Overview:
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. is a plant species that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. The plant is native to Africa and is commonly grown for its medicinal properties as well as its fruits. The herb is also referred to as the "African Soapberry" or "Large-fruited Deinbollia".
Appearance:
The plant has a height of about 5-10 meters, and its bark is grayish-brown in color. It has alternate leaves with about 7-11 leaflets that are oblong in shape. Moreover, the leaves are glossy green with serrated margins. Additionally, the flowers of the Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. are small in size and yellow-green in color. The fruit is about 3 cm in diameter and has a hard shell with a shiny black outer surface.
Uses:
The Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. is used as a traditional medicine for various ailments such as malaria, stomach aches, and diarrhea. The leaves, stems, and roots of the plant are believed to have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that make them suitable for treating such conditions. Furthermore, the fruit of the African Soapberry is edible and is often consumed when ripe. The fruit can also be used as a soap substitute due to its lathering properties. Additionally, the plant's bark is used in making traditional African drums and baskets.
Light Requirements
Deinbollia macroura needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Full sun can be too harsh and damaging to its leaves. It is best to place the plant in a location that receives partial shade or filtered light. East-facing windows are good options as they provide bright, indirect light in the morning but shade in the afternoon when the sun's intensity increases.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Deinbollia macroura is between 60 °F (15.5 °C) to 80 °F (26.6 °C). It can tolerate higher or lower temperatures for short periods, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can damage or kill the plant. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or heating vents as sudden temperature changes can shock it.
Soil Requirements
Deinbollia macroura prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can provide good drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate a range of soil conditions as long as the soil is well-draining. Overwatering can lead to root rot and disease, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering sessions.
Cultivation Methods for Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk.
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. is a shrub or small tree that is indigenous to tropical Africa and needs to be grown in warm, damp conditions. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers mildly acidic soil with good drainage.
Propagation is done by planting cuttings or seeds during the spring or summer in a warm, damp location. If growing outdoors, it is crucial to plant Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. at the right distance from other trees to allow enough room for it to grow to a full size. It can tolerate drought once established although it is preferred to water it regularly.
Watering Needs for Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk.
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. thrives in moist conditions so it is important to keep the soil around it slightly damp, especially during the dry season. Do not let the soil dry out, but do not overwater the plant, as excessive moisture can cause root rot and other diseases.
Instead, ensure you water the plant regularly and deeply, so that the water can penetrate deep into the soil, providing the necessary nutrients to the roots.
Fertilization for Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk.
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. will benefit from regular feeding with slow-release organic fertilizers, such as compost, chicken manure, or bone meal.
You can also apply balanced fertilizer spiked with potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus to the soil once every two weeks during the growing season to give the plant essential nutrients for growth and flowering.
Pruning for Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk.
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. responds well to pruning and is easily shaped into an ornamental shrub or small tree. Pruning should be done during late winter or fall when the plant is dormant.
Remove any dead, diseased, or overgrown branches, and cut back any crossing branches or branches that are otherwise crowding the plant. To promote fuller growth, trim back the tips of the stem or branches.
After pruning, the plant should be watered regularly to help it recover quickly and continue to grow healthily.
Propagation of Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk.
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk., commonly known as African soapberry, is a shrub or small tree native to Africa. It can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. is through seeds. The seeds can be sourced from ripe fruits, which are greenish-yellow in color when mature. After collection, the seeds are cleaned, air-dried, and stored in a cool and dry place before planting. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and enhance germination rate. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining potting mixture and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot should be placed in a warm and bright location and kept moist. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. is through cuttings. Softwood cuttings, taken from new growth, can be used as propagation material. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and have 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mixture. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. Air layering is best done during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A section of stem is chosen, and a 2-3 cm section of bark is removed. The exposed area is then treated with rooting hormone and wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. The moss is kept moist, and within 8-12 weeks, roots should form. The rooted section can then be removed and planted in a well-draining potting mixture.
Disease Management:
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. is relatively resistant to most fungal and bacterial diseases. However, it can still be affected by some diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and leaf spot.
To manage powdery mildew, spray affected plants with a solution of neem oil and water or a fungicide containing sulfur. To manage anthracnose, prune infected branches and dispose of them properly. To manage leaf spot, spray with a fungicide containing copper or neem oil.
Pest Management:
Deinbollia macroura Gilg ex Radlk. is also relatively resistant to pests. However, it can be affected by some common garden pests such as mites, scale insects, and mealybugs.
To manage mites, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. To manage scale insects, gently scrape them off with a soft brush or cloth and then spray with horticultural oil or neem oil. To manage mealybugs, prune the affected parts and get rid of them properly. Then, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
