Origin
Desbordesia oblonga is a plant species belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to tropical rainforests in West and Central Africa, particularly Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, including oblonga wood, oblonga, and mambang-lady in Cameroon.
Uses
Desbordesia oblonga has several medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine to treat various illnesses like diarrhea, fever, and rheumatism. The latex from the trees is reputed to have healing powers. The plant is also used for fuel, charcoal, and woodworking.
General Appearance
Desbordesia oblonga is a deciduous tree and can reach a height of up to 20 meters. The bark is rough and has a greyish-brown color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong in shape, measuring 10-30 cm in length and 4-12 cm in width. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit capsules are woody and oblong, measuring about 2-3 cm in length.
Light Requirements
Desbordesia oblonga is an understory plant that thrives in partially shaded to fully shaded conditions. Therefore, it requires moderate to low levels of light for optimal growth. Bright direct sunlight can damage its leaves and stunt its growth. However, indirect light or filtered light through trees or other plants can promote its growth.
Temperature Requirements
This species is native to tropical regions of West Africa, and it requires warm temperatures to grow. Optimal temperature ranges are between 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause leaf drop, and frost exposure is fatal to the plant. Therefore, it is best suited for indoor cultivation or greenhouse environments in areas with cold winters.
Soil Requirements
Desbordesia oblonga requires well-draining soil with high organic matter content. It prefers loose, porous soil that allows for good air circulation and root development. The ideal soil pH is between 5.0 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. Additionally, it is beneficial to add organic matter to the soil, such as peat moss or compost. This species can tolerate brief periods of drought but prefers consistently moist soil that is not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Desbordesia oblonga is generally a low-maintenance plant and can be easily grown in the outdoor garden or in pots as a decorative indoor plant. It is important to provide the plant with a well-draining soil mixture enriched with organic matter. It thrives in a warm temperature range of about 20-30°C and requires adequate sunlight to grow properly.
Watering Needs
Desbordesia oblonga prefers regular watering during the growth season, allowing the soil to dry out partially between watering. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot. During the winter months, its watering needs should be reduced as the plant goes into a dormant phase.
Fertilization
Desbordesia oblonga requires regular feeding during the growth season to ensure healthy growth. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with a higher percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done once every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Desbordesia oblonga only requires occasional pruning to keep its shape neat and tidy. Any dead or damaged branches should be removed immediately. Overgrown or leggy branches can be pruned to promote bushier growth. It is advisable to prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid stressing it out.
Propagation of Desbordesia oblonga
Desbordesia oblonga is a rare and endangered plant species native to Madagascar. The plant is primarily propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Desbordesia oblonga from seed is the primary and most successful method. The seeds are best collected from mature fruits and require proper cleaning before sowing. The seeds must be sown in a soil mixture with good drainage, and the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot should be placed in a warm and humid environment with partial shade, and the seeds should be watered regularly. After a few weeks, the seedlings will emerge, and they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Desbordesia oblonga through stem cuttings is also possible, although it is less successful than seed propagation. The stem cutting should be taken from mature and healthy plants and should be around 8-10 cm in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting must be planted in sandy soil. The pot should be placed in a warm, humid and shady area, and the cuttings should be watered regularly. After a few weeks, roots will develop, and the plant will start growing. They can then be transplanted into individual pots after a few months.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a modern and advanced method to propagate plants. It is used to propagate rare or endangered species such as Desbordesia oblonga. The plant tissue is taken from the parent plant and placed in a sterile medium under specific conditions. The medium contains all the necessary nutrients and hormones for the growth of the plant. After a few weeks, the tissue will start dividing and multiplying, which will create plantlets. These plantlets can then be transferred into an in-vitro pot for further growth or transplanted into individual pots after a few months.
Disease Management
Desbordesia oblonga is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can sometimes be prone to fungal diseases when grown in damp or poorly ventilated conditions. Some of the common fungal diseases that might affect the plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
To manage fungal diseases in your plant, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices such as providing proper drainage, ensuring good air circulation, and avoiding wetting the foliage. If the fungal infection is severe, you can use fungicides such as neem oil or copper fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Desbordesia oblonga can be affected by various pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the foliage and sap the plant's vitality, leading to stunted growth and poor production.
To manage pests on your plant, you can use a combination of cultural and chemical methods. It is essential to keep your plant clean by wiping down the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove any potential infestations. You can also use natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population.
If the pest infestation is severe, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population. It is crucial to follow the product instructions carefully and avoid spraying in direct sunlight or when the plant is under stress.
