Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan
Cryptosepalum exfoliatum subsp. pseudotaxus, also known as False Yohimbe, is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to west and central Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as False Yohimbe, due to its resemblance to the Yohimbe tree, and also as Nigerian Yohimbe or African Viagra.
Uses
The bark of False Yohimbe has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes in Africa, particularly as an aphrodisiac and to treat sexual dysfunction. It is believed to improve blood flow and increase libido in both men and women. Additionally, the bark is also used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat fever and coughs.
General Appearance
False Yohimbe is a tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of 80 cm and a rounded or flattened crown. The bark is smooth, dark gray, and may flake or peel off in irregular patches. The leaves are dark green, oblong, and leathery, with a pointed tip and a wavy or uneven margin. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and the fruit is a brownish-black pod that contains several seeds.
Light Requirements:
Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan prefers partial shade to full sun exposure for its optimal growth. The plant requires moderate sunlight and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended durations. It is best to provide the plant with filtered sunlight or shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan is between 18-25 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate colder temperatures but, struggles to grow when the mercury drops below 10 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the plant cannot tolerate temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, and extended exposure to such temperatures can be fatal.
Soil Requirements:
For optimal growth, the plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The plant thrives in soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not damp. The addition of compost, peat moss, or mulch can help improve the soil's texture, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity, helping the plant to grow to its full potential.
Cultivation Methods:
The Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan is a plant that grows best in warm weather, with temperatures in the range of 20-30 degrees Celsius. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires plenty of sunlight, which makes it an ideal plant for outdoor cultivation. Since it is native to parts of Africa, it also prefers a humid environment. It is best to grow this plant from seedlings, which can be purchased from a nursery or propagated by rooting stem cuttings. After planting, the plant should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season, to ensure proper growth and development.
Watering Needs:
The Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus is a plant that requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers a moist soil environment, and water should be applied evenly throughout its root system. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as this may result in root rot. To prevent this, avoid allowing water to accumulate around the plant for extended periods. During the growing season, it is recommended to water the plant once a week or more frequently if the soil begins to dry out.
Fertilization:
Fertilizing the Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus is necessary to provide the plant with essential nutrients for growth and development. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are suitable for this plant. It is also essential to use well-composted manure, which provides the necessary nutrients and promotes strong root growth.
Pruning:
The Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus requires minimal pruning primarily to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can be done in the spring season to remove any dead branches or damaged foliage. It is essential to use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases from plant to plant. Removing dead and damaged branches helps keep the plant healthy and promotes new growth. Be careful not to do a lot of pruning as this can stress your plant, leading to low yields or stunted growth.
Propagation of Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan
Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan, commonly known as the African medlar or false mopane, can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan can be sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be placed on top of the soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. The trays should be kept in a warm, bright, and humid location. Germination can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots filled with a well-draining soil mix and placed in a sunny location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the stems of Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan. The cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and have several leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. The cutting should be placed in a warm and bright location but out of direct sunlight. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into an individual pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and placed in a sunny location.
Propagation by Layering
The layering method involves bending a low branch of the Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan to the ground and covering part of the stem with soil. The branch should be securely anchored to the ground with a stake or rock. Once the stem has rooted, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into an individual pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and placed in a sunny location.
Disease Management
The plant Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan faces several diseases that can affect its growth and quality. Here are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot diseases
Leaf spot diseases are caused by fungi that feed on the plant's leaves, resulting in small to large spots. These spots will grow with time and cause the leaves to become yellow and finally drop off. To manage leaf spot diseases, one should avoid overhead watering and instead apply water directly to the soil. Additionally, one should remove and destroy affected leaves. If necessary, apply fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Root rot
Root rot is a disease caused by fungi that live in soil and thrive in damp conditions that result in root decay. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Overwatering and poor drainage are major causes. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Use appropriate fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan is also susceptible to pests that can damage the plant or even kill it. Here are some of the common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that thrive in hot, dry conditions and remove sap from the plant's leaves, thereby causing damage. Their presence can be detected by the presence of webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and spray with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, introduce insect predators such as ladybugs.
Scale insects
Scale insects are small, round insects that attach themselves to the plant and remove nutrients from the leaves. They can cause yellow spots on the leaves, stunt growth and cause leaf drop. To manage scale insects, first prune off any affected parts of the plant. Then use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove the insects. Alternatively, introduce insect predators such as ladybugs.
Regular monitoring of the plant, good cultural practices, and appropriate use of pesticides are critical to ensuring that Cryptosepalum exfoliatum De Wild. subsp. pseudotaxus (Baker f.) P.A.Duvign. & Brenan remains healthy and productive.
