Overview
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. is a plant species that belongs to the family Celastraceae. This plant is a subspecies or variety of the Elaeodendron glaucum plant, which is native to tropical Africa.
Common Names
The Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. plant has several common names, including Nigerian Olive, Kamerun Olive, and Swamp Physic Nut.
Uses
Various parts of the Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. plant has multiple medicinal uses. The bark and roots of the plant are used to treat rheumatism, fever, and stomach ailments. The plant's oil is used to combat skin diseases, and the leaves are employed as an antidote for snake venom.
The seeds of the Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. plant are used for their oil, which is rich in fatty acids. The oil is a source of biodiesel and can also be used as a lubricant in the food and cosmetic industries.
Appearance
The Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. plant is a shrub or tree that can grow to a height of up to 10 meters. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are lanceolate in shape and arranged alternately on the stem. The plant's flowers are small and greenish-white, while its fruit is a drupe that contains a seed in the center.
The Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. plant prefers to grow in well-watered soil and can thrive in both full sunlight and partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate flooding and is often found near swamps and other water sources.
Light Requirements
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. prefers a lot of sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It's best to plant it in an area with at least six hours of full sun exposure daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety prefers warm temperatures with a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit are not recommended, as they can cause the plant to stress and even die.
Soil Requirements
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5 to 7.5. This plant can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it's best to avoid soils that are heavy in salts, as they can damage the plant's roots.
Cultivation of Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes.
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. is a relatively hardy plant and can be grown in various climatic conditions. It is essential to ensure that the seedlings are grown in well-draining soil, which allows adequate air circulation and water retention. It is best to plant the seedlings during the rainy season, as it helps in the establishment of the plant roots.
The plant prefers to grow in partial shade with bright, indirect sunlight, which can be achieved by planting the seedlings near trees or creating shade. If planting the seedlings in pots, it is best to ensure that the potting soil is loose and porous to facilitate root growth.
Watering Needs
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. prefers moderate watering with well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot. It is best to water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Additionally, it is advisable to mulch the soil around the plant to conserve soil moisture.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to promote the growth and development of Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. Applying organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in the early growth stages promotes plant growth. Fertilizer application should be done at least twice a year, during the rainy season, and after pruning.
Pruning
Pruning of Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. is essential to promote bushiness and increases its ornamental value. Pruning should be done during the early growth stage to promote branching and stem development. It is essential to prune diseased and damaged branches as well as branches that cross each other. Regular pruning also helps to control the size of the plant.
Propagation of Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes.
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes., commonly known as the Cameroon boxwood, is a beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Celastraceae family. It is native to Cameroon, West Africa, and is widely cultivated around the world as an ornamental plant. Propagating Elaeodendron glaucum can be achieved through either sexual or asexual means.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Elaeodendron glaucum are usually collected from the plant once they ripen. They are then immediately soaked in warm water for approximately 3-4 hours to help soften the seed coat. Once the seeds have been soaked, they are planted in well-drained soil in seed trays or pots. The seeds typically take 2-4 weeks to germinate, after which they can be transplanted to individual containers.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is the most common way of propagating Elaeodendron glaucum, as it guarantees that the resulting plant will retain the characteristics of the parent plant. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the rainy season, between June and September, when the plant is in active growth. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants and should be approximately 6-8 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and shaded, and root formation should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Air Layering
Propagation of Elaeodendron glaucum can also be achieved through air layering, which is the process of creating roots on a stem while the stem is still attached to the parent plant. This method is usually used when propagating difficult to root plants.
To air layer Elaeodendron glaucum, choose a healthy, mature stem with a diameter of approximately 1-2 inches, and make a cut on the stem, about 6 inches from the tip. The cut should reach around 1/3 of the way through the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area, and wrap the area in damp sphagnum moss. Then wrap the moss-covered area with plastic. Keep the moss moist, and roots should develop within a few weeks. Once the roots have developed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a container with well-draining potting soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes.
Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. is a tropical plant that grows in humid and semi-humid environments. While this plant is generally disease and pest resistant, it can still be affected by certain problems.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. is leaf spot. This disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and prevent overhead watering. You can also apply fungicides to prevent further growth and spread.
Anthracnose is another disease that can affect the plant. This disease can cause small lesions on the leaves and stem, which can lead to defoliation and death of the plant. To manage this disease, you can follow the same steps as leaf spot management by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Common Pests
Mealybugs are one of the most common pests that can affect Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. These pests are small and white in color and can cause damage by feeding on the plant's sap, which can eventually lead to stunted growth and death of the plant. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control and prevent infestations.
Another pest that can affect the plant is spider mites. These pests are tiny and can cause damage by piercing the plant's cells and sucking out the sap, which can lead to discoloration, defoliation, and death of the plant. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and increase humidity levels around the plant.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Elaeodendron glaucum Pers. var. kamerunense Loes. requires timely detection and intervention. By keeping the plant healthy and following these management practices, you can ensure that it remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
