Overview
Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. is a plant species belonging to the family Putranjivaceae. It is a medium-sized tree endemic to Cameroon and Nigeria. The plant possesses a variety of uses in traditional medicine and cultural contexts due to its healing properties and striking appearance.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Aka-anu" in the Igbo language of Nigeria, which means "resembling ivory." Additionally, it is referred to as "Egome" or "Onyere" in some parts of Cameroon.
Appearance
The Drypetes calvescens tree can reach a height of about 15-20 meters and a trunk diameter of 60-90 cm. The bark of the tree is brownish-grey and smooth with conspicuous longitudinal grooves. The leaves are usually 4-10 cm long and 2.5-4 cm wide, with a petiole of about 2 mm. They are green, leathery, and glossy with a pointed tip. The plant produces fleshy, greenish-white flowers in clusters, which develop into small, brownish-red fruits about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine, where the bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat a myriad of ailments such as fever, dysentery, and bronchitis. The bark is also used as a natural remedy for stomach ailments, while the leaves serve as a treatment for skin infections such as ringworm and scabies. In some parts of Cameroon, the leaves are used for the treatment of snakebites. The wood of the Drypetes calvescens is hard and durable and is often used to make tool handles, walking sticks, and furniture.
Light requirements
The Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. typically grows in areas with partial to full sunlight. It prefers a sunny location that receives direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day. While it can tolerate some shade, too much shade may stunt its growth and keep it from producing fruit.
Temperature requirements
The Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. is a tropical plant, and therefore, it requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F).
In areas with cooler temperatures, the plant may be grown as a houseplant. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected from freezing temperatures as much as possible. If the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F), it may result in damage or even death of the plant.
Soil requirements
The Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is sensitive to waterlogged soils and may develop root rot if left in soggy soil for too long.
It is recommended that the soil is enriched with organic matter before planting. This can help to improve soil fertility and drainage. The addition of perlite or coarse sand to the soil can also improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. It is recommended that the soil pH remains between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
Cultivation of Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm.
Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. is a small evergreen tree native to tropical Africa. It is typically grown in warm, humid conditions and can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors.
Propagation of Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. can be achieved via seed or vegetative cuttings. However, vegetative propagation is recommended to maintain the tree's desirable qualities. Seeds must be scarified and soaked in water for 24 hours before planting.
Watering Needs
Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. requires regular watering, especially during the dry periods. Young trees must be watered more frequently than mature ones. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid water-logging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization helps Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm. grow to its full potential. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, preferably from spring to early fall. Reduce fertilization during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for shaping Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm., removing any dead or damaged branches, and promoting new growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring. Avoid over-pruning to avoid stunting the tree's growth.
Propagation of Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm.
Drypetes calvescens Pax & K.Hoffm., also known as the African caper tree, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Africa. It is typically propagated by seed or cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Sowing seeds is the most common propagation method for Drypetes calvescens. The seeds generally take several weeks to germinate and can be sometimes be difficult to establish. The seeds should first be soaked in water for 24-48 hours prior to sowing to help reduce the seed coat's hardness.
Once soaked, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture with sand added for good drainage. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Place the seed trays in a warm, well-lit location, protected from direct sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture levels, and germination should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings from Drypetes calvescens can be a more reliable method of propagation than using seeds. Select a healthy stem with several leaves and make a clean cut below a node, approximately 5-10cm long, depending on the plant's size.
Remove all the leaves except for the top few, and dip the end of the cutting in a rooting hormone solution. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture with sand added for good drainage. Place the cutting in a warm, moist environment, protected from direct sunlight. Mist the plant regularly to keep the moisture levels consistent.
After several weeks, roots should start to form, and the cutting can be transplanted into a pot or container with fresh soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Drypetes calvescens:
Drypetes calvescens is a tree species that is highly valued for its timber and medicinal properties. However, the plant is vulnerable to several pests and diseases that can hamper its growth and yield. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Pest Management:
Fruit fly: This pest can cause significant damage to the fruits of the plant. One way to manage it is by the use of physical barriers, such as mesh netting, to prevent it from accessing the fruit. Alternatively, one can apply insecticides, such as neem oil or spinosad, that are effective against fruit flies.
Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause significant damage to the plant's leaves and fruits. One way to control them is by applying horticultural oils, such as neem oil or clove oil, which smother them. Alternatively, one can use insecticidal soaps or biological control agents, such as predatory mites, to manage their population.
Disease Management:
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the plant's leaves and fruits. One way to manage it is by pruning infected tissues and disposing of them properly. Additionally, one can apply fungicides, such as copper-based products, to protect the plant from the fungus.
Canker: This is a fungal disease that causes sunken, dead areas on the plant's stems and branches. One way to manage it is by removing infected tissues and disposing of them properly. Additionally, one can apply fungicides, such as thiophanate-methyl, to protect the plant from the fungus.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. One way to manage it is by removing infected tissues and disposing of them properly. Additionally, one can apply fungicides, such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate, to protect the plant from the fungus.
Regular monitoring of the plant's health can help detect early signs of pests and diseases, making it easier to manage them. Integrated pest and disease management, which involves the use of multiple control methods, can also help reduce the reliance on pesticides and minimize the impact on the environment.
