Overview
Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is a fascinating plant known for its unique features and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. This plant has several common names, including "African wild pear", "African pear", "Katanga pear", "Nyankombe", and "Ulundu".
Appearance
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis tree grows up to a height of 15 to 20 meters, with a diameter of about 60 cm. The tree has a well-formed rounded crown covered with green leaves, which falls off the tree during the dry season. The leaves are ovate to oblong with an acute or acuminate apex, and a cordate base. The tree produces large pale pink flowers that loosely resemble Hibiscus. The flowers are about 6 cm long, have five petals, and grow in clusters of up to 20 flowers.
Origin
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis tree is native to the tropical regions of Central and Southern Africa specifically in the DRC Congo, Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. It is grown as an ornamental plant in many other countries around the world.
Uses
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis tree is known for its unique ornamental features and is grown for landscaping purposes. The tree is also a source of wood for firewood, charcoal, and building materials in its native regions. The bark and roots of the tree have medicinal value, and are used in traditional medicine in Africa.
Despite being a beautiful tree, some people believe that the Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis is a source of allergies. The pollen from the flowers can cause allergic reactions in some people, and it should, therefore, be kept away from sensitive people.
Light Requirements
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps grows best in full sun to partial shade. Exposing it to too much direct sunlight can be detrimental to its growth. On the other hand, too little sunlight can stunt its growth and reduce the number of leaves that it produces. Therefore, it is advisable to grow this plant in a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers warmer temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps is between 18 to 27 °C. The minimum temperature that this plant can withstand is 10 °C. If the temperature drops below this, the plant may become dormant and appear to be dying. Therefore, it is essential to grow this plant in a location that maintains a consistent temperature within the ideal range.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers rich, loamy soil that is well-draining. Good drainage is crucial because damp soil can cause root rot and harm the plant. It can grow in mildly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be fertile and have organic matter. To improve soil fertility, you can add compost or aged manure to the soil. When planting, ensure that the soil is loose and has a good structure, allowing air circulation and water drainage.
Cultivation
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps plant requires a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C) to grow properly. It flourishes best in well-drained soil and bright indirect sunlight. You can grow it in a container, hanging basket, or garden bed. The soil pH should be neutral or slightly acidic, and you can mix organic matter in the soil to improve its fertility.
Watering Needs
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps plant prefers moist soil but does not tolerate overwatering, which can cause root rot. Water it only when the soil has become partially dry. The frequency of watering can vary based on environmental factors such as humidity, sunlight, and temperature.
Fertilization
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps plant needs regular fertilization to grow optimally. You can use a balanced fertilizer, preferably with a 20-20-20 NPK ratio, every two weeks from early spring to late summer. Reduce the frequency to once a month during fall and winter. Avoid overfertilization, which can cause salt buildup and damage the plant.
Pruning
The Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps plant requires occasional pruning to control its size and shape. You can prune it in early spring before new growth appears or in late winter when it is dormant. Use sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also pinch or trim the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and more flower production.
Propagation of Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps
Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering. It is important to note that the plant is often propagated through seeds due to its large size and fast growth.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps can be directly sown into the soil or in pots. The best time for seed sowing is in the rainy season as it will provide ideal moisture and temperature conditions for germination. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced at 20-30cm apart. The soil should be well-draining and nutrient-rich for better growth.
Stem cuttings
Another method of propagation for Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the early spring season. The cutting should be around 10-15cm long and should be planted in a well-draining medium. The soil should be kept moist but not wet until the plant is established.
Air layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bamps. This method involves making a cut on the bark of a mature plant and wrapping the area with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be kept moist and roots will develop in a few weeks. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be cut off from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining medium.
Disease and Pest Management of Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis
While Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis is a hardy and resilient plant, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests. The following are some common issues that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot - Leaf spots can appear on the leaves of the plant as circular, discolored areas. To manage this, remove and destroy any infected leaves, maintain good air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Using a fungicide can also be effective.
Powdery Mildew - Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage this, keep the plant well-ventilated, avoid overcrowding, and remove and destroy any infected plant parts. A fungicide may also be used to control powdery mildew.
Root Rot - Root rot can occur as a result of overwatering or poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot does occur, remove any infected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Pests
Aphids - Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, remove them from the plant by hand, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs - Mealybugs are small, white insects that can cause curled leaves and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites - Spider mites are small, spider-like insects that can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-misted, prune off infected leaves and avoid crowding the plant. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help to control spider mites.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests on Dombeya shupangae K.Schum. var. katangensis is to maintain good growing conditions and catch any problems early on.
