Origin
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as the Guinean milk bush, is a tropical plant species in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to the western part of central Africa, specifically Guinea, Ghana, and Nigeria. It is also found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Besides Guinean milk bush, Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. has other common names, including oil vine, milk climber, and gout plant. In Ghana, it is referred to as "Wubia kope" by the Ewe tribe and "Ton kpenoutsi" by the Asante tribe.
Uses
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine in Africa. The stem bark and roots are used to treat various medical conditions, including fever, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, and venereal diseases. It is also believed to have properties that can treat skin diseases like leprosy, Guinea worm, and scabies.
Furthermore, the plant is used in Ghana as a traditional remedy for gout and rheumatism, with the seeds and the root being the most commonly used parts. The plant also has insecticidal properties, and it is used to control crop pests both in Ghana and Nigeria. The oil extracted from the seeds is also used for medicinal purposes, such as the treatment of ear infections and as a remedy for hemorrhoids.
General Appearance
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. is a woody vine with a milky sap that exudes from any break in the stem. It can climb up to ten meters high, and its stem has a diameter of 1-3 cm. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate or elliptic in shape, measuring 5-12 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. The plant bears small, fragrant, white or yellowish-white flowers arranged in clusters. The fruit is a paired follicle, 8-12 cm long, and 2-3 cm wide, containing two rows of seeds surrounded by fine silky hairs.
Light Requirements
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. is a tropical plant that requires bright but indirect sunlight. It is best grown in a location where it receives 4 to 6 hours of morning sun and partial shade during the afternoon. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to curl, dry out, or even scorch.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. is between 20°C to 30°C. Young plants are sensitive to extreme temperatures and require a warm, humid environment to thrive. It is best to keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioning, and heating vents.
Soil Requirements
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. To prevent waterlogging, it is best to use containers with drainage holes or add perlite to the soil mix to improve soil aeration.
Cultivation
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. is a vine that grows in tropical areas of West Africa. This plant grows well in full sun or partial shade. It thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. If you are planting it in a pot, use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
This plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and rooted in a rooting hormone mixture before planting.
Watering
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. requires regular watering during the growing season. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. If the soil becomes waterlogged, the roots may rot. During the dry season, reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
This plant responds well to fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season. Fertilize every two to four weeks during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application rates.
Pruning
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. does not require extensive pruning. Prune the plant in winter to remove dead or damaged branches. Trim back any stems that have become too long or out of shape. This plant can be trained to grow up a trellis or along a wall.
Propagation of Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn.
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn., also known as African milk vine or snake vine, is propagated by seed or stem cuttings. The plant requires a warm, humid environment to propagate successfully.
Propagation by seed
To propagate Echites guineensis by seed, collect fresh ripe seeds and sow them in a mixture of peat moss and perlite or sand. The seeds should be lightly covered with the soil mixture and kept moist. Place the container in a warm and humid environment, such as a greenhouse or a heated propagator.
The seeds will germinate within 1-2 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots after they have developed two to three true leaves. The young plants should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they are well established.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Echites guineensis can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken from a healthy, mature plant. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, in spring or early summer.
The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and should be taken from the tips of the plant. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in moist potting soil or a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
Place the cutting in a warm and humid environment, and keep the soil moist. The cutting will develop roots within 2-4 weeks, and it can be transplanted into a larger container or into the garden once it has established roots and new growth.
Disease Management for Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn.
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. is a fairly disease-resistant plant. However, it may occasionally fall prey to some common plant diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that may affect this plant:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by various fungi, and it causes spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and ensure proper spacing between plants to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve air circulation around the plant, prune affected leaves, and use fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various fungi and can cause the root system of the plant to decay. To prevent this disease, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management for Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn.
Echites guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. may also be attacked by some common garden pests. Here are some of the pests that may affect this plant:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. To manage these pests, it is recommended to control ants that protect them, prune affected leaves, and use insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests are also sap-sucking insects and they can cause the leaves of the plant to yellow and wilt. To manage these pests, it is recommended to remove them manually, use insecticidal soap, and prune affected leaves.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths, and they can eat through the leaves of the plant. To manage these pests, it is recommended to remove them manually, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and plant companion plants that attract natural enemies of caterpillars.
