Overview of Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd.
Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd. is commonly referred to as Wild Pear, African Wild Pear, and Boma Pear. It is a plant species that belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to tropical regions of Africa.
Appearance of Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd.
Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd. is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8m in height. The plant has broad, round leaves that are velvety to the touch and can grow up to 18cm in diameter. The tree produces clusters of showy, fragrant flowers that are pink or white in color and can grow up to 7cm in diameter. The flowers are followed by round, pear-shaped fruits that turn brown when mature.
Uses of Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd.
The fruit of Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd. is edible and rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The fruit also contains vitamin C and is often used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and stomach disorders. The leaves and bark of the plant are used to make a decoction that is applied topically to soothe irritated skin. The wood of Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd. is used for crafting furniture and utensils.
Light Requirements
Dombeya rotundifolia requires full sunlight to thrive. As an understory plant, it tolerates filtered sunlight but does not do well in complete shade. In areas with hot summers, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F (-6.7°C). In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
Dombeya rotundifolia grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. The soil should retain moisture but not be overly wet, as this can lead to root rot. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
Cultivation of Dombeya Rotundifolia Var. Velutina
Dombeya Rotundifolia Var. Velutina typically thrives in tropical regions with a warm climate. It requires well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight exposure. It's advisable to plant this species in an area sheltered from strong winds and frosty weather. The best time to cultivate the plant is in early spring.
Watering Needs
Dombeya Rotundifolia Var. Velutina requires moderate watering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering the plant may cause root rot and eventually kill it. In contrast, under-watering may cause the leaves to wilt and eventually drop off.
Fertilization
It's essential to fertilize Dombeya Rotundifolia Var. Velutina to promote healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer that is rich in potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus to the soil just before the active growing season. Refrain from over-fertilizing as this may lead to the burning of roots and the development of fungal diseases.
Pruning
Pruning Dombeya Rotundifolia Var. Velutina is necessary to promote bushier growth, increase flowering, and get rid of diseased or damaged branches. The ideal time to prune the plant is in fall or winter when it's dormant. Cut off any crossed or congested branches and remove up to a third of the plant's size. When pruning, ensure that you use sharp and clean tools to minimize damage to the plant. After pruning, dispose of the cut-off branches to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Dombeya rotundifolia var. velutina
Dombeya rotundifolia var. velutina can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are collected from the plant and are sown immediately after collection as they do not have a long shelf-life. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight prior to sowing in a well-draining seed-growing medium. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and place in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist by misting with water regularly. Germination should occur within 3-4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Dombeya rotundifolia var. velutina can be propagated through various vegetative means:
- Cuttings: Softwood cuttings taken in summer from 5-8cm long stems can be directly planted in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to improve success rates. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, bright location until roots have developed and new growth appears.
- Air Layering: Select a healthy stem with a diameter of 1-2cm and remove a 2-3cm section of bark from the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area and wrap it with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap, ensuring it is kept moist. Roots should appear in 2-3 months and then the newly rooted section of stem can be cut from the parent plant and potted up.
- Grafting: Dombeya rotundifolia var. velutina can be grafted onto seedling rootstocks of the same species. The graft union should be covered with grafting tape and kept in a warm, bright location. Once growth appears, gradually acclimate the plant to normal growing conditions.
With any propagation method, the newly propagated Dombeya rotundifolia var. velutina should be cared for as a new plant until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd.
Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd., commonly known as the Velvet-leaved Dombeya, is a plant that is prone to several diseases and pests. To maintain healthy growth, it is crucial to understand these issues and take preventive measures.
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the plant's leaves to develop brown or black spots that gradually spread to the stems and twigs, leading to their death. To manage this disease, promptly remove the infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
2. Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering, leading to the plant's roots' decay and subsequent wilting and death of the plant. The best measure to prevent root rot is to avoid overwatering and ensure adequate drainage.
3. Powdery Mildew: The presence of a white, powdery coating on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers indicates a powdery mildew infection. This fungal disease can be managed by applying a fungicide and ensuring proper air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites: These tiny creatures can cause severe damage by piercing the leaves and sucking the sap out of them. Use a miticide to eradicate these pests, and ensure adequate moisture levels to prevent future infestations.
2. Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems and suck the sap out, resulting in yellowing and dieback of the affected parts. Prune off the affected parts, and use an insecticide to keep these pests at bay.
3. Mealybugs: These pests excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants, which can further infect the plant with other pests. Use an insecticide to eliminate these pests, and avoid overfertilization to prevent infestations.
By keeping an eye out for the above-mentioned diseases and pests, appropriate measures can be taken to maintain the health of Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. velutina I.Verd. and ensure its proper growth and development.
