Origin
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell, commonly known as "African bushwillow" or "Umzimbeet," is a species of flowering plants belonging to the family Combretaceae. This plant species is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant has numerous common names in different parts of Africa, such as ingwavuma, muzeze, umVumvu, umZimbeet, mvumbi, and mhlotha. The name “Umzimbeet” refers to the southern African species of Combretum platypetalum.
Uses
The African bushwillow has numerous medicinal uses across Africa. The tree bark is used to treat stomach and liver ailments, diarrhea, respiratory problems, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and snakebites. The plant is also used as a traditional remedy for fever, flu, and infectious illnesses. The plant is also used for its wood, which is dense and durable and is used for making implements, carvings, and furniture. The leaves and wood of the African bushwillow are also used as fodder for livestock in Africa.
General Appearance
The African bushwillow is a medium-sized deciduous tree that reaches up to 22 meters tall. The bark is dark gray, rough, and scaly, with conspicuous, shallow fissures. The tree produces pale yellow flowers, which bloom during the summer and autumn months. The flowers have five petals and a tubular shape. The fruit is a hard, woody, and spongy drupe, which contains one to four seeds. The plant's leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and have a leathery texture and pointed tips. The leaves are oval-shaped and range in color from light green to dark green. The African bushwillow blooms from December to April and produces fruits from March to July.
Light Requirements
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell requires full sun to thrive. It cannot tolerate shady conditions, and lack of sunlight can cause stunted growth and reduced flowering. Therefore, planting in areas where there is direct sunlight is necessary for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell is native to tropical and subtropical regions. Hence, it prefers warm temperatures, in the range of 20-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant, so it is recommended to grow in areas where the temperature is suitable for its growth, or in greenhouses.
Soil Requirements
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell prefers well-drained soils, but it can also grow in fertile, moist soils. The plant thrives in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It cannot grow in waterlogged soils and poorly drained soils. Thus, it is recommended to choose a planting location with a well-drained soil or use a planting pot with a good drainage system.
Cultivation
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell is a hardy plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
Propagation can be done by stem cuttings during the growing season. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a moist medium until they develop roots.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in dry weather. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot. One should water the plant at the base and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal infections.
Fertilization
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell requires regular fertilization. One should use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. The application should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the dormant season to encourage the growth of new shoots and flowers. All dead or diseased wood should be removed, and the plant should be pruned to the desired shape. One should avoid excessive pruning as it may lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Propagation of Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell
Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, cutting, and grafting. Each method has its specific requirements, tools, and techniques.
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated by seed, but the seeds need to be fresh and mature for better results. The viability of the seeds is very important as it determines the success rate of the propagation process. The seeds can be sown during the warm season preferably in spring or early summer. The soil should be well-draining, loose, and fertile. The seeds can be sown in graded beds or seed trays at a depth of 1–2 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting is another propagation method for Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell. The process involves cutting a piece of the stem from the parent plant and planting it in a rooting medium such as sand, soil, or vermiculite. The cuttings should be made from healthy parent plants and should be taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 5–10 cm long and with a diameter of 0.5–1.0 cm.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a propagation method that involves asexual reproduction of the plant by joining two different plant parts. The preferred method of grafting for Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell is the side veneer grafting. This involves joining a stem of the parent plant with a rootstock of a closely related species. The grafting process requires great care and expertise and should only be done by experienced growers.
Disease Management
The Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell is prone to fungal infections and leaf spot diseases. Regular inspection of the leaves and stem is recommended to catch early signs of disease. To manage fungal infections, prune affected branches and dispose of them properly. Fungicides like copper-based or sulfur-based products are also effective. For leaf spot diseases, remove the affected leaves and apply fungicides also. Practicing good sanitation practices like keeping the area clean, avoiding overhead watering, and providing proper drainage can help prevent diseases.
Pest Management
The Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell is susceptible to various pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation such as yellowing leaves, white spots, or sticky substance. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mealybugs can be controlled with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap. Spider mites can be eliminated with insecticidal sprays like pyrethrin or neem oil. Scale insects can be removed by rubbing the scales with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, or praying mantis can help control and prevent pest infestation.
