Overview of Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Craibia bequaertii De Wild., also known as Craibia angolensis or the Angolan bitter plant, is a small African tree in the family of Gentianaceae. It is native to Angola, where it thrives in riverine forests and gallery forests along rivers and streams.
Common names
Aside from being called the Angolan bitter plant, Craibia bequaertii De Wild. also goes by the common names of bittersalat and gam mudu.
Uses of Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Indigenous societies in Angola use various parts of Craibia bequaertii De Wild. for medicinal purposes. The bitter plant is popularly known to have therapeutic properties and is used to ease an array of diseases and afflictions such as stomach aches, constipation, fever, and the common cold.
Additionally, the plant's roots can be used to make a decoction that is believed to be an effective treatment for skin ulcers, while the plant's bark is used to make a yellow dye for fabric.
General appearance
The Craibia bequaertii De Wild. tree is a small but hardy plant that typically measures up to 6 meters tall. It has a dense canopy that spreads out to form round-shaped umbrellas, giving it a distinctly tropical appearance. The plant's smooth trunk and branches are a light grayish-brown color and its leaves are dark green in color, glossy, and ovate in shape with a pointed tip. The tree flowers from September to November, producing beautiful yellow-green and maroon flowers that further add to the plant's striking beauty.
Light Requirements
Craibia bequaertii De Wild. prefers bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight for prolonged periods can cause leaf burn, and too little light will cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Craibia bequaertii De Wild. is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but must be kept away from frost at all times. It cannot tolerate high temperatures, so avoid placing it in a hot, dry atmosphere.
Soil Requirements
Craibia bequaertii De Wild. likes rich and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It prefers soil that is high in organic matter and has excellent drainage to prevent the roots from rotting. Use soil mixtures containing peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts to achieve the best results.
Cultivation of Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Craibia bequaertii De Wild. is a plant native to tropical regions in Africa. It grows best in warm, humid conditions, with well-draining soil and partial shade.
To cultivate this plant, it is important to provide a warm and humid environment. You can achieve this by placing the plant in a greenhouse or by misting the leaves regularly. The plant will grow well in soils that are rich in organic matter and have good drainage.
Watering Needs of Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Watering Craibia bequaertii De Wild. can be tricky as it requires consistent moisture without overwatering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The plant's water requirements will differ depending on the environment and the soil type.
In general, the plant should be watered regularly during the growing season and less frequently in winter. You should avoid letting the soil dry out entirely between waterings, as this can damage the roots and stunt the plant's growth.
Fertilization of Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Craibia bequaertii De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will help the plant grow strong and healthy.
You should apply fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions for the proper dosage and application method. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to burned roots and leaves.
Pruning of Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Pruning Craibia bequaertii De Wild. is typically not necessary unless the plant has grown too tall or has developed an unsightly shape. You can prune the plant lightly to control its size or to remove any damaged or dead branches.
When pruning, it is important to use sharp and sterilized pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. You should also avoid cutting too much of the plant at once, as this can shock it and stunt its growth.
Propagation of Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Craibia bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
The plant produces small, black seeds which can be collected and sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds need to be fresh to germinate successfully. Sowing the seeds in a seed tray or pots can be done in the spring or summer seasons. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water regularly to keep the soil moist. The seeds usually take around two weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings are 4 inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots as needed.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Craibia bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated by cuttings or layering.
Propagation by Cuttings
Take 4-inch long cuttings from a healthy and well-established plant. Ensure that the cuttings have at least 2-3 leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, water thoroughly and place them in a warm and bright location with indirect sunlight. In around 4-6 weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and new foliage.
Propagation by Layering
Choose a low-growing branch of the plant and cut a small notch about halfway through. Bend the branch down and place the notch in the soil. Cover the notch with soil, water it, and secure the branch with a stake to prevent it from lifting. In around 4-6 weeks, the branch will develop roots. Once the rooted branch is well established, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into another container.
Disease and Pest Management for Craibia bequaertii De Wild.
Craibia bequaertii De Wild. is a plant species that is native to the African region and is generally resilient to pests and diseases. However, these plants can still be affected by specific illnesses and attacks by pests.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Craibia bequaertii De Wild. include:
- Leaf spot: This disease presents as yellow or dark spots on the leaves of the plant. It can lead to defoliation and a stunted growth rate if left untreated.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot. This disease is caused by fungus that thrives in damp environments and ultimately leads to the death of the plant.
Pest Management
Even though Craibia bequaertii De Wild. is generally resistant to pests, some insects can still cause damage to the plant. These pests include:
- Mealybugs: These bugs are soft-bodied, wingless insects that are generally found on the underside of leaves or inside curled leaves. They excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and black sooty mold fungi. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause the leaves to yellow and drop early. They also produce webbing. Wipe infested leaves with water and soap solution.
- Thrips: These tiny, slender insects attack new growth on the plant. They pierce the leaves and suck out the plant sap. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control thrips.
Disease Management
To prevent and manage diseases that could affect Craibia bequaertii De Wild., follow these tips:
- Adequate watering: Proper watering practices can go a long way in preventing diseases like root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure to empty drainage trays if present.
- Air circulation: Good air circulation helps prevent leaf spot on your plant. Install a fan in the room to improve air circulation.
- Treat quickly: As soon as symptoms like leaf spot appear, trim off the affected area. Remove all infected leaves or branches from the plant and dispose of them. Keep an eye on your plant and treat symptoms immediately to prevent spread.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage pests and diseases affecting Craibia bequaertii De Wild., ensuring that the plant flourishes and remains healthy.
