Origin
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan, commonly known as the Red-winged scratch bush or Red-winged leafless shrub, belongs to the Ehretiaceae family. It is indigenous to Africa, specifically in the Ethiopian and Sudanese regions, and is widely distributed in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Common Names
This plant is known by several common names including Red-winged scratch-bush, Red-winged leafless shrub, and in Swahili, it is referred to as the Muhia tree.
Uses
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica has several medicinal uses. Traditionally, its roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat various ailments, including malaria, typhoid fever, and diarrhea. The plant's leaves and roots are used to treat wounds and skin infections. Additionally, the plant's wood is used for fuel and making charcoal.
General Appearance
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has a dense crown that is rounded or flattened at the top. The bark is rough and grey. The twigs are hairy, with branches that are characterized by reddish-brown color. The leaves are reduced to small scales and can appear to be absent. The flowers, however, are small and are produced on dense terminal or axillary inflorescences. The fruits are round or slightly flattened, with soft flesh and hard central stone.
Growth Conditions for Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan, commonly known as the "Red-stemmed Gooseberry," is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to Africa.
Light Requirements
The tree prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can grow in partially shaded areas but will not flower as well. In areas with intense sunlight, it requires some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The tree prefers a warm and humid climate, but it can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as 0°C and as high as 40°C. However, temperatures below freezing will result in injury to the tree, while extremely high temperatures may cause leaf scorch.
Soil Requirements
The tree prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, it does not grow well in soils that are too moist or waterlogged.
It is recommended to add compost or organic matter to the soil before planting to enhance soil fertility and ensure good drainage. The tree is tolerant of drought and can grow in areas with low soil fertility.
Cultivation
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan is adaptable to a range of altitudes, growing best in regions with water availability throughout the year. It can withstand a range of soil textures, but flourishes in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The plant is propagated either by seeds or through stem cuttings, with seedlings emerging within 7-10 days of planting.
Watering needs
The plant requires moist soil conditions to thrive. Regular watering is needed during the dry spells, ensuring the soil remains adequately moist. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is optimal for nourishing the plant. Applying manure or compost, either as a top dressing or mixed with soil before planting, helps sustain soil fertility, promoting healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning is useful in maintaining the plant's shape and promoting growth in the desired direction. The ideal time to prune is during the growing season, with mature plants requiring more pruning than younger ones. It is advisable to remove broken and dead branches, maintaining an open center and training young shoots.
Propagation Methods of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan, commonly known as the Red-berry EHRETIA, can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The red-berry EHRETIA seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown in a well-prepared nursery bed or a pot filled with a mixture of soil and sand in equal proportions. Ensure that the seeds are sown at a depth of approximately two times their size and covered lightly with soil. Water the nursery bed regularly to keep it moist, and avoid watering excessively to prevent the seeds from rotting. Germination starts after 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings are ready for transplanting after attaining a height of 20 - 30 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Red-berry EHRETIA cuttings can be obtained from mature and healthy plants. Take a cutting that is approximately 5 - 7 cm long, remove the leaves on the lower part of the stem, and dip the cutting in rooting hormone to aid root formation. Plant the cuttings in a well-prepared soil mixed with sand in equal proportions. Ensure that the cuttings are planted in a vertical position and well-covered with soil. Water the cuttings regularly to keep them moist, and place them in a shaded area to prevent dehydration. The cuttings will start developing roots after 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to the field after six months.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering propagation is a method suitable for propagating red-berry EHRETIA plants with hard-to-root cuttings. Locate a healthy and mature plant stem with a well-developed branch, and select a site where a ring of bark will be removed. Remove a 1-2 cm wide ring of bark around the branch and apply a rooting hormone to the exposed surface. Cover the treated area with a mixture of compost and moist sphagnum moss and protect it with a plastic film. The roots start developing after 3-4 weeks, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted after 6-8 months.
Disease and Pest Management for Ehretia Cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan is generally a healthy plant but it can be susceptible to some diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices can help prevent and control the problems.
Common Diseases
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan can be affected by various fungal and bacterial diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, leaf spot, root rot, and stem cankers. These diseases can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and even death of the plant.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew can be identified by the white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It is caused by fungal spores and thrives in warm and humid weather. Good air circulation and proper spacing can help prevent powdery mildew. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventive measure or when the disease is first detected.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose causes dark brown lesions on the leaves and stems. It is caused by a fungal pathogen and can spread quickly in wet conditions. Pruning infected parts and disposing of them properly can help control the spread of the disease. Fungicides should also be applied to prevent further infection.
Root Rot
Root rot can occur when the soil is consistently too wet and causes the roots to rot. Symptoms of root rot include wilting and yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. Proper drainage and careful watering can prevent root rot. Infected plants should be removed and the soil treated with a fungicide before replanting.
Common Pests
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan can also be affected by some pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can cause yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a weakened plant.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can be found in leaf axils, on the stems, and under leaves. They can be controlled by pruning infected parts and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems. They can be identified by their hard, waxy shell. They can be controlled by pruning infected parts and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that can be found on the underside of leaves. They can cause pale spots on leaves and fine webbing may be visible. Proper watering and humidity control can help prevent spider mites. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular inspections and proper management practices are essential to keeping Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. abyssinica (R.Br. ex Fresen.) Brenan healthy and thriving.
