Overview:
Detris abyssinica (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Chiov. is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. This plant is native to the tropical areas of East Africa and is widely distributed across the region. The plant has a number of common names in different regions which include Gimbomam, Kibombwishi, Gikombe, and Giwe.
General Appearance:
Detris abyssinica is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 30cm tall. The stems of this plant are slender, with numerous branches. The leaves are simple, serrated, and alternate. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler on the lower surface. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color. They are borne in clusters at the terminal end of the branches. The fruit is globular, smooth, and green, and contains three seeds.
Uses:
Detris abyssinica is used for a variety of medicinal purposes in different parts of Africa. The root extract of the plant is used as a remedy for various ailments such as stomachache, diarrhea, and dysentery. It is also used to treat respiratory tract infections such as asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. The leaves of the plant are used to treat wounds, cuts, and burns. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to manage symptoms of malaria.
Growth Conditions for Detris abyssinica
Detris abyssinica (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Chiov. commonly known as Abyssinian Detris is a woody perennial plant that is native to Ethiopia. It is mostly found in dry areas such as the savannas and scrublands. The plant requires certain growth conditions to thrive. Here are some of the growth conditions that are suitable for Detris abyssinica:
Light Requirements
Detris abyssinica requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight per day, and any degree of shade can negatively affect its growth rate. If the plant is grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window where it can receive bright light throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Detris abyssinica is a hardy plant that can withstand extreme temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C. However, the optimal temperature range for the plant is 20°C to 30°C. Frost can damage the plant, so it's important to protect it during the winter.
Soil Requirements
Detris abyssinica thrives in well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. The soil should be loamy with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate soil with a lower pH level, but excessive alkalinity can negatively affect its growth. The soil should also be moderately moist but not waterlogged, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Organic fertilizer can be added to the soil to enhance its fertility.
Overall, with the right growth conditions, Detris abyssinica can grow to be a healthy and hardy plant that adds value to any garden or landscape.
Cultivation of Detris abyssinica
Detris abyssinica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most soil types. Start by choosing a location that is sunny or partially shaded, with well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and rocks, then mix in some organic matter to promote healthy growth.
You can propagate Detris abyssinica from seeds or cuttings. If you choose to plant from seed, you can start indoors, providing consistent moisture and warmth until seedlings sprout and are large enough to transplant outside. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the growing season and planted directly in the soil.
Watering Needs of Detris abyssinica
Detris abyssinica requires consistent moisture, but not to the point of sitting in water. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, particularly during periods of drought. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist throughout the root zone. Watering must be reduced in winter when plant growth slows down.
Fertilization of Detris abyssinica
Detris abyssinica should be fertilized annually in the early spring, just before new growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Too much nitrogen can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning Detris abyssinica
Pruning is not necessary for Detris abyssinica, as it has a natural shape and growth habit that does not require training or shaping. Trimming is only necessary if you want to remove dead or diseased wood, or if you wish to control the size of the plant.
When trimming, use sharp, clean pruning tools to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Avoid cutting too close to the trunk or main stem, as this can damage the plant.
Propagation of Detris abyssinica (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Chiov.
Detris abyssinica (Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.) Chiov. is commonly propagated via seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Detris abyssinica can be collected from mature fruit pods that have dried on the plant. The seeds require scarification to break their hard seed coats and promote germination. This can be achieved by soaking the seeds in hot water or by nicking the seed coat with a sharp knife. After scarification, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 3-4 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Detris abyssinica can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the current season's growth. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being stuck in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a humid environment until they have rooted, which typically takes 6-8 weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation of Detris abyssinica is relatively simple and can be done at home with a little patience and care.
Disease Management
Detris abyssinica is generally a hardy plant but is susceptible to a few diseases. Among them, the most common one is rust. Rust appears as small, circular, orange to rusty-brown colored pustules on leaves, and stems of the plant. To manage rust, one needs to remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be effective, but it's best to consult with a professional before using any.
Another common disease that affects Detris abyssinica is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white, powdery appearance on the plant's leaves. It can be managed by ensuring proper air circulation around the plant, regular pruning, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Detris abyssinica can also be affected by pests such as spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites are tiny and can be difficult to spot. They cause wilting and discoloration of leaves. One can manage this pest by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or an approved miticide.
Aphids are another common pest that affect Detris abyssinica. They suck the sap out of the plants, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. These pests can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
Finally, thrips are small insects that feed on Detris abyssinica leaves. They cause a silvering or bronzing of leaves and can weaken the plant. To manage thrips, one can use sticky traps or insecticidal soaps.
