Overview
Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. is a plant native to Western Central Africa in countries like Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria. The plant is known for its medicinal properties that have been utilized by African communities for centuries.Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names including African suicide tree, nyoka, and pepe.Appearance
Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. is a small tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. The plant has a smooth and greyish-brown bark, with leaves that are dark green and glossy. The leaves are oval-shaped and grow to about 10 cm long and 7 cm wide. The plant also has small, creamy-white flowers that grow in clusters and develop into reddish-brown fruits.Uses
Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. has various medicinal benefits. The bark of the plant is used to treat fever, headache, and stomach aches. The plant is also used as a natural pesticide and insecticide in some African communities. However, the plant is highly toxic and can cause death when ingested in high concentrations. The plant has been dubbed the "African Suicide Tree" due to its lethal properties.Light Requirements
Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. thrives in indirect or partially shaded light. Direct sunlight can burn and damage the leaves of the plant. It is recommended to place it next to a well-lit window where sunlight can filter through a sheer curtain or place it under a shaded area outside.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 80°F (27°C). It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and can suffer injury if exposed to less than 50°F (10°C) or more than 90°F (32°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents to maintain stable temperature conditions.
Soil Requirements
Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. grows well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH ranges between 6.0 and 7.0. It is recommended to mix peat moss, perlite, and sand to create a soil mixture that can provide good drainage. Water the plant when the top one inch of soil feels dry and avoid over-watering which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
The Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. To cultivate this plant, ensure that it is planted in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It should be planted in an area that receives moderate sunlight, preferably in a protected area that is free from strong winds.
The ideal temperature for the Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. plant is between 18°C to 26°C. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or from seeds. To propagate from stem cuttings, take a healthy stem cutting and dip its base into some rooting hormone powder. Then, insert it into a pot filled with soil and water the soil lightly.
Watering Needs
The Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. plant requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot. It is recommended to water the plant once a week during the summer months and once every two weeks during the winter months.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, fertilize the Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. plant during the growing season. Use a well-balanced fertilizer with higher nitrogen content, but ensure that you do not go overboard with the fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can cause root burn, which can eventually kill the plant. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a quarter-strength fertilizer solution.
Pruning
Prune the Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. plant during the growing season to promote bushier growth and to remove diseased or damaged branches. Use a clean and sharp garden shear to make clean cuts, and prune as little as possible to preserve the natural shape of the plant.
Propagation of Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild.
Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild., commonly known as "gifblaar" in Afrikaans, is a poisonous plant that grows in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 1-2 meters and has small, waxy leaves.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from the plant when the capsules turn brown, usually in the autumn. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be scarified, which means the seed coat is scarred or removed to break the dormancy. This can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for several hours. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm and humid environment.
The seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After the first set of true leaves appear, the seedlings can be potted up into individual containers.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is possible for Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild., although it is less common and more difficult than propagation by seeds. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the late spring or early summer and should be 8-10 cm long.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist but not waterlogged and placed in a warm and humid environment. It may take several months for the cuttings to root, and they should be potted up into individual containers once they have established roots.
Propagation of Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. by division or layering is not recommended due to the plant's toxicity.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild.
Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild., commonly known as the poison arrow tree, is a plant that naturally produces a toxic compound known as ictaluridin. This makes it resistant to most common pests and diseases, but there are still a few issues that growers may face.
Pests
One of the few pests that may affect Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. is the Spider Mite. These small arthropods feed on the leaves and buds of the plant, causing yellowing and leaf drop. To prevent infestation, growers should keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and regularly mist the leaves. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can also be used to manage an infestation.
Diseases
The most common disease affecting Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal infection. To prevent root rot, growers should ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and that it is not over-watered. If root rot is detected, growers should remove the affected roots and apply a fungicide.
Another disease that can affect Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. is leaf spot. This is a fungal infection that causes brown spots on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, growers should ensure that the plant is kept in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting water on the leaves. If leaf spot is detected, growers should remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Overall, Dichapetalum glandulosum De Wild. is a relatively low-maintenance plant when it comes to disease and pest management. With proper care and attention, growers can easily prevent and manage any pests or diseases that may affect this plant.
