Overview
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is an evergreen plant species that is commonly found in the Eastern African region. The plant species belongs to the family Dichapetalaceae and is known by several common names, including "poison arrow tree", "sandpaper bush", and "mpiso wa mwitu" by the local communities.Description
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. The plant has a single stem with numerous spreading branches and a dense canopy of dark green leaves. The leaves are glossy and leathery, up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The plant produces small, inconspicuous, cream-colored flowers that give way to fruit capsules containing seeds. The bark of the plant is greyish-brown, rough, and has a sandpaper-like texture, hence the common name "sandpaper bush". The sap contains toxic compounds that can be dangerous to both animals and humans.Origin and Distribution
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is native to Eastern Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania. The plant is commonly found in dry forests, woodlands, and savannas. It is also a popular ornamental plant used for landscaping purposes.Uses
Despite the toxicity of its sap, Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The plant is used to treat a wide range of ailments, including snake bites, skin diseases, and stomach problems. The wood of Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is hard and strong, making it suitable for making household items like stools, handles, and tools. The plant is also used for fuel and charcoal production, and the bark is used for tanning leather. In recent times, Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce has also been used for reforestation programs due to its ability to adapt to various soil types and its drought tolerance.Light Requirements
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce prefers full to partial sunlight exposure. It grows best when exposed to bright indirect light, but it can also tolerate direct sunlight. However, it is essential to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for several hours as it can damage the leaves. Inadequate light exposure can result in stunted growth and an unhealthy appearance.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is between 15°C to 25°C. This plant can tolerate a temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. Extreme temperatures can adversely affect the plant's growth. The plant can survive in temperatures outside the optimal range, but it may not thrive and may show signs of stress and wilting.
Soil Requirements
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce requires well-draining soil with good moisture retention capacity. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.6 to 7.0. The plant needs a soil mix that includes organic materials like peat moss and perlite. It thrives in soils rich in nutrients, and it responds well to regular fertilizer. The ideal soil temperature range for this plant is between 18°C to 24°C.
Cultivation Methods
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is a hardy plant that can grow well in warm and humid climates. The plant prefers well-drained soils, which are rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Planting should be done in the early spring or late fall, depending on the climate. During summer, the plant requires partial shade to prevent scorching, although it can tolerate full sun when mature.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. When the plant is young, it requires frequent watering, while mature plants can tolerate dry conditions for brief periods. Watering should reduce toward the end of the growing season to help the plant harden and prepare for dormancy.
Fertilization
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Nitrogen and phosphorous are the primary nutrients required for the plant's growth. Therefore, organic or inorganic fertilizers with an N-P-K ratio of 7-6-12 are ideal. Fertilization should be done twice a year, in the early spring when the plant is starting to grow and in the early fall when the plant is preparing for dormancy.
Pruning
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce requires minimal pruning. However, the plant benefits from the removal of dead or damaged branches throughout the year. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the plant starts growing. Pruning should never be done during the active growing season since it can damage the plant and reduce its productivity.
Propagation of Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is a plant species that is native to Kenya. It can be propagated by different methods, including:
Seed propagation
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce can be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits. The fruits are usually brownish-red when mature, and the seeds are black. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place. They can be sown directly into the soil, or raised in a nursery before transplanting.
Vegetative propagation
Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants, preferably during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long with at least two to three nodes. They should be planted in a well-prepared bed, with a mixture of soil and compost. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and they usually take about 2-3 months to root.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce. This method involves making a cut on a mature stem, and applying a rooting hormone on the wound. The stem is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss, and enclosed in a plastic bag. After a few weeks, roots will form on the stem, and the stem can be cut and planted in a pot or in the field.
Disease Management for Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce
Diseases can cause severe damage to Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce, and it is essential to take appropriate preventative measures. One of the primary diseases that affect this plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soils. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil does not become oversaturated with water, and avoid planting the plant in poorly drained soils.
Another disease that affects Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungal infection that develops under wet and humid conditions. To prevent leaf spot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and provide adequate spacing between the plants for good air circulation.
Pest Management for Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce
Pests can also cause significant damage to Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce and can cause stunted growth, reduced yield, and even plant death. One of the primary pests that infest this plant is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's tissues and cause discoloration and curling of leaves. To manage spider mites, prune infested leaves and use a gentle stream of water to wash away the mites.
Another pest that affects Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce is aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. They can also transmit plant viruses and other diseases. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate and repel the pests.
Snails and slugs can also damage Dichapetalum keniense Hutch. & Bruce, causing large holes in the plant's leaves and stems. To manage snails and slugs, use beer traps or handpick the pests and remove them from the garden.
