Overview
Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman is a plant species belonging to the family Sapindaceae. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa and is commonly known as the African rubber tree. It has many traditional uses in various indigenous communities such as medicinal and cultural purposes.General Appearance
The African rubber tree is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The plant is characterized by a dense rounded canopy with a somewhat twisted and crooked trunk. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth, and the branches are moderately thin and drooping. The leaves are pinnate, glossy, and large with about 6-8 leaflets. The flowers of the African rubber tree are small, whitish-green, and clustered in terminal panicles. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule, about 2-3 cm in diameter with a gelatinous and translucent pulp enclosing the seeds.Usages
The African rubber tree has many traditional uses in Africa. The sap of this tree has rubber-like properties and can be used as a substitute for latex. The sap is extracted by tapping the tree and is used to make toys, balls, and other household items. In some cultures, the sap is also used to treat skin diseases and fungal infections. The leaves of this tree are also used in traditional medicine and are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves are crushed and applied to wounds or used to make a decoction that is taken orally to treat fever, coughs, and other ailments. The African rubber tree also has cultural significance and is used in various festivals and rituals across different African communities. The tree is believed to have spiritual and mystical qualities, and it is considered a symbol of fertility, growth, and prosperity. In conclusion, the African rubber tree is a plant with diverse traditional uses and cultural significance in Africa.Light Requirements
Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii should be grown in partial to full sun, receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It cannot tolerate frost but can survive mild winter temperatures of around 10°C (50°F) as long as the soil remains dry.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil that is rich in humus content. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5. It does not tolerate water-logged conditions, so the soil should not be too heavy.
Cultivation
Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman is a shrub that prefers to grow in a place that is partially sunny, and partial shade. It grows well in loamy soils that are well-drained, but the plant typically cannot withstand heavy flooding.
Watering Needs
The plant requires consistent watering, especially during the dry season. You should water the plant once a week or anytime the soil around it appears dry. Avoid over-watering the plant as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require monthly fertilization since the shrub could grow well in soils with a lot of organic matter. However, you could add some slow-release, organic fertilizer once a year. Make sure you apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
Pruning
The shrub requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and tidy appearance. You can prune deinbollia pynaertii by cutting away weak, damaged, and dead wood anytime you see it. You could also thin-out a branch when it appears too dense by removing some of its foliage or stems from the base. If you want to keep the plant in a particular size, you can trim it back in late winter using sterile pruning tools.
Propagation of Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman
Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman can be collected from its mature fruits. The collected seeds must be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil mixture with a depth of 1cm. The ideal temperature required for seed germination is 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Water the seeds regularly, and the germination period is usually two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman can be propagated by cuttings taken from its mature stems. Take cuttings of about 10-15 cm long, and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area. The roots will develop in 6-8 weeks.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman. Select a mature branch on the plant and make a 2-3 cm cut just below a node. Apply rooting hormone on the cut and wrap the cut area with a damp moss or sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with a transparent plastic sheet, and tie both ends tightly with a thread. Ensure that the moss stays moist by spraying water on it regularly. The roots will develop in 4-6 weeks, and the newly rooted plant can be separated from the mother plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii (De Wild.) Hauman
Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii is generally a resilient plant but may be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. It is important to monitor the health of the plant regularly and take necessary steps to prevent or manage any issues that may arise.
Common diseases
One common disease that may affect this plant is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or grayish powder on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, ensure adequate air circulation and avoid over-watering. Prune affected leaves and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be used to control and prevent powdery mildew.
Anthracnose is another disease that may affect Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii. This fungal disease causes leaf spots, cankers, and stem rot. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Fungicides may also be applied to prevent and control anthracnose.
Common pests
The most common pest that may affect this plant is scale insects. These small, flat insects attach themselves to plant stems and leaves, feeding on sap and causing yellowing and wilting of affected areas. Manage scale insects by manually removing them or using insecticidal soaps or oils.
Spider mites may also infest Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii, causing yellowing and stippling of leaves. To control spider mites, increase humidity around the plant by misting and avoid over-fertilizing. Insecticides may also be used to manage spider mites.
Overall, maintaining good plant health through proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning practices is the best defense against diseases and pests. Regular inspection and timely intervention can help prevent the spread of any issues and keep Deinbollia pynaertii De Wild. var. giorgii thriving.
