Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. - Description
Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. is a rare, small tree species belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as corky Desplatsia or corky-barked Desplatsia due to its characteristic cork-like bark.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 10 meters tall and has a short trunk with gnarled, crooked branches. The bark is thick, corky, and deeply furrowed, giving the tree a rough and rugged appearance. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptic in shape, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler underside. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and inconspicuous, growing in clusters along the branches. The fruit is a small, woody, triangular capsule, splitting open to release three seeds.
Uses
Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. is not commonly used in traditional herbal medicine or for any other practical purposes. However, some indigenous communities use the plant's bark to make ropes and baskets due to its strong and durable nature. In addition, the plant serves an important ecological role in the rainforest ecosystem, providing food and habitat for a variety of animals and insects.
Light Requirements
Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. requires partially shaded to fully shaded areas to grow healthily. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves, causing them to wilt or turn yellow. Areas with indirect sunlight, such as under the shade of a tree or near a north-facing window, are ideal for this plant. If grown indoors, artificial lights that mimic shaded conditions can be used.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid environments. The ideal temperatures for Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 to 18 degrees Celsius at night. Temperatures outside this range can result in stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to wilting and root damage. Adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to the soil can help improve its quality and moisture retention.
Cultivation
The Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. plant is commonly referred to as the corkwood tree and can grow up to 15m tall. It is native to the Amazon basin and prefers warm and humid conditions. The plant can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. However, it is important to note that propagation from seed is more challenging as the seeds are difficult to get and have a low germination rate.
For successful cultivation, start by choosing a location with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. Maintain a temperature range of 22°C to 28°C, and ensure that the plant has access to high humidity levels. It grows best in partial shade or filtered sunlight as direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
Watering Needs
The Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. plant is tolerant of moderate droughts, but it prefers consistent moisture. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the environmental conditions such as sunlight, humidity, and temperature. During the dry season, pay more attention to the moisture levels and consider using a mulch layer to conserve moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
The Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. plant is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a higher concentration of nitrogen is ideal. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, from spring to autumn. Avoid over-fertilization as this can cause salt buildup in the soil, which is harmful to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. plant, but it can be done to improve its shape and encourage branching. Always use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. It is best to prune in early spring, just before the start of the growing season. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any unwanted growth. Avoid drastic pruning as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth rate.
Propagation of Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq.
Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. is a perennial plant species that can be propagated through different methods. The propagation method that is best suitable for this plant species is vegetative propagation. This method ensures that desirable traits of the parent plant can be maintained in the offspring. Additionally, it is a more reliable method that saves time compared to seed propagation, especially when the plant has poor germination rates.
Vegetative Propagation
Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. can easily be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from a mature plant that are 4-6 inches long and dipping the cut ends in rooting hormone to stimulate the growth of roots. The cuttings are then planted in a pot or a tray with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cutting establishes roots, after which it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. is division. This method involves splitting the parent plant into smaller divisions. The divisions should have a sufficient root system, and it is advisable to cut off the top foliage to reduce stress on the plant. The divisions should be planted in individual pots or directly in the garden and watered until they establish roots and start growing.
Grafting can also be used to propagate Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. However, this method is more common for fruit trees and is less commonly used for ornamental plants. It involves joining a scion (a shoot or bud) from the parent plant onto a rootstock of another plant.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is essential to ensure that the plant is healthy and that the propagation tools are clean and sharp. This way, the propagation is more likely to be successful, and the resulting plant will be healthy and strong.
Disease and Pest Management for Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq
Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. is a relatively disease-resistant plant, and there are no known pests specific to this species. However, like any plant, it may still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones:
Black Spot
Black spot is a fungal disease characterized by circular black spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To prevent this disease, be sure to water at the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves. If you get black spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and consider using a fungicide.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that causes irregular brown spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit. It can also cause cankers on the stems. To prevent anthracnose, make sure to properly space your plants to increase air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If you get anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts and consider using a fungicide.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from leaves and stems. They can cause distorted growth, yellowing leaves, and stunted plants. To prevent aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings and keep plants healthy and well-fed. If you get aphids, spray your plants with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are also common pests that feed on the undersides of leaves. They cause stippling, yellowing, and eventually leaf drop. To prevent spider mites, keep plants well-watered and misted to increase humidity. If you get spider mites, spray your plants with insecticidal soap or use predatory mites.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help keep your Desplatsia subericarpa Bocq. plants healthy and thriving.
