Plant Description
Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear is a small tree or shrub species that can grow up to a height of 5 meters.
The leaves are simple and alternate with a length of 8-14 cm and a width of 3-6 cm. These leaves are elliptical to ovate in shape, with a slightly serrated margin and a dark green glossy surface.
The inflorescence of Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii is a terminal or axillary raceme that is up to 14 cm long. The flowers are small and white in color, with a diameter of approximately 4 mm and a slightly fragrant smell.
It is mainly found in coastal forests and savanna woodlands in Africa, including Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
Common Names
Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii is commonly known as velvet-leaved tamboti, lala palm, and soft-leaved tamboti.
Uses
The bark and leaves of Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii have medicinal properties used in traditional African medicine. The bark and roots are used to treat numerous health issues, such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach ailments. The leaves are also used as a poultice to alleviate pain and swelling.
In Tanzania, the wood of this plant is used to make handles for knives and machetes, as well as furniture.
General Appearance
Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii is a small tree or shrub with dark green glossy leaves. The flowers are small and white, and the bark is brown-grayish. The plant has a medicinal value rooted in traditional African medicine and is used for numerous purposes. It grows mainly in African forests and savanna woodlands.
Light Requirements
Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii prefers moderate to low light conditions. It is adaptable to both full sun or partial shade, but it is best to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day as it can cause leaf scorching. Indirect or filtered light is ideal for the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives best within the temperature range of 20–30°C (68–86°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but not frost. It is recommended to protect the plant from cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii grows well in various soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 5.5–7.0. It can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils as long as the soil is well-draining. The plant also requires regular watering, so soil moisture retention should be considered. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every 2–3 months with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation
The Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It is a low-maintenance plant and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
If you plan to grow this plant indoors, it is essential to provide enough sunlight. It thrives in bright shade or partial sunlight, making it well-suited for areas that receive indirect sunlight throughout the day.
If you want to cultivate Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear outdoors, ensure the soil is fertile, well-draining and can hold moisture. Plant it in a location that receives partial sun, or you can also place it under the canopy of a larger tree. The plant may need to be checked for pests and diseases frequently.
Watering Needs
Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear requires moderate watering; the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. You can determine when to water the plant based on the moisture level in the soil. It is advisable to check the soil before watering it.
If you correctly water the Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear, they will show healthy growth and green leaves. Water the plant slowly, allowing the plant to absorb water evenly.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilization, the Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear plant should be fed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. It can boost the overall health of the plant and encourage steady growth.
It is essential to use fertilizers that contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as they are necessary for the plant's proper growth. Read the instructions carefully and apply the recommended amount of feed. Overfeeding the plant can damage its roots, leaves, and stems.
Pruning
Pruning or trimming is necessary for Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear plants to maintain their form and shape. You can prune the plant early in spring to remove any damaged or broken branches and leaves.
When pruning, try not to cut back more than one-third of the plant's growth. This reduces the risk of injury to the plant. You can also pinch back any overgrown stems to encourage the growth of lower branches, which can give the plant a fuller appearance.
Propagation of Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii
Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seeds
The most common propagation method for Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii is by seeds. The best time to collect seeds is when the fruits have ripened and turned dark brown. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil, and the pot watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks and occurs best at a temperature of 25°C.
Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible but can be challenging, and success rates vary. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in early spring. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept under high humidity, and the soil should be kept moist until roots have developed.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Droguetia iners subsp. burchellii. Air layering is the process of rooting a branch while it is still attached to the mother plant. To air layer, a section of bark about 5 cm wide should be scraped away from a branch and covered with rooting hormone. Moss should be wrapped around the exposed area, and then plastic wrap should be added to hold the moss in place. Roots will develop within a few months, and the rooted branch can be severed from the mother plant and potted.
Disease Management
The plant Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small or large brown lesions on the leaves, which eventually turn into yellowish areas. The management practices for leaf spot include removing and destroying the infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides if necessary.
- Powdery mildew: This disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The management practices for powdery mildew include improving air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides if necessary.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various soil-borne fungi, which can lead to the decay of the root system. The management practices for root rot include avoiding over-watering, maintaining good drainage, and applying fungicides to the soil if necessary.
Pest Management
The plant Droguetia iners (Forssk.) Schweinf. subsp. burchellii (N.E.Br.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear may be attacked by various pests, including:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. The management practices for aphids include removing them manually or with a strong jet of water, or using insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving behind large holes. The management practices for caterpillars include manually removing them from the plant, using organic insecticides, or using sticky traps.
- Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects that produce a white, cotton-like substance on the plant. They also suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. The management practices for mealybugs include manually removing them from the plant, using insecticidal soaps or oils, or using biological controls such as ladybugs.
