Overview
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. is a plant species that belongs to the family Dichapetalaceae. It is a medicinal plant commonly found in tropical Africa and Madagascar.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Mpungupungu" in Tanzania, "Mudzungudzungu" in Malawi, and "Mnakamanga" in Zimbabwe.
Appearance
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii is a small tree that can grow up to 10 meters high. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, measuring 7-15 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The branches of the tree are covered with fine hairs and the leaves have a shiny green upper surface and a yellowish-green lower surface. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that is reddish-brown in color when mature.
Uses
The plant has a number of medicinal uses among the communities where it is found. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, fever, coughs, and snake bites. The bark is also used as a fish poison. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used for fuel, charcoal, and as fence posts.
Light Requirements
The plant Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. prefers bright, indirect light for optimal growth. It thrives in partial shade or dappled sunlight in its natural habitat. Direct sunlight exposure for extended periods can cause leaf scorching and other damage, so be sure to shield the plant from direct sun. If the light is too low, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. prefers warm to hot temperatures and is native to tropical regions. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It is important to keep the plant away from drafts or cold windows during the winter months, as it is susceptible to cold damage. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures, but it may need additional water to compensate for the increased evaporation rate.
Soil Requirements
The plant Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. You can mix equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to create a suitable soil mix. Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix will help the plant receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. It is best to repot the plant every two years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Cultivation Methods
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. is a tropical perennial plant that can grow up to 5 feet in height. It is best grown in a warm and humid environment and is tolerant of partial shade or full sunlight. The plant requires well-draining soil with good organic content.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, and it is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged during the propagation process. The plant can be transplanted to a larger pot once it has established its roots, and it is essential to maintain its moisture levels while it adjusts to its new environment.
Watering Needs
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. requires regular watering, but it is essential not to overwater the plant. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. During the winter, the plant requires less watering, so it is advisable to reduce the frequency during this season.
Fertilization
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content can be applied every four weeks during the growing season. It is advisable to reduce the frequency of fertilization during the winter months.
The plant can also benefit from organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, which can be applied to the soil around the plant's roots.
Pruning
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. requires minimal pruning, but it is advisable to remove dead or damaged leaves to promote new growth. The plant can also be pruned to maintain its desired shape and size. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and it is essential to ensure that the pruning cuts are clean to prevent damage to the plant.
It is important to note that Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. is toxic to both humans and animals. Therefore, it is important to handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Propagation methods of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl.
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl., also known as the African White Oak or Poison Rope, is a plant species that is commonly found in central and eastern Africa. The plant has gained interest due to its medicinal properties and ornamental value. Propagation of the Dichapetalum schweinfurthii can be done using several methods as discussed below:
1. Seeding
Seeding is one of the primary methods used to propagate Dichapetalum schweinfurthii. The seeds should be obtained from ripe fruits, that have broken open naturally, or plucked from the tree. The seeds should be washed with clean water and dried under the sun for several days. The planting medium should be well-drained sandy soil mixed with organic matter. The seeds can be planted without pretreatment or soaked in water overnight before sowing. Once seeded, the container or bed should be covered with a transparent plastic sheet, and watered regularly. Germination occurs within 7-14 days, and the cover can be removed once the seedlings begin to emerge. The seedlings should be transferred to bigger containers or beds and further tended to before transplanting.
2. Cuttings
Propagation of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii can also be done using cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during the early or late rainy season when the plant is actively growing. A stem cutting of about 5-10 cm long and without leaves or flowers is taken from the mother plant, dipped in a rooting hormone, and planted in a well-drained rooting medium made up of river sand and organic matter. The cuttings should be kept under shade and supplied with water regularly. Within three to four weeks, the cuttings will put up new leaves and roots. They can be transplanted to bigger containers or bed until they are mature enough for transplanting to the garden.
3. Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Dichapetalum schweinfurthii. The method involves girdling the stem of the mother plant and wrapping it with a moist rooting medium made of moss and vermiculite, then covering it with a plastic bag. Roots will develop within three months and can be separated and transplanted into a new container for further growth.
Propagation of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii via seeds, cuttings, and air layering takes patience and skill. With proper care, the propagation process is successful and ensures a steady supply of the plant for medicinal, ornamental, or economic use.
Disease Management
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. is susceptible to several diseases that can stunt its growth and reduce the yield. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by the Phytophthora fungus. It can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining, avoid overwatering, and destroy infected plants.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the Cercospora fungus. It can cause purple or brown spots on the leaves, and if left unchecked, the leaves can fall prematurely. To manage leaf spot, ensure the plant is well-spaced to increase air circulation, practice crop rotation and use fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the Oidium fungus. It can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, flowers, and stems. To manage powdery mildew, ensure the plant is well-spaced to increase air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. resulting in significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect this plant are:
- Cutworms: These are the larvae of several species of moths. They can cause severe damage by cutting off the young plants at the base. To manage cutworms, rotate crops, remove debris that provides shelter for the larvae, and use insecticides.
- Mealybugs: These pests can be easily identified by their white cottony appearance. They suck plant sap, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, use rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap to physically remove them, use beneficial insects such as ladybugs, and prune off heavily infested parts of the plant.
- Spider mites: These pests are not visible to the naked eye but can be seen as webbing on the leaves. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to dry out and die. To manage spider mites, avoid overhead watering, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage beneficial insects such as predatory mites.
