Overview
Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild. is a plant species belonging to the family of Rubiaceae. It is commonly known as bushman's candle due to its long, narrow and tubular yellowish flowers that resemble a candle. This plant is native to the tropical forests of Central and East Africa and is widely distributed in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia
Description
The Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild. is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has simple, opposite leaves that measure about 20 cm long and 7 cm wide. The leaves are dark green in color and are covered with small hairs on the underside. The plant produces long tubular yellowish flowers that can measure up to 30 cm long and 2 cm wide. The flowers are clustered at the tips of the branches and bloom from November to March. The plant's fruit is a spherical black berry that contains numerous seeds.
Uses
The Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild. has been traditionally used by local communities in Africa to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, malaria, and fever. The plant contains alkaloids and other bioactive compounds that have been found to possess significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the plant's bark and roots are used to make twine and rope due to their strong fibrous nature.
Cultivation
The Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0–7.5. The plant grows well in full sun or partial shade and requires moderate watering. Propagation is through seeds or stem cuttings. It is an ideal plant for landscaping due to its striking and long-lasting flowers.
Growth Conditions of Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild.
Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild. is a tropical plant that prefers specific conditions to grow and thrive. The ideal growth conditions for this species include:
Light
This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, which means it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight but not direct sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, making it a suitable plant for indoor settings.
Temperature
Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild. requires warm conditions and is best suited for temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 25°C (77°F). It is highly sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost.
Humidity
The plant thrives well in high humidity environments. It`s best to keep the plant in a location with at least 50% humidity. If it is grown indoors, providing humidifiers near the plant can help improve the humidity level.
Soil
The optimal soil type for Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora De Wild. is acidic loamy soil that is well-draining. The soil should be appropriately porous to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots. Besides, it is best to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilizer
To encourage healthy growth and blooming, this plant requires regular fertilization. The best way to fertilize it is with a time-released, balanced fertilizer that provides an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium throughout the growing season.
Cultivation methods
Dictyophleba ochracea (K.Schum. ex Hallier f.) Pichon var. breviflora De Wild. is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers moderate temperatures and can grow in most soil types as long as they are well-draining.
The plant does well in both full sun and partial shade. If grown indoors, it should be placed in a well-lit area. The plant grows slowly, so it is not necessary to repot frequently.
Watering needs
Dictyophleba ochracea (K.Schum. ex Hallier f.) Pichon var. breviflora De Wild. is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. It should be watered thoroughly every three weeks or when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Dictyophleba ochracea (K.Schum. ex Hallier f.) Pichon var. breviflora De Wild. does not require frequent fertilization. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. The plant may also benefit from occasional applications of organic matter such as compost or leaf mulch.
Pruning
Dictyophleba ochracea (K.Schum. ex Hallier f.) Pichon var. breviflora De Wild. does not require frequent pruning. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged foliage regularly to encourage new growth. If the plant has become overgrown or leggy, pruning can be done after the blooming season to promote a more compact shape. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to prevent insect and disease spread.
Propagation of Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora
Dictyophleba ochracea var. breviflora can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
To propagate using seeds, follow these steps:
- Collect mature fruits from the plant in the fall when they have turned brown.
- Remove the outer layer of the fruit to expose the seeds.
- Clean the seeds in water to remove any remaining fruit flesh.
- Sow the seeds in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture.
- Water the pot and keep it in a warm and well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight.
- Wait for the seeds to germinate, which can take several weeks to months.
- Once the seedlings have grown large enough, transplant them to a larger container or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
To propagate using cuttings, follow these steps:
- Select a healthy stem that has not yet flowered.
- Cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem at a 45-degree angle.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture.
- Water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment.
- Place the pot in a warm and well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight.
- Wait for the cutting to form roots, which can take several weeks to months.
- Once the cutting has rooted, transplant it to a larger container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Dictyophleba ochracea (K.Schum. ex Hallier f.) Pichon var. breviflora De Wild. is susceptible to several diseases that can damage the plant. Some common diseases include:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungi, which infect the plant's leaves and create small, round, reddish-brown spots. The spots may coalesce and form larger spots, causing the leaves to wilt and drop prematurely. To manage fungal leaf spot, you can apply fungicides and maintain good garden hygiene by cleaning up fallen leaves and debris around the plant.
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that can infect the plant's roots and cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage crown rot, you should avoid over-watering the plant, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plants to prevent spread.
Pest Management
Dictyophleba ochracea (K.Schum. ex Hallier f.) Pichon var. breviflora De Wild. can also be attacked by several pests, which can cause significant damage if not managed properly. Some common pests include:
- Scale insects: These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and leaf drop. To manage scale insects, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These pests also feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and curling of leaves and stunted growth. You can manage aphids by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the plant's foliage, causing holes and skeletonization of leaves. You can manage caterpillars by manually removing them or using bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
