Introduction
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. is a plant species found in the family Connaraceae. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, particularly in Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Its scientific name is derived from the German botanist Mildbraed, who first discovered the plant in 1923.
Common Names
The Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. is known by several common names in West Africa which include, "Akuku" in Cameroon, "Egiri" or "Egusi Ewe" in Nigeria and "Udoh" in Ivory Coast.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as skin diseases, coughs, fever, and diarrhea. The bark and root extracts are used for treating dysentery, venereal diseases, and sore throats. The leaves are also used in treating rheumatism, edema, and inflammation. Additionally, the plant has been reported to have antifungal and antibacterial properties which make it useful in the treatment of infections.
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. also produces edible fruits, which are locally known as "Egusi." The seeds produce oil which is used for cooking, in the manufacture of soap and candles. Additionally, the plant's wood is used for carving, firewood and construction purposes.
Appearance
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. is a deciduous shrub or tree that grows up to 20 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a smooth, gray-brown, and flaky bark. The leaves are elliptic, glossy, and dark green, measuring 10 to 15 cm in length. The flowers, which bloom between January and February, are small, greenish-white and borne in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a brown capsule, 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Each capsule contains up to three seeds, which are oval-shaped, 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter, and covered in a hard, white shell.
Light Requirements
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. When planted in shaded areas, the plant tends to grow taller and with fewer leaves. In contrast, when grown in full sun, the plant grows bushier with a higher number of leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate both high and low temperatures but prefers warmer temperatures ranging from 22° to 30°C (71.6°F to 86°F). When exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F), the plant may experience leaf drop and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. grows well in rich, moist, and well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The soil should also be slightly acidic. Clayey soils are not suited for this plant because they tend to hold onto water which can deprive the roots of oxygen leading to root rot.
Cultivation of Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb.
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. is generally grown outdoors in tropical regions but can also be grown indoors in colder climates. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. It requires adequate sunlight, and partial shade is preferable in hotter regions.
Watering Needs of Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb.
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. thrives well in moist soil. It requires regular watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering could lead to waterlogging, which could, in turn, cause root rot.
Fertilization of Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb.
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. requires regular fertilizer applications to achieve optimal growth. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be added to the soil during the growing season. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label for the correct application rate for each application.
Pruning of Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb.
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. requires minimal pruning. Removing any dead, damaged or diseased plant parts can help to improve the plant's health and appearance. Pinching off the tips of the stem can encourage bushier growth, thus producing a fuller plant. It is advisable to carry out pruning during the growing season to give the plant adequate time to recover before the dormant period.
Propagation of Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb.
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cutting, air layering, and grafting.
Seed propagation:
The seeds of Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. are small and should be sown in a well-drained potting mix. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a bright and humid location. Once the seedlings have grown to a size where it can be handled, they can be transplanted into individual pots with a well-draining potting mix.
Stem cutting:
Stem cuttings of mature plants can be taken during the growing season, preferably in spring or early summer. Cuttings 10-15 cm long with at least two nodes can be taken from the tip or mid-section of the stem. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm and humid location until new growth appears.
Air layering:
Air layering is a suitable propagation method for Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb., as it encourages the growth of roots from the aerial parts of the plant. Select a mature stem and apply rooting hormone to the middle section of the stem. Then, make a small incision on the stem, wrap it with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap to hold the moss in place. Ensure that the moss remains moist until roots form. Once the roots appear, cut the branch and pot it into a well-drained mix.
Grafting:
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. can also be propagated through grafting. In grafting, a scion from a desirable plant is grafted onto a compatible rootstock. The rootstock should be chosen for its vigorous growth and disease resistance. Scions may be taken from desirable plants with desirable traits, including improved fruit or flower color, growth habit, or pest and disease resistance. The graft union should be tightly bound with grafting tape and placed in a warm, humid, and bright location until the graft has taken hold.
Disease Management
Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb. is generally known to be resistant to many diseases. However, certain diseases can still affect the plant and can be managed effectively through preventive measures such as:
- Regularly checking the plant for any signs of disease and removing any infected parts as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of the disease
- Promoting good air circulation around the plant by spacing them properly to prevent the growth of fungi
- Avoiding overwatering the plant to prevent the growth of soil-borne diseases
Pest Management
There are several pests that may damage Connarus mildbraedii G.Schellenb, and they include:
- Spider mites - which can be managed by regularly wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the mites
- Scale insects - which can be managed through the use of horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps
- Caterpillars - which can be picked off the plant manually or managed through the use of bio-insecticides
It's important to note that chemical pesticides should be used as a last resort, and only after all other options have been exhausted. This is because the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides can be harmful to beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs, and can also lead to the development of resistant pests.
