Origin and Common Names
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc., commonly known as Burny vine, is a member of the family Sapindaceae. This tropical shrub is native to Madagascar, Réunion Island, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. It is known by several other common names, such as Venimeux, Pikéroz, and Zestivier.
Uses
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. has been used in traditional medicine for a multitude of purposes. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can aid in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatism. The plant also contains compounds that exhibit cytotoxicity, which can be useful in the treatment or prevention of certain types of cancer.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the shrub's wood is used for various purposes. It's strong and durable, making it a popular choice for tool handles, furniture, and construction. The plant's fruit also has several culinary uses. Its juice is used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and marmalades, and the fruit's zest is used as a flavoring agent in baked goods and desserts.
General Appearance
The shrub typically grows to a height of 6 to 10 feet tall, with a spread of 3 to 6 feet. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture, and can grow up to 12 inches long. The flowers, which bloom in the fall and winter, are small and white, with five petals, and are arranged in loose clusters. The fruit is small and orange, with a slightly pear-like shape and a smooth skin. It is about 2 inches long and contains one or two seeds.
The plant requires a warm and humid climate, and grows best in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and colorful fruit.
Light Requirements:
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. grows best in partial shade to filtered sun. It can tolerate direct sunlight but may require protection during hot summer days.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions. It grows well in a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. It cannot survive in frost-prone areas and requires protection during winter.
Soil Requirements:
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. grows well in well-drained soil that has a mix of organic matter and sand. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and requires good drainage.
Cultivation of Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc.
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid climates. It can thrive in either full shade or partial sun, but direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to avoid planting it in areas where the soil stays wet for prolonged periods, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Watering Needs
The Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. needs frequent watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. You can check the soil's moisture level by touching it regularly.
If you notice that the top layer of soil is dry, add water until it reaches the root zone. However, avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can help the Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. grow healthy and strong. Ideally, it would be best to use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide the necessary nutrients over an extended period.
The fertilization frequency will depend on the type of fertilizer you use. Still, in general, it is recommended to fertilize the plant once every two months during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in keeping the Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. looking neat and healthy. Regular pruning will prevent the plant from overgrowing and keep it within its desired shape and size.
You can also remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches from the plant. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent infection and other plant diseases.
Propagation of Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc.
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. can be propagated through different methods that suit its growth habits. The following are some of the propagation methods for this plant:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. can be used to propagate this plant. This method of propagation is ideal for plants that have a strong genetic makeup, and the new plants resemble the parent plant. The flowers of this plant produced fruit that contains seeds. Collect the ripe fruit with seeds and remove the flesh surrounding the seed. Sow the seeds in a container filled with moist peat moss potting soil mixture and cover the plant container with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity. Place the container in a warm shaded area and ensure watering is done regularly. Germination of the seed takes about four to ten weeks.
Stem Cutting Propagation
The stem cutting is a vegetative propagation method used in Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. The stem cuttings are taken from the mature plant and planted in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a commercial potting mix and cover it with a plastic bag to increase humidity. They should be kept in a warm area with bright but indirect sunlight. Transfer the plant's stem cuttings to more substantial containers when the roots become full to accommodate proper plant growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another technique that gardeners can use to propagate Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. The air layering involves removing a portion of the stem, without detaching it from the parent plant. The cut section of the stem is wrapped with a rooting hormone, a damp moss, and then sealed with a plastic wrap. Roots start to form in four to six weeks depending on the season. After rooting, cut off the air-layered portion from the parent plant and put it into a container with potting soil mix.
Propagation of Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. is easy to accomplish using the different propagation methods discussed above. Each of these methods may have various degrees of success and may vary depending on the time of the year and other factors such as available resources and climatic changes.
Disease Management
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most plant diseases. However, there are some diseases that it is susceptible to, such as:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can result in leaf spots, shoot blight and fruit rot. It can be managed by practicing good sanitation, ensuring the plant has adequate air circulation and using fungicides where needed.
- Sooty mold: This is a fungal disease that is characterized by blackish sooty mold that covers the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be managed by controlling the insect pests that produce honeydew, which serves as a substrate for the development of sooty mold.
Pest Management
Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc. is also susceptible to a number of insect pests. Some common pests that affect this plant include:
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that form cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
- Aphids: These are small, green insects that suck on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth, yellowing and leaf drop. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Scale insects: These insects are small and often look like bumps on the stems and leaves of the plant. They can be managed by using rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soaps.
It is important to note that a healthy plant is better able to resist pests and diseases. Therefore, practicing good cultural practices such as providing adequate water and fertilizer, and ensuring proper pruning and sanitation can go a long way in preventing pest and disease problems in Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. forma subcordata Verdc.
