Embelia Tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. is a flowering plant that belongs to the primrose family, known as Myrsinaceae. It is commonly referred to as Embelia and is native to tropical Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Common Names
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. goes by various common names, including Bushman's lemons, wild pepper, and false cardamom. The name "Bushman's lemons" stems from the fact that the fruit of this plant resembles lemons and has been used as a substitute for lemons in traditional medicine.
Uses
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. is a medicinal plant with various uses. The fruit, leaves, and stem of this plant are used to treat digestive issues such as constipation, dyspepsia, and colic. The plant's fruit also possesses anthelmintic properties and has been used traditionally to treat worm infections such as tapeworms and roundworms. Additionally, this plant's stem bark contains phytochemicals that have been known to exhibit anti-cancer properties.
General Appearance
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. is a shrub that grows up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternately arranged, and have a glossy appearance, oblong shape, and acute apex. The flowers of this plant are small, greenish-white, and are arranged in racemes at the end of the branches. The fruit of this plant is a fleshy drupe that is lemon-shaped and turns from green to yellow when ripe.
Overall, Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. possesses medicinal properties that have been used by traditional medicine practitioners for centuries. Its distinct lemon-shaped fruit and glossy leaves make it easy to spot in its natural habitat.Light Requirements
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. thrives in an environment that is exposed to partial shade or indirect sunlight, with a preference for a mixture of both. Direct sunlight can cause the foliage to wither or scorch.
Temperature Requirements
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. Although it prefers warm, tropical climate, it can also survive in cooler temperatures. The ideal temperature for its growth ranges between 18°C to 30°C. Extreme temperatures below this range may cause the plant to become dormant, while those beyond 35°C may damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers rich, well-drained soils. A mixture of sandy loam, compost, and peat moss is essential to provide nourishment and proper drainage for the plant. Additionally, a pH range of 6.5 - 7.0 is ideal for Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. to grow successfully.
Cultivation Methods
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. is a tropical plant that prefers a warm and humid climate. It thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and high fertility. The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors, and it requires bright but indirect light to grow healthy and strong. If you plan on growing Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. indoors, make sure to place it near a south-facing window and ensure that it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Outdoors, it should be grown in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.Watering Needs
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. requires moist but not waterlogged soil to grow best. During summer, the plant needs to be watered twice a week, while in winter, it only requires watering once a week. However, watering schedules may vary, so ensure that you check the soil's moisture level before watering. To avoid waterlogging, make sure the plant's pot has a drainage hole. Water the plant until the water drains out from the bottom of the pot. Empty the drainage tray after watering to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water.Fertilization
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. requires regular feeding during the growing season to maintain its health and vibrancy. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer twice a month. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half the strength to avoid damaging the plant. During winter, fertilization should be reduced or stopped altogether. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt build-up in the soil, leading to root damage.Pruning
Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. requires occasional pruning to shape it and keep it healthy. Prune the plant in spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and stems. If the plant has grown too large, cut back the main stem's top to encourage branching. Pruning also helps to improve the plant's air circulation, ensuring healthy growth and preventing pest infestation. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant.Propagation of Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb.
Embelia tessmannii, also known as the "Snake Killer" plant, can be propagated through multiple methods:
Seeds
Embelia tessmannii produces seeds which can be purchased from specialized nurseries or collected from mature plants. The seeds must be soaked in warm water for several hours to soften the outer seed coat and improve germination rates. After soaking, the seeds can be planted in well-draining potting soil and kept moist in a warm, shaded area. Germination can take several weeks, and the seedlings must be kept in a humid environment for optimal growth.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings from Embelia tessmannii should be taken from mature, healthy plants. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and include two to three nodes. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a potting mix made of equal parts perlite and peat moss. Keep the cutting in a shaded area out of direct sunlight and humidity high by using a misting system. The cutting should form roots after several weeks, at which time it can be transplanted to a larger pot with soil.
Division
Embelia tessmannii can be propagated through division during repotting. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the roots into several sections, making sure each section has a portion of the stem attached. Plant each section in fresh potting soil and water it thoroughly. Keep the newly divided plants in a shaded area and maintain a humid environment until they establish their roots and develop new growth.
Make sure to keep newly propagated Embelia tessmannii plants in maintaining direct sunlight. Once your plant has established itself, care for it with well-draining soil, regular watering, and occasional fertilization for optimal growth.
Disease Management
The plant Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it can be affected by some foliar diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected leaves and provide good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease, following the instructions on the label. For powdery mildew, cultural practices such as pruning and removing infected plant parts, as well as using fungicides, can help manage the disease.
Pest Management
The plant Embelia tessmannii Gilg & G.Schellenb. is susceptible to some pests, such as mites and aphids.
Mites can cause damage to the leaves and flowers, leading to stunted growth and deformation. To manage mites, natural predators such as ladybugs and predatory mites can be introduced to the plant. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also be used to control mites.
Aphids can cause curled or distorted leaves and transmit plant viruses. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps and neem oil, as well as introducing natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs.
