Origin
Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler is a plant that belongs to the family Dichapetalaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, where it grows in the wild in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Common Names
This plant is known by several common names, including African bitter almond, African oak, and Kahoa.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments, including fever and pain relief. However, the plant is toxic, and its use requires careful handling.
The seeds of the plant contain a toxic chemical compound called olatunbosunin, which is lethal to humans and animals when ingested. In some parts of Africa, the seeds are used as a poison for hunting and fishing purposes. The poison is said to be strong enough to kill livestock and elephants.
General Appearance
The African bitter almond is a small tree or shrub that can reach up to 10 meters in height in the wild. The plant has a short trunk and a dense, rounded canopy of leaves. The leaves are thick, glossy, and dark green, with a leathery texture. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers, followed by a fruit that resembles a small almond. The fruit contains a single seed, which is highly toxic.
The bark of the African oak is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The wood of the tree is strong and dense, and it is used for making furniture and other household items in some parts of Africa.
Growth Conditions for Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler
Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler is a species of plant known for its medicinal properties. It is also used for ornamental purposes. In order for this plant to thrive, it requires specific growth conditions that must be provided.
Light Requirements
The Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler plant needs to be exposed to partial shade or partial sun throughout the day. Direct exposure to the sun can cause the leaves to scorch, while too little light can hinder growth. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in a location that receives adequate light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler plant requires warm temperatures, and it is sensitive to cold weather. Ideal temperatures for the plant fall between 20 to 30°C. Lower temperatures can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. Therefore, the plant should be grown in regions with a warm climate or in a greenhouse with temperature control.
Soil Requirements
The Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A soil mix that is a combination of peat, sand, and compost helps provide the necessary nutrients. Soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It is also essential to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler, commonly known as Entranhasd'anta in Brazil, is a tropical plant species that requires special care when cultivating to thrive and produce healthy growth. It is best to plant it outdoors in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This will help improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
It is recommended to plant the Entranhasd'anta in a location that receives partial shade and is protected from strong winds that could damage the plant. This species is sensitive to frost and should be protected during winter months with a covering to prevent damage to the foliage and root system.
Watering Needs
The Entranhasd'anta prefers moderate watering during the growing season, from spring to autumn. Watering should be done at regular intervals, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. This will help prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. In winter, reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and damaging the root system.
Fertilization
Entranhasd'anta requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus ratios. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season, following the instructions provided on the label. Overfertilization can lead to root burn and other stress-related problems, so it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy growth and shape of Entranhasd'anta. The pruning should be done in spring before the start of the growing season. Remove any dead or damaged branches, trimming them back to the main stem. This will stimulate new growth and help to maintain a compact shape. If the plant becomes too large, you can cut back several branches to control its size.
It is also important to remove any suckers that develop at the base of the plant or along the stem. Suckers are non-flowering shoots that can deprive the plant of necessary nutrients and water. By regularly pruning and removing suckers, you can promote healthy growth and improve the flowering potential of the plant.
Propagation of Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler
The plant Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum (Pierre) Breteler, commonly known as "tweeblaarkanniedood" or "two-leaved Dichapetalum," can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest method to propagate Dichapetalum crassifolium is through seeds. The plant produces small brown or black seeds, which can be collected and sown during the spring season. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for a few hours before sowing to speed up germination.
The seeds can be sown in well-draining soil in shallow trays or pots, covered with a thin layer of soil, and placed in a warm and humid area. They should be watered regularly and kept moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two months.
Cutting Propagation
Dichapetalum crassifolium can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The stem cuttings should be around six inches long and should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped into a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The cutting should be kept in a warm and humid area and watered regularly until it has taken root.
Division Propagation
Dichapetalum crassifolium can also be propagated through division. This method is best done during the early spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy.
The plant should be carefully removed from its container, and the roots should be gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few stems and leaves. The sections can be planted individually in well-draining soil and watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Overall, Dichapetalum crassifolium is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and with proper care, it can quickly establish itself in a new location.
Disease Management
Some of the common diseases that may affect Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum include:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. It often occurs in plants that are overwatered or in poorly draining soils. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that it is grown in well-draining soil.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It thrives in warm and humid conditions. To manage this disease, ensure proper air circulation around the plant by avoiding overcrowding and growing in a location with good ventilation.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes small, water-soaked spots on the leaves of the plant. It can spread quickly and cause leaves to drop. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Some of the common pests that may affect Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat var. integrum include:
- Spider mites: These are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and become brittle. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap, or use an insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that can feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can also secrete a sticky honeydew that attracts ants and other pests. To manage these pests, remove affected leaves and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap, or use an insecticidal soap.
