Overview
Dichapetalum gabonense Engl. is a plant species that is part of the Dichapetalaceae family. It is an evergreen shrub native to Central and West Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "poison arrow tree" or "gifboom" in Afrikaans.
Appearance
Dichapetalum gabonense has a height ranging from 3 to 6 meters. Its shiny, dark green leaves are oval-shaped, approximately 5-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The plant produces small, white flowers that develop into egg-shaped fruits that are about 3 cm long and 2 cm wide. The bark of the plant is grey and rough.
Uses
The plant is primarily used by indigenous people to make poison for hunting and warfare. The bark, leaves, and sap of the plant contain the toxin 'ouabain', which is a powerful cardiac glycoside. In small doses, it is used as a treatment for heart failure and arrhythmia, whereas in high doses, it can cause cardiac arrest and death. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including snake bites, malaria, and fever. Additionally, the wood of the plant is used to make tools, furniture, and fuel.
Light Requirements
Dichapetalum gabonense Engl. thrives best in partial shade to full shade. It prefers to grow under the canopy of larger trees where it is protected from intense sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and ultimately result in stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 50ºF. The ideal temperature range for growing Dichapetalum gabonense Engl. is between 68ºF and 86ºF. Temperatures that are too low or too high can inhibit plant growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It is important to ensure that the soil remains evenly moist throughout the growing season. The ideal soil pH for growing this plant ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. The use of fertilizers that are high in nitrogen can be beneficial for growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Dichapetalum gabonense Engl., also known as African purpleheart or bitterheart, is native to tropical regions of Africa. It is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. The plant prefers well-draining, rich soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7. It needs moderate to full sunlight and should be planted in a location protected from strong winds.
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be taken from the mature part of the plant, at a length of four to six inches, and should be rooted in warm, moist soil. Seeds should be sowed in seedling trays filled with seed starting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until germination.
Watering Needs
Dichapetalum gabonense requires regular watering, but caution should be taken not to overwater. The soil should be allowed to dry partially between watering to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. During the growing season, weekly watering is recommended, while during the winter months, watering should be reduced based on the plant's moisture requirements.
Fertilization
Adding organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or manure, to the soil before planting will provide adequate nutrients for the plant's growth. Additionally, the use of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be beneficial, especially during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions, as over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Dichapetalum gabonense can help control its size and shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is during the early spring before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and any branches that cross or rub against each other should be trimmed to prevent damage. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation of Dichapetalum gabonense Engl.
Dichapetalum gabonense Engl., commonly known as African bitter almond or poison nut, is a tropical evergreen plant native to West and Central Africa. Propagation of this plant can be carried out through various methods such as seed, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of Dichapetalum gabonense can be established through the use of seeds. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits which have been allowed to ripen and fall from the plant. After harvesting the seeds, they can be soaked in warm water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat and promote germination. They can then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist with regular watering. Germination usually takes 3-4 weeks, and after that, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots for further growth.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants of Dichapetalum gabonense and used for propagation. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of healthy stems and should be about 10-15 cm long. The leaves on the lower half should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture with good irrigation. The stem cuttings should be kept moist and warm with regular watering until they develop roots, usually in about 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings develop strong roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots and treated as mature plants.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Dichapetalum gabonense. This method involves creating a small wound on a mature stem and wrapping the wounded area in moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will sprout from the wounded area and the new plantlet can be cut from the parent plant and potted in well-draining soil mixture. This method takes several weeks and is usually done in the early spring when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Dichapetalum gabonense can be achieved through different methods including seed, stem cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method depends on the availability of parental materials, the time and resources available as well as on the needs of the grower.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichapetalum Gabonense Engl.
Dichapetalum Gabonense Engl., also known as bitter almond or Mbosso, is a tropical plant species that belongs to the family of Dichapetalaceae. It is a medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments. Bitter almond can grow up to 30 meters tall and is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
Bitter almond is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases, including anthracnose, powdery mildew, and black root rot. These diseases can cause leaf spots, premature defoliation, wilting, and root rot, leading to a decrease in plant vigor and yield.
Disease Management
The following measures can help manage diseases in bitter almond:
- Plant resistant varieties.
- Practice crop rotation.
- Ensure proper sanitation of tools and equipment.
- Apply fungicides and bactericides as recommended by experts.
- Avoid waterlogged soils by maintaining proper drainage.
- Remove and destroy infected plants.
Common Pests
Bitter almond can be attacked by various pests, including caterpillars, aphids, and scales. These pests can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and premature death of plants.
Pest Management
The following measures can help manage pests in bitter almond:
- Regularly monitor plants for pest infestations.
- Use insecticides and pesticides as recommended by experts.
- Remove and destroy heavily infested plants.
- Use biological control measures such as parasitic wasps and predators.
By implementing good agricultural practices and adopting disease and pest management measures, farmers can improve the health and productivity of bitter almond plants and enhance their income.
