Origin
Combretum platypetalum subsp. baumii, commonly known as Bushwillow, is a plant species native to Eastern and Southern Africa. It can be found in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Bushwillow, Narrow-petaled Combretum, Khaya, or Munyengeti in parts of Africa.
Uses
Bushwillow is a versatile plant with various uses in traditional medicine. Its various parts such as the bark, leaves, and roots have medicinal properties that were utilized by the indigenous communities for centuries. The bark and roots were used to make extracts that were used in treating ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach-aches. The leaves were also used to make decoctions that were used in treating colds and coughs. Apart from its medicinal uses, Bushwillow is also used in carpentry, as the wood is durable, hard, and attractive.
General Appearance
The Bushwillow is a medium-sized tree with a distinct, spreading canopy and a straight trunk that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its leaves are dark-green, glossy, and simple, with a slightly wavy margin. The plant has small pale pink flowers that bloom during the summer and autumn months. Its fruit is small, flat, and typically carries two wing-shaped seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Bushwillow is drought-resistant and can grow in various types of soils, but it is typically found in well-drained soils in wooded grasslands and savannahs.
Typical Growth Conditions for Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell is a rare species of plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions with high solar radiation. The plant requires full sunlight for at least six hours a day to grow properly.
Temperature
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell favors warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature for the plant's growth ranges between 25°C to 30°C. During the cold season, the plant can tolerate a temperature range of 10°C to 12°C.
Soil Requirements
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell grows best in well-drained and acidic soils. Sandy soils with low organic matter content are also ideal. The plant can tolerate low soil fertility, but it requires regular watering during the dry months.
The plant has low salt tolerance, and it cannot grow in soils with high saline content. The pH of the soil should range between 5.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods for Combretum platypetalum subsp. baumii
One of the essential things to consider when cultivating Combretum platypetalum subsp. baumii is sunlight. The plant requires full sunlight exposure for at least six hours daily to thrive. Besides, the plant grows well in well-draining soils with a pH ranging between 6.0-7.5. Ideally, it should be planted in an area with good air circulation and protection from strong winds.
Watering Needs for Combretum platypetalum subsp. baumii
While the plant is relatively drought-resistant once established, it requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. You can water the plant deeply once a week to encourage deep root growth. Avoid over-watering as it may lead to root rot and other diseases. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this impairs the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Combretum platypetalum subsp. baumii can benefit from fertilization, especially during the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer, with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, once every month. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this may lead to salt buildup in the soil and cause root burn.
Pruning
Pruning can help in maintaining the shape and size of the plant. You can prune away dead or diseased wood, crossing branches and trim unwanted growth to maintain the plant's shape. Ideally, you should prune the plant during the dormant season when the plant is least active. Avoid over-pruning, as this may affect flowering and fruiting.
Propagation methods of Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell can be propagated through several methods. The most common methods of propagating the plant include seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the easiest method of propagating Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell. To propagate through seeds, collect mature seeds from the plant and sow them in well-drained soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Germination usually takes about two to four weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they are big enough to handle.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell. Take a cutting of about 10-15 cm in length from the mother plant, making sure to cut just below a node. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cutting should start to root in about four to five weeks.
Layering propagation
Layering is a more complex method of propagating Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell. To propagate through layering, prepare a hole near the base of the mother plant and bend a lower branch into the hole. Cover the branch with soil and leave the tip exposed. The branch will start rooting within a few weeks, and can be separated from the mother plant once it has developed sufficient roots.
Disease Management
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell is susceptible to a range of fungal and bacterial diseases.
One common disease affecting this plant is leaf spot caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora combreti. This disease manifests in circular lesions with dark edges and pale centers. To manage this disease, it is important to remove all plant debris from the area to reduce the potential source of reinfection. Fungicides can also be used to control this disease.
Another fungal disease that affects Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell is anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This disease often attacks the stems and causes dieback of the branches. To manage this disease, it is important to prune any affected branches and dispose of them properly. Fungicide applications can also be used to manage this disease.
Pest Management
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell is also susceptible to a range of insect pests.
One common pest that can affect this plant is the spider mite. These pests live on the undersides of leaves and can cause stunted growth and leaf discoloration. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plant foliage dry and use insecticidal sprays or soaps to control the pest.
Another insect pest that can affect Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. baumii (Engl. & Gilg) Exell is the mealybug. These pests also live on the foliage of the plant and can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, it is important to prune any infested leaves or branches and use insecticidal sprays or soaps to control the pest.
