Origin
Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler, commonly known as "tanikely" or "tanikely tsy fanahy" in the Malagasy language, is a plant species indigenous to Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot in the Indian Ocean region of Africa. The plant can be found growing at elevations of up to 750 meters above sea level, particularly in the eastern and central regions of Madagascar.
General Appearance
Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm. The plant has a distinctly conical shape, with a narrow crown and a single straight stem. The bark of the tree is pale grey or brown and is smooth or slightly rough to the touch. The leaves of the plant are simple and alternate, with an elongated lanceolate shape, about 8-15 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. They are initially a glossy green color but become reddish-brown with age.
Uses
The plant has a number of medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine in Madagascar to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, stomach ache, and fever. The bark of the tree is boiled to produce a decoction that is taken orally as a remedy. The plant also has insecticidal properties and is used to make insecticide by crushing the leaves and bark and mixing them with water. In addition, the plant has been used for timber, as it is hard and durable, and can be used for construction and carving.
Growth Conditions of Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler
Light: Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler typically grows in shaded areas, preferring 50% to 70% shade. It cannot tolerate direct exposure to sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch and drying of the leaves.
Temperature: These plants grow well in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Cold temperatures can cause stunted growth and leaf discoloration.
Soil: Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils which can lead to root rot and death.
Fertilizer: It is recommended to add fertilizer to the soil during the growing season to improve plant growth. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, applying it at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of soil. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor flowering.
Water: Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler requires regular watering, but make sure not to overwater. Soil should be kept moist but not soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
Propagation: These plants can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers evenly moist soil but does not like to be waterlogged. It is important to allow the topsoil to dry out slightly before watering again. During the growing season, the plant may require more frequent watering than in the dormant season.
Fertilization
Fertilization can be done once every four weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost and manure.
Pruning
To promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy, it is recommended to pinch off the tips of the stems regularly. Any diseased, damaged or dead branches should be pruned immediately. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing.
Propagation of Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler
The propagation of Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler can be done through various methods, including:
Seeds
One of the most common propagation methods for Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from the ripe fruits and sown in well-drained soil. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet, until the seeds germinate. Germination can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a couple of months.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation for Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler is through cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken during the growing season, while hardwood cuttings can be taken in late fall or early winter. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet, until the cutting has rooted.
Division
Division is another method of propagation for Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler. This method is best for mature plants that have become too large for their container or location. The plant should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has roots and shoots. The sections can then be planted in new containers or locations, being careful not to damage the roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler
Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler, commonly called the Madagascar Dichapetalum, is a plant species found in Madagascar. It is a shrub that is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can compromise its health and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler and the management strategies to counter them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects leaves, stems, and fruits. The symptoms include dark lesions with pinkish spores that appear on the infected parts. To manage the disease, remove infected parts and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and provide proper plant spacing for good air circulation. Fungicides such as copper-based can be applied.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot disease causes circular or irregularly-shaped lesions on the leaves. They appear as tan or gray papery spots. To control leaf spot, remove infected leaves and maintain good sanitation practices. You can use fungicides to prevent the disease from spreading.
Viral diseases: Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler is susceptible to viral diseases that cause stunting, yellowing, and mosaic patterns on leaves. There is no cure for viral infections, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They are easily identified by their white cottony appearance on leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, use insecticides like insecticidal soap to suffocate them. You can also introduce predators such as ladybirds to control their population.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap. Symptoms of aphid infestation include curled or distorted leaves and the presence of a sticky substance known as honeydew. To control aphids, spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny sap-sucking pests that are barely visible with the naked eye. They usually feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing. To control spider mites, use insecticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also introduce predators like lacewing or predatory mites to control their population.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir. var. brevistylum Breteler is through proper sanitation practices, good cultural management, and the early detection and treatment of diseases and pests. With these measures in place, you can keep your plant healthy and productive.
