Overview
Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant, also known as the Common Cabbage Tree, is a species of deciduous tree that is native to Africa. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and is endemic to the eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces.
General Appearance
The Common Cabbage Tree can grow up to a height of 5-15 meters and a width of 4-8 meters. It has a single trunk and a broad, round crown with large, palmate leaves that measure up to 40 cm in length and width. The leaves are glossy and dark green in color, and they radiate from a central point, giving a rounded appearance to the tree. The bark is rough and gray-brown in color and has a deep furrowed texture.
Common Names
The Common Cabbage Tree has several common names depending on the region. In South Africa, it is called the Kiepersolkool, while in other parts of Africa, it is known as the Munoko, Mugumo, or Mukuyu. Its English name references the edible part of the plant, which resembles a cabbage head.
Uses
The Common Cabbage Tree has various uses, particularly among the indigenous communities of South Africa. The leaves and bark are used for medicinal purposes to treat diarrhea, stomach problems, and fever. The sap of the plant is used as glue, and the wood is used for furniture, flooring, and beams in construction.
Furthermore, the fruit of the tree is edible and is used to make beer in some parts of Africa. The Common Cabbage Tree is also an excellent ornamental plant and is used for landscaping in parks and gardens, particularly for its attractive foliage and shade-providing qualities.
Light Requirements
The Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant plant usually grows in areas with full sun exposure, but partial shade is also acceptable for its growth. For optimum growth, the plant requires access to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant plant has adapted to different temperature ranges, and it can withstand both low and high temperatures. However, the plant prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F) as it grows actively during these temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Therefore, it is advisable to add organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil before planting the seedlings.
Cultivation Methods
Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant is native to eastern and southern Africa. As such, it prefers a warm climate and fertile, well-draining soil. It can withstand partial shade, but it grows best in full sun. When planting, choose a location with enough space as the tree can grow up to 15 meters tall with a spread of up to 10 meters.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant vary depending on the climate and the season. During the hot and dry season, it requires more water, and in the cold and wet season, it needs less. However, it's essential to avoid overwatering the tree as it can cause root rot and even kill it. A good rule of thumb is to water the tree thoroughly once a week and adjust the frequency based on the weather.
Fertilization
Although Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant can grow in poor soils, it benefits greatly from regular fertilization. The best time to fertilize is in spring or early summer, just before the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, or a specialized nutrient blend for trees. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
Pruning
Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant requires minimal pruning, and it's only necessary when there are dead or damaged branches. Late winter or early spring is the best time to prune the tree. Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases and make clean cuts. Avoid pruning too much as the tree can bleed excessively, and this may weaken it. Also, avoid excessive pruning of the tree's crown as it can affect its natural shape and beauty.
Propagation methods for Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant
Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant, commonly known as the Natal cabbage tree, is a popular plant in gardens due to its unique appearance and drought tolerance. There are multiple methods for propagating this plant, including seed, cuttings and layering.
Seed propagation
Propagation by seed is straightforward, and the results are relatively predictable. Collect the seeds from the plant when they are mature and store them in a dry, cool place until ready to use. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and water them regularly. Germination can take up to a month, and it is possible that some of the seeds may not germinate.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation can be done using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Take cuttings from the plant in early spring and make sure each cutting has at least one node. Remove any leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light.
Layering propagation
Propagation by layering is best done in the spring or early summer months. Pick a strong and healthy stem and make a small cut in the bark of the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the area of the cut, and then bury the injury in soil. Wait several months until roots have formed, then carefully remove and transplant the rooted stem into a new container with suitable soil.
With any propagation method, it is important to keep plant health a top priority. Maintaining proper moisture and light, as well as avoiding sudden or extreme changes in temperature, can significantly improve the likelihood of success.
Disease Management
Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant is generally a hardy plant but may suffer from various diseases. Below are some common diseases that can affect the plant:
1. Leaf spots and blights
Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant is susceptible to various foliar diseases causing leaf spots and blights. The diseases can be caused by various fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Presence of leaf spots and blights indicates the plant is under stress or weak. Management of the disease involves practicing proper hygiene, picking and discarding the affected leaves, and applying fungicides or bactericides.
2. Root rots
Root rot diseases caused by fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, or Rhizoctonia can attack the roots of the plant and may lead to stunted growth and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, the use of well-draining soils, avoiding over-watering, and applying fungicides can be helpful. In severe cases, the plant may require uprooting and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Cussonia umbellifera Sond. var. buchananii (Harms) Tennant is generally pest-resistant, but some pests can still attack the plant. Below are some common pests that may affect the plant:
1. Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves and can cause the leaves to wither and turn yellow. The infestation can cause severe damage to the plant, and management involves controlling the humidity, applying insecticidal soap, or neem oil spray.
2. Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects covered with white cottony wax. The pests attack the leaves, sucking sap, and can move around from one plant to another. Management involves the application of insecticidal soap, implementing proper hygiene, and the use of predatory insects such as ladybugs to control the infestation.
3. Aphids
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that are often found feeding on the underside of leaves and can lead to deformation and discoloration of leaves. Management includes spraying water on the leaves and cleaning the plant with a soft brush to remove the pests. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil spray can also be helpful in controlling the infestation.
