Origin
Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell, also known as the "poison arrow tree," is a plant species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, specifically found in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola.
Common names
Aside from "poison arrow tree," Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell is also known as "African wonder tree," "umduza," and "muholhi."
General appearance
Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a smooth, grey-brown bark with short, sharp spines on the branches. The leaves are simple, ovate, and glossy, measuring about 6-12 cm long. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a round drupe that turns black when mature.
Uses
Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell has been traditionally used by indigenous people for a variety of purposes. The plant's sap is extremely poisonous and has been used to create poison for hunting. The bark and leaves are also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as stomach pains, skin infections, and respiratory disorders. Additionally, it has been used as a biopesticide to keep pests away from crops.
Light Requirements
The plant Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell prefers bright, indirect sunlight which makes it an ideal indoor plant. The plant's natural habitat is the rainforest, so it benefits from receiving at least six hours of filtered light every day. This plant can tolerate low light conditions, but growth may be slower, and the plant may become leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Central and South America where the average temperature is about 25-30°C. Therefore, for optimal growth, Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell prefers warm temperatures between 18°C to 26°C. Avoid placing the plant near a heating source as it may cause heat stress and damage the plant. Temperatures below 10°C can cause the plant to die.
Soil Requirements
Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell prefers to grow in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. A good mixture would be a one-to-one ratio of peat moss and perlite. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down. Misting the plant's leaves can also help increase humidity and prevent pests and diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Dichapetalum Corrugatum Exell is a tropical plant native to West Africa. It belongs to the family of Dichapetalaceae. The plant grows well in humid regions, with temperatures ranging from 20-27 degrees Celsius. The ideal soil pH for the plant is acidic, around 5.5-6.5. It prefers a well-draining soil mix with organic matter. For cultivation, you should propagate the plant from seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Dichapetalum Corrugatum Exell needs frequent watering, mainly during the growing season. You should water the plant as soon the soil surface feels dry to the touch. However, over-watering the plant can lead to root rot. During the dormant period, reduce the watering frequency but ensure the soil never becomes bone dry.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertilization twice a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, and dilute it to half strength before application. However, during the dormant period (fall and winter), withhold the fertilizer application, and resume in spring.
Pruning
Pruning of Dichapetalum Corrugatum Exell is moderate. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant healthy and attractive. You can also pinch the tips of the plant to encourage lateral growth. When pruning, use sterilized pruning shears to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
Propagation
Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell can be sown in pots filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, and the pots should be kept in a warm and sunny location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will take around 1 to 2 weeks to germinate.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy and mature Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 4 to 6 inches long and should have at least 2 to 3 nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting can be planted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm and humid location. The cutting should be watered regularly, and after around 4 to 6 weeks, roots should begin to develop.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting can be used to propagate Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell onto a compatible rootstock. Ideally, the rootstock should be a closely related species of Dichapetalum. The scion, which is the plant that will be grafted onto the rootstock, should be a healthy and mature plant. The scion and rootstock should be of similar thickness, and the grafting should be done during the growing season. After grafting, the plant should be kept in a warm and shady location for around 2 to 3 weeks until the graft has taken hold.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell Plant
Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell is a beautiful plant that can add an aesthetic value to your garden or home. To maintain its beauty, proper care practices, including disease and pest management, are necessary. This guide focuses on common pests and diseases that could affect your Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell plant and ways of managing them to protect your plant.
Common Diseases Affecting Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell
The plant is susceptible to a few significant diseases, including:
Leaf spots disease
Leaf spots affect the plant foliage, causing yellowing, browning, or black spots on the leaves. The infection could lead to plant defoliation, affecting the plant's growth and development. Leaf spots could be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, and controlling it requires proper sanitation, including removing and discarding the infected leaves and stems to prevent further spreading. You could also use a suitable fungicide to spray the plant and kill any fungal disease causing agents.
Root rot
Root rot is a common disease in Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell that is a result of overwatering the plant or poor soil drainage. The disease causes the roots to rot, leading to the plant's death. To manage root rot, ensure proper soil drainage, avoid over-watering the plant, and use a well-drained soil mix. Remove and destroy any infected roots to prevent further infections.
Common Pests Affecting Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell
Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell is vulnerable to pests that could cause significant damage to the plant, including:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, wilting, or curling of the leaves. They could also transmit diseases, making it crucial to control them to prevent further infections. To manage aphids, you could use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that could cause significant damage to the Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell plant, causing yellowing, stippling, or browning of the leaves. They could also spin webs on the plant, affecting the plant's appearance. To manage spider mites, you could use a suitable insecticide or spray the plant's leaves with water regularly to keep the pests at bay.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that could infest the Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell plant, causing deformed growth, yellowing, or wilting of the leaves. They secrete a sticky substance that could host fungal infections, making it crucial to manage them correctly. To control mealybugs, you could use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them and their eggs.
By following these pest and disease management techniques, you can keep your Dichapetalum corrugatum Exell plant healthy and beautiful and add a touch of natural aesthetics to your home or garden.
