Origin
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as Lema, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Lema is native to tropical Central and West Africa, specifically found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and other surrounding countries.
Common Names
Lema, the common name for Craterispermum congolanum, is also referred to as Mulenga, Mwamba wapanga, and Nsongwi.
Uses
The plant Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand has various medicinal uses. For example, its roots are used to treat anemia in pregnant women. The bark of the plant is a natural remedy for fever and diarrhea. The leaves of Lema are used for skin ailments like rashes and itchiness. Craterispermum congolanum also has ethnobotanical uses, such as being used as a love charm in some cultures.
General Appearance
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery. The flowers of the plant have white petals with a yellow center and grow in clusters. The fruit of Lema is a capsule which when ripe, splits open to reveal one or two seeds covered in a bright red aril. The plant's bark is gray and smooth, with crisscross ridges being the main feature in mature plants.
Growth Conditions for Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand is a flowering plant that is endemic to the tropical rainforests of the Congo basin in Central Africa. It is a slow-growing and long-lived plant that requires specific conditions for its growth and survival.
Light Requirements
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand requires filtered or diffused light to grow optimally. It is best suited to grow under the canopy of other trees or in semi-shaded areas. Direct sunlight can be harmful to this plant and can cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does well in warm and humid tropical climates. Temperature should be kept between 20 to 28°C (68 to 82°F), and humidity levels should be kept high. They do not tolerate cold temperatures or frost and will die if exposed to extreme cold.
Soil Requirements
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate both slightly acidic and neutral soils. The plant also requires moderate moisture levels and cannot withstand prolonged flooding.
In conclusion, Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand requires specific growth conditions that are typical of tropical rainforests. Adequate light, temperature, and soil conditions are necessary to ensure its healthy growth and survival.
Cultivation
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as Congo fern or African spider plant, is a perennial plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. To cultivate this plant, it is best to start with a fully grown stem with leaves and roots intact, which can be obtained from a reputable plant nursery.
The plant requires a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and the plant must never be allowed to dry out completely.
Craterispermum congolanum prefers partial shade to full shade and is sensitive to direct sunlight. It is therefore best to place the plant in an area with indirect or filtered light to ensure it grows and develops healthy foliage.
Watering Needs
Craterispermum congolanum requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the plant's soil is well-draining.
Watering should be done once a week or when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering. When watering, aim to water around the base of the plant to avoid splashing the leaves, which can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to the growth and health of Craterispermum congolanum. An all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the growing season, which can be diluted in water and applied to the soil around the plant's base. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil during planting, which will provide nutrients to the plant for an extended period.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, can also be used to supply essential nutrients to the plant. Before applying any fertilizer, ensure that the soil is moist to prevent fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for Craterispermum congolanum. However, dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed to promote healthy growth. If the plant has grown too large and is taking up too much space, it can be pruned to a more manageable size. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and the plant should be watered immediately after to promote healing.
Propagation of Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand is a woody perennial plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The plant is native to Central Africa and is commonly known as Bantu bubble berry. Propagation of this plant is done through two main methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the primary propagation method for Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand. The seeds used for propagation should be collected from ripe and healthy fruits, which are washed and dried to remove any pulp. After washing, the seeds are either sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry, and airy place until the onset of the rainy season.
To sow the seeds, a seedling tray filled with fertile soil is prepared. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3mm and are covered lightly with soil. The tray is then watered gently, and a plastic sheet is used to cover it to retain moisture and warmth. Watering is done regularly to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, usually between 2-4 weeks.
After germination, the seedling is allowed to grow in the tray for a few months before being transplanted to the field. The seedlings should be at least eight inches in height and have well-established roots.
Vegetative propagation
C. congolanum can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. This method is ideal for producing fast-growing and genetically uniform seedlings. The branches to be used for cuttings should be selected from healthy and disease-free plants. Cuttings are taken from the middle section of the branch, taking care not to damage the bark.
The stem cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone to promote root formation and are then planted in a well-drained and fertile soil mixture. It is advisable to cover the cuttings with a plastic sheet to retain moisture and to shade them from direct sunlight. The cuttings require regular watering for the first few weeks until they establish roots and new growth appears.
After the cuttings have grown to a considerable size, they are transplanted to the field. This method can be used to propagate C. congolanum plants that are hard to obtain through seed propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand
Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand is an evergreen shrub or small tree that produces clusters of yellow flowers. Like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spots are caused by fungi, which can spread rapidly in warm, humid conditions. Symptoms include small, circular, brown spots on the leaves that can merge and cause the entire leaf to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and prune the branches to improve air circulation. Also, avoid watering the leaves, as this can encourage fungal growth.
2. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can weaken the plant if not treated early. To prevent this disease from spreading, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide. Also, ensure the plant has enough light and air circulation.
3. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering, poorly draining soil, and warm temperatures. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of the leaves, and the plant may die if not treated early. To manage this disease, reduce watering, improve soil drainage, and apply a fungicide to the soil.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken the plant if left untreated. Symptoms include curling and yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, cotton-like insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing and curling of leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, remove visible mealybugs with a cotton swab or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
3. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and become brittle. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use a miticide.
By being vigilant and taking action promptly, you can help keep your Craterispermum congolanum De Wild. & T.Durand healthy and free of diseases and pests. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of damage or infestation, and take the appropriate action to manage them.
