisable to add organic matter to the soil to improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. It grows well in full sun and can tolerate partial shade as well.
The plant prefers well-drained soils, and it can grow in both sandy and loamy soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils.
Propagation is by seeds or cuttings. To propagate by seeds, plant the seeds in well-prepared seedbeds and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should germinate in 10-21 days.
To propagate by cuttings, take stem cuttings of about 15cm long, remove the leaves from the lower half, and plant them in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in well-drained rooting medium and maintain humidity for successful rooting.
Watering Needs
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. is a drought-resistant plant, which means it can tolerate extended periods of dry spells. However, for optimal growth, the plant needs regular watering.
Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
During the growing season, increase watering frequency to twice a week during hot and dry spells, or if the soil is drying out too quickly.
Fertilization
The Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. plant can grow well without fertilization. However, for optimal growth, it needs regular fertilization.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once every three months, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers, such as well-rotted manure or compost.
Ensure the fertilizer application does not touch the stems or foliage, as it can burn them.
Pruning
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. rarely requires pruning. However, you can prune the plant to control its size or shape and promote bushier growth.
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches using sterilized pruning tools.
You can also remove any overcrowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation in the canopy, which minimizes the risk of diseases.
Propagation of Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl.
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. is typically propagated through seeds or cuttings. However, propagation through seeds is the most common method used for this plant.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. are collected when they are fully mature. These seeds are then cleaned and treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal diseases. The treatment is done by soaking the seeds in a fungicide solution for a few minutes. Afterward, the seeds are thoroughly rinsed with water and dried.
The next step is to sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. The seeds are sowed at a depth of about 1 cm and covered with soil. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in about 1 to 2 weeks after sowing.
The seedlings should be kept in indirect sunlight to prevent scorching or burning of the leaves. When the seedlings are about 2 to 3 inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual containers or into the ground.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through cutting is less common for Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. as it is a bit difficult. However, it is still possible to propagate the plant through cuttings. To do this, select healthy stems or branches from the plant. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and have at least 2 to 3 nodes.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root formation. The treated cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
The cuttings should be kept in indirect sunlight and the leaves should be misted regularly to prevent wilting. The cuttings will take about 2 to 4 weeks to root and can then be transplanted into individual containers or into the ground.
Disease management
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. is generally a hardy plant with good resistance to most diseases. However, in certain conditions, the plant may become susceptible to some diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: This disease appears as small, circular spots with a grayish-white center and dark margin. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and burn the infected leaves. Also, avoid planting in overcrowded conditions, water from below, and keep the foliage dry.
- Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected leaves. Additionally, avoid planting in areas with poor air circulation and ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots, and it is caused by poor drainage and over-watering of the plant. To manage this disease, water the plant moderately and ensure proper drainage of the soil. Also, avoid planting in areas with standing water.
Pest management
Combretum makindense Gilg ex Engl. is generally not affected by pests. However, in certain conditions, the plant may become susceptible to some pests such as:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of plants. To manage aphids, it is important to practice good garden hygiene by removing and destroying infested leaves. Also, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, red or black-colored pests that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. To manage spider mites, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infested leaves. Additionally, avoid planting in areas with poor air circulation, keep the foliage dry, and encourage natural predators.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of some moths and butterflies, and they feed on the leaves of plants. To manage caterpillars, it is important to practice good garden hygiene by removing and destroying infested leaves. Additionally, encourage natural predators such as birds, wasps, and parasitic flies.
