Origin
Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as the slender craterispermum, is a plant species native to West Africa. It grows naturally in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon within the wet evergreen forest zones.
Common Names
Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is known by several names in different African languages. In Nigeria, it is called "Aguro" by the Yoruba tribe while the Efik-Ibibio tribe calls it "Eben akwa". In Ghana, it is popularly known as "Kyere wawase" in the Akan language and "Ncovlo" in Ewe. The plant is also referred to as "African Whitewood" due to the light color of its wood.
Uses
The plant has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes by different African tribes. The roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as fever, stomach pains, and skin infections. The leaves are also used as a spice in cooking, especially in soups. The wood is used in carpentry for furniture making, door frames, and planks for building construction.
General Appearance
The slender craterispermum is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach a height of about 20 meters. It has a slender trunk with a light-colored bark that peels off in strips. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a lanceolate shape. The flowers are small, yellow, and grouped in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a capsule that is cylindrically shaped with a length of about 5cm. When mature, it splits open into two halves to release the seeds, which are covered with a crater-shaped pattern.
hereLight Requirements
The plant Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel prefers to grow in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also grow under partially shaded conditions. However, exposing the plant to direct sunlight for extended periods can lead to leaf scorching and damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and can be damaged if subjected to frost. The optimal temperature range for the plant is between 20? to 25?. The minimum temperature required for its growth is 15?, and the maximum temperature is 30?.
Soil Requirements
The plant Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal soil type for this plant is loamy or sandy loam with good water-holding capacity. The soil must remain moist, but not water-logged, to promote healthy growth. It is recommended to add a slow-release, balanced fertilizer during planting that will provide adequate nutrients for the plant to grow well.
Cultivation of Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a tropical shrub that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil and partial shade, making it an ideal indoor plant.
When planting the Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel, it is important to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter. This can be achieved by mixing compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting.
Watering Needs
The Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to water the plant thoroughly, ensuring that the water penetrates deep into the soil. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and should be avoided.
During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, while during the winter months it may require less. It is important to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust watering accordingly.
Fertilization
To maintain healthy growth, Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel requires regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season.
It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to an excess of nutrients that can damage the plant. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and adjust as necessary for the specific needs of the Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant.
Pruning
The Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plant starts actively growing.
Remove any damaged or dead branches, and remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant. Cut back any branches that have become overcrowded or are crossing over other branches. Prune to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
Propagation of Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through seeds
The propagation of Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel can be done through seeds. The seeds should be collected from matured fruits and sown in a well-drained soil mixture consisting of sand, perlite, and vermiculite. The seeds need a warm and humid environment to germinate.
It is recommended to sterilize the soil mixture before sowing the seeds to avoid any fungal or bacterial infections. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and should be watered regularly.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be done with Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel. The cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should have at least two nodes, and the lower leaves should be removed.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture consisting of perlite and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment, and the soil should be watered regularly.
Propagation through layering
Propagation through layering is another effective method to propagate Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel. In this method, a low-branching stem of a mature plant is selected, and a small portion of the stem is buried in the soil while still attached to the parent plant.
The stem should be bent and buried vertically in the soil, leaving the top portion of the stem exposed. The buried section of the stem will develop roots, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant after a few weeks.
Disease Management
Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel can be affected by various diseases, including leaf-spot disease, stem canker, and root rot. To manage these diseases, it is necessary to practice good agricultural practices such as maintaining good drainage and soil ventilation to avoid the plant's overwatering. Additionally, it is necessary to prune and burn the infected parts of the plant to control further spread. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides can also be used to treat the plant.
Pest Management
The common pests that affect the Craterispermum gracile A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant include scales, mealybugs, and aphids. To manage these pests, it is necessary to practice regular scouting to detect and treat any pest infestation early. Natural control methods such as beneficial insects and parasites can be introduced to the farm by planting companion plants such as marigold, lavender, and chrysanthemums, which deter pests. If the infestation is severe, chemical pesticides such as pyrethrin and insecticidal soaps can be used to treat the plant.
