Overview of Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc.
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. is a tropical plant species native to eastern, central, and southern Africa. It is commonly known as the 'Kilimanjaro stinkwood' or 'mountain sage tree'. This tree species can grow up to 20m tall and thrives best in swampy areas, riverbanks, and moist forests.
General appearance
This evergreen tree displays a multi-stemmed growth habit with a coarse texture, crooked stem, and a broad rounded canopy. It features a dense canopy of bright green foliage with pinnate leaves with an odd number of leaflets (typically 7 or 9). The tree has a spreading canopy and produces a small, but bright yellow flower from January to March, followed by rounded fruits that turn from red to black as they ripen.
Common uses
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. is known for its medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of stomach ailments, respiratory issues, and rheumatism. The bark extract has antimicrobial properties and can be used as a natural pesticide. The wood is also used for carving, furniture making, and construction purposes, while the branches and leaves are used as a fodder for animals.
Additionally, the tree's dense canopy makes it a valuable shade tree in public parks and gardens.
Conclusion
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. is a valuable tree species, primarily used for medicinal and economic purposes, and serves as an important shade tree in public parks. Its unique appearance, combined with its many uses, make it a sought-after species, especially in areas where it is native.
Light requirements
The Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may cause stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in warm and humid conditions. Ideally, the daytime temperature should be between 25-30°C, while the nighttime temperature should not dip below 15°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Soil requirements
The Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy loam and loamy soils are ideal. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but will not grow well in heavy or clay soils.
Cultivation methods
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. is a relatively easy plant to cultivate in the right conditions. It thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun conditions and requires air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. You can propagate Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta from seeds or stem cuttings, but it propagates better from seeds.
Watering needs
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering intervals to prevent root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging during the cool and damp season.
Fertilization
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. requires fertilization to compensate for the nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer mix that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer at half strength to prevent fertilizer burn and apply it around the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. During the dormant season, reduce fertilization to once monthly.
Pruning
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. requires pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Prune the plant during the winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Use clean and sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of fungal infections. Cut back the branches at a 45-degree angle, just above a healthy shoot or node. If the plant becomes too large, prune it in stages to prevent severe shock to the plant.
Propagation of Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc.
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc., commonly known as the East African yellowheart, is a tree species native to East Africa. The plant can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. The seeds need to be cleaned and soaked in water for at least 24 hours. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in seedbeds or pots filled with fertile potting soil. The soil should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area to prevent excessive drying of the soil and the young seedlings. Germination occurs after 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground when they are about 6-8 cm tall.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is also possible for Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. This method involves taking stem cuttings about 20-30 cm long from mature trees. The cuttings should be taken just below a node and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in pots filled with fertile potting soil. The soil should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area to prevent excessive drying of the soil and the cuttings. Rooting occurs after 3-4 weeks, and the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Layering propagation
Propagation through layering is an alternative method for Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. This method involves bending a lower branch of a mature tree down to the ground and covering it with fertile soil. The branch should be slightly wounded at the bottom and held in place with wooden stakes. Roots will grow from the wounded area, and the branch can then be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. is generally a healthy plant, but it may fall prey to diseases if its growth requirements are not met, leading to a weakened immune system. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Leaf spots: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens that infect the plant's leaves, causing brown, black, or gray spots. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, prune out infected leaves, keep the surrounding area clean, and apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by a powdery white or gray coating that appears on the plant's foliage, stems, and flowers. It is caused by different fungi species that thrive in humid conditions. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant, reduce humidity, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides to prevent the disease's spread.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various soil-borne fungi that attack the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of foliage, and wilting. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and prune out infected roots. Infected plants should be removed from the planting area to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Deinbollia kilimandscharica Taub. var. adusta (Radlk.) Verdc. may be attacked by pests that can weaken or kill it. Some of the common pests that can infest this plant include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing yellow and brown speckling on the leaves. They thrive in dry and dusty conditions. To manage them, improve air circulation around the plant, water the plant frequently, and apply insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: They feed on the plant's foliage, leaving it shredded and full of holes. To manage these pests, handpick the caterpillars, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.), a biological insecticide that targets caterpillars, or neem oil to repel them.
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the plant's sap, causing it to wilt and producing honeydew that attracts ants. To manage them, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that feed on aphids, or apply insecticidal soap.
