Overview
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. is a flowering plant belonging to the Combretaceae family. It is a species indigenous to Africa and is commonly found in the Central African Republic, Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Congo Republic.
Common Names
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. is commonly known as 'Mgbolodi' in Nigeria, 'Mambele' in Cameroon, and 'Moibba' in Gabon.
Appearance
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. is a tree that grows up to a height of 20m. Its bark is grey and smooth with visible lenticels while the branches have alternate leaves, which are glossy green above and paler beneath. The fruits are small, brown, and hairy capsules that contain winged seeds.
Uses
This plant has various medicinal uses attributed to its various chemical constituents. In traditional African medicine, it is used to treat various ailments, including inflammation, diarrhea, and coughs. It also has laxative properties and is used in the treatment of constipation. Additionally, the plant has been found to have properties that prevent the growth of certain bacteria and fungi. Combretum subglabratum De Wild. is also a source of tannins and can be used in the production of dyes and insecticides.
Light Requirements
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. thrives in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. It can tolerate some shade, but it prefers full sunlight for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Similar to most tropical plants, Combretum subglabratum De Wild. grows best in warm and humid environments. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20 to 30 degree Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. prefers well-drained soils that have some organic matter. The ideal soil type for its growth is sandy to rocky soil that is more on the acidic side of the pH spectrum. It can tolerate dry soil conditions, but it grows best in moist soil with good drainage.
Cultivation methods for Combretum subglabratum De Wild.
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. is a perennial plant native to Africa. It grows well in both full sun and partial shade, preferring well-draining soils that are slightly on the acidic side.
When planting Combretum subglabratum De Wild., ensure that the hole is deep enough to cover the roots without burying the stem. Add some compost to the hole to help improve soil fertility and provide some nutrients to the plant.
Watering needs of Combretum subglabratum De Wild.
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in dry conditions. However, it needs to be watered regularly during the first few months after planting to establish a deep root system.
Once established, water as needed depending on how quickly the soil dries out. Avoid overwatering to prevent the roots from rotting.
Fertilization of Combretum subglabratum De Wild.
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization to help it thrive. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and water it in well.
Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
Pruning Combretum subglabratum De Wild.
Combretum subglabratum De Wild. requires minimal pruning. However, you can prune it to shape it or remove any dead or diseased branches.
Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before it begins to put out new growth.
Ensure that the pruning tools used are sharp and clean to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Combretum subglabratum De Wild.
Combretum subglabratum De Wild., commonly known as the bushwillow, is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through various methods. Different propagation techniques include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and commonly used method to propagate Combretum subglabratum De Wild. Collect the mature seeds from the plant and remove any debris and impurities. Soak the seeds in water for about two days, changing the water at regular intervals. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining seed raising mix and covered with soil to a depth of about twice their size. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should germinate within 2–4 weeks. Thin out the seedlings and transplant them into individual pots once they have grown their first set of true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves producing new plants from the stems, leaves, or roots of the original plant. For Combretum subglabratum De Wild., vegetative propagation can be achieved through layering, cuttings, and grafting.
Layering: Select a healthy stem that is still attached to the parent plant and bend it down to the ground. Use a sharp knife to make a small scratch on the part of the stem that will be below ground soil. Apply rooting hormone to the scar and bury it in soil, leaving the tip of the stem exposed. Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks, roots will start developing from the scarring. Once the roots have grown enough, cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant it into another location.
Cuttings: Make cuttings of approximately 10 cm in length from a healthy and mature plant. Remove any leaves on the bottom half of the cutting, leaving a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and stick it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the mix moist and in a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots. Transplant the cuttings into their individual pots and let them grow until it's time to plant them outdoors.
Grafting: Grafting involves attaching a scion (the part of the plant to be propagated) to a rootstock (the root or bottom part of the plant) of a closely related species. Although not commonly used in Combretum subglabratum De Wild., It can be tried with a related plant species.
Disease and Pest Management for Combretum subglabratum De Wild.
Combretum subglabratum De Wild., commonly known as the bushwillow tree, is a robust plant species that is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, certain conditions can cause diseases and attract pests, leading to various problems. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Combretum subglabratum is the leaf spot. The leaf spot occurs as small, circular, or angular spots with a yellowish halo on the leaves and can also occur on the bark or pods of the tree. The disease progresses, and the spots merge, causing the leaf to die off. To manage this disease, it is advisable to prune off the infected parts of the tree and dispose of them.
Another disease is the gummosis, characterized by the oozing of gum from the infected plant parts. This disease occurs when the tree is injured, causing the formation of a canker. It is crucial to practice good pruning techniques that minimize the injury to the tree and maintain optimal tree health to prevent gummosis.
Pests
Despite its pest resistance, Combretum subglabratum is susceptible to certain pests, such as the gall wasp and the red-billed quelea bird. The gall wasp attacks the leaves, causing galls that start as green and mature to dark brown. To manage this pest, it is essential to prune off the galled parts and dispose of them.
The red-billed quelea bird feeds on the pods and sometimes the leaves of this plant. To manage this pest, it is advisable to cover the plant with a net or scare off the birds.
In conclusion, maintaining the health of Combretum subglabratum is crucial to minimize the occurrence of diseases and pests. Regular pruning, proper watering, and weed control are essential. Using organic or chemical treatments can also help control pests and diseases that affect this plant.
