Origin
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton, commonly known as Ehretia or African teak, is a part of the family Boraginaceae and is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Common Names
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton is known by several names, including African teak, Omusanguja, and Muhunjubire.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and roots of the Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton have various medicinal benefits. The bark is used to treat fever, malaria, and respiratory problems. Boiled roots are used for the treatment of stomach complaints, while the leaves are used for medicinal purposes such as wound healing and stopping bleeding.
The wood of the plant is strong and hardy, making it an ideal choice for carpentry and furniture-making. It is also used for house construction, as it is resistant to termites and other wood-boring insects.
Appearance
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, measuring up to 9 centimeters in length. The flowers are small and white, blooming in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a small, yellowish berry that contains several seeds and is edible.
The bark of the tree is smooth and grey, turning rough and dark upon maturity. The wood is light brown, dense, and durable, with a visible grain.
Light requirements
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for proper growth and development. In areas with hotter climates, partial shade during the hottest part of the day is recommended to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Temperature requirements
This plant requires a warm and humid climate to thrive. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 25°C to 35°C. During the winter months, the temperature should not drop below 15°C, or it may cause damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. The addition of compost or other organic matter can improve soil structure and provide necessary nutrients for growth.
Cultivation Methods
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton, commonly known as the African bordeauxwood, is a tropical evergreen shrub that prefers a warm climate. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade and grows well in well-drained soils. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. When planting, choose a location with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Greenhouse cultivation can be achieved in colder regions to keep the plant healthy.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done thoroughly but infrequently to avoid overwatering. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought. Watering frequency should be reduced during the dry season to avoid excessive soil moisture, which can cause root rot. Moreover, ensure that the soil is well-drained, and remove any standing water around the plant's base to prevent root diseases.
Fertilization
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton should be fertilized regularly during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Slow-release fertilizers can be incorporated into the soil during planting. Additional fertilizers can be applied every three months during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced bloom quality.
Pruning
Pruning is recommended to maintain the plant's shape and size and promote vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is in early spring before new growth appears. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases. Pinching is also recommended to promote bushiness and lateral growth. When pinching, the tips of new growth should be removed regularly, ensuring that the plant maintains a good shape.
Propagation of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton can be sown directly in the soil in early spring. It is recommended to soak the seeds overnight before sowing to enhance germination rates. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept moist until germination. Germination can take between 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 5-6 cm, they can be transplanted into containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in early spring. The stem cuttings should be 8-10 cm in length and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The leaves from the bottom half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a container filled with a well-draining soil. The container should be covered with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity, and the cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight. Roots should start to develop in 2-3 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted when it has grown to a height of 10-12 cm.
Propagation through layering
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton can also be propagated through layering. This method involves bending a branch of a mature plant down to the ground and making a wound on the underside of the branch. The branch should be covered with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. Roots should develop from the wound in 4-6 weeks, and the rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a separate container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. breviflora (De Wild.) Taton is susceptible to a range of diseases, some of which are:
- Leaf spot: caused by the fungal pathogens Cercospora spp. and Alternaria spp. Symptoms include small, circular spots that appear yellow or brown with a dark margin. To manage, remove and destroy all infected leaves and maintain proper spacing between plants for good air circulation.
- Powdery mildew: caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. It creates a whitish, powdery appearance on leaves, causing them to wither and stunt. Control measures include ensuring good air circulation, pruning infected growth, and applying a fungicide.
- Root rot: caused by several soil-borne fungi, such as Fusarium and Phytophthora spp. Leaves turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die. Destroy all infected plants and avoid overwatering the soil. Rotate crops regularly and treat soil with a fungicide before planting.
Pest Management
The plant is also susceptible to insect pests, including:
- Mealybugs: small, cottony insects that feed on sap by piercing leaves and stems. They can cause wilting and slow growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control populations.
- Spider mites: tiny mites that suck sap and create a fine webbing on leaves. Leaves may turn yellow or have stippling marks. Control by increasing humidity and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves and can cause severe defoliation if left untreated. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad, which are natural insecticides that target only caterpillars, or use a targeted systemic insecticide.
Regular monitoring of plants for signs of disease or pest infestation is key to early detection and effective management.
