Origin and Common Names
Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good, commonly known as the Long-stemmed Craterispermum or Inquisitor's Nut, is a large shrub that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in the countries of Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.General Appearance
This plant is evergreen and can reach a height of up to 8 meters. It has a straight stem that is covered in grayish brown bark. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a length of up to 40 cm and a width of 15 cm. The flowers of Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good are small and white, arranged in small clusters, and bloom during the summer season. The fruit of the plant is a brown nut, measuring about 3 cm in diameter, surrounded by a woody capsule.Uses
In traditional West African medicine, the bark, leaves, and roots of the Long-stemmed Craterispermum are used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, and stomach problems. The plant is also used as an insect repellent and in religious rituals. Additionally, some indigenous groups use the wood of the plant to construct tools and furniture. Overall, the Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good is a versatile and significant shrub that is valued for its medicinal and cultural uses, as well as its unique and eye-catching appearance.Light Requirements
The Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade but direct sunlight can damage its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging between 60 to 80°F (15.5 to 26.7°C). It cannot withstand extreme temperatures, so it's best to keep it indoors if the temperature drops below 60°F (15.5°C).
Soil Requirements
The Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good plant requires well-draining, porous soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Avoid using heavy, clay-type soil as it can retain water and lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows well in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The ideal PH range for the soil is 6.0 to 6.5. To ensure proper ventilation, plant them in a location with good air circulation.
Watering Needs
The plant needs moderate watering. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other fungal infections. To keep the soil moist, invest in a good drainage system and water the plant only when the top layer of soil is dry.
Fertilization
To promote healthy plant growth and development, fertilize the Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum plant during the growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and apply it to the soil every two weeks. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid overfertilizing, which may damage the plant.
Pruning
To maintain the plant's shape and size, prune the Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum plant regularly. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches to prevent infection from spreading to the rest of the plant. Also, remove any overgrown branches that are out of shape. Prune the plant during the dormant season, which is usually towards the end of winter or early spring.
Propagation Methods for Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good
Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good is a rare plant, so it is important to propagate it correctly to conserve the species.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the mature fruit of the plant. These seeds should be cleaned and dried before propagation. The seeds can be sowed in trays of compost in a greenhouse, in Spring. The trays should be kept moist, with misting systems or watering cans until germination, which can take between 20 to 40 days. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
The cuttings method of propagation is suitable for this plant. This method involves taking a cutting from the mature plant, preferably during the growing season. The cut should be made just below a node on a semi-hard or soft stem. The cuttings should be 5-7 cm long and stripped of the lower leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth before planting into a moist, gritty potting mix. The cutting should be watered sparingly and kept in a humid environment until roots develop, which can take about 30-45 days. Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be potted up into a larger pot or transplanted into the garden.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagation for Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good. This method is best done in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be carefully removed from the soil and gently teased apart into smaller sections, each with roots attached. The sections can be potted up in a suitable potting mix and kept in a shaded area until established.
These are the primary methods of propagating Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good.
Disease and Pest Management for Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good
Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, certain pests and diseases can attack and cause damage to the plant.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good is root rot. This disease is caused by fungus that thrives in wet and poorly drained soil. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering and use a fungicide as necessary.
The plant may also suffer from leaf spot, which is caused by fungi and bacterial infections. Symptoms of leaf spot include yellow or brown spots on the plant’s leaves. Prevent leaf spot by maintaining proper airflow and watering the plant early in the day to allow it to dry out before the evening. Also, you can use fungicides or appropriate chemicals to manage leaf spot.
Pests
The main pests that can attack Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good are scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can lead to yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and death. To manage pest infestations, apply insecticides or use natural remedies like neem oil or soap and water to control the pests. Pruning affected leaves and monitoring to prevent a resurgence of them.
Overall, Craterispermum inquisitorium Wernham var. longepedunculatum Good can remain healthy with regular monitoring and proper maintenance. Timely action is crucial to preventing the spread of disease or a pest's infestation and protecting the plant's overall health.
