Description of Entadopsis schlechteri (Harms) Pedro
Entadopsis schlechteri (Harms) Pedro is a perennial liana of the family Fabaceae that belongs to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Common names for Entadopsis schlechteri include "bois macaque," "macaque wood," and "entada vine."
General Appearance
The plant has a woody stem that climbs by means of tendrils, reaching a maximum length of up to 60 meters. The leaves are alternate with a pinnate venation and can reach a length of up to 30cm. The flowers are large, measuring up to 8cm in diameter, and are arranged in racemes at the end of the branches. They are yellow, orange, or red in color and have five petals. The fruit is a large, woody pod that can reach a length of up to 2 meters and a width of up to 20cm, containing many seeds.
Uses
The seeds of Entadopsis schlechteri are used for various purposes in West and Central Africa, such as making bracelets, necklaces, and other decorative items. The seeds are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, and skin infections. The stems and leaves of the plant are used in the construction of houses and the making of baskets.
Additionally, Entadopsis schlechteri plays an important role in the ecology of the rainforest, providing habitat and food for many animals, including monkeys and birds.
Light Requirements
Entadopsis schlechteri is a shade-loving plant that thrives in low to medium light conditions. It should be shielded from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in warm to hot climates, with optimal temperatures ranging between 18 °C to 25 °C. It can, however, tolerate temperatures as low as 10 °C, but growth may be stymied at such temperatures. During winter, it is recommended to keep the plant indoors where temperatures are warmer.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Entadopsis schlechteri should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A soil mixture that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) is ideal for this plant. The addition of perlite or sand to the soil will help facilitate drainage. This plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soil and should be watered regularly.
Cultivation Methods of Entadopsis schlechteri
Entadopsis schlechteri is a small evergreen shrub that is native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, making it a perfect addition to gardens, patios, and indoor spaces.
The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and requires well-drained, fertile soil to thrive. Proper drainage is crucial as this plant does not grow well in waterlogged soil. It is ideal to plant Entadopsis schlechteri in spring when the soil temperature starts to warm up.
The best way to propagate Entadopsis schlechteri is through seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 cm in well-draining soil, keep moist, and wait for germination, which can take up to 4 weeks. Alternatively, take 4-6 inch cuttings from stems of the plant, dip in rooting hormone powder, and plant in soil mix. Keep it moist and in shade until new growth appears.
Watering Needs of Entadopsis schlechteri
Entadopsis schlechteri has moderate water needs. It is essential to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil and avoid overwatering or underwatering. The best way to water the plant is to allow the soil to dry out partially before the next watering cycle.
During hotter months, make sure to increase the frequency of watering moderately to keep the soil moist. Watering frequency also varies depending on the soil mixture and the growing medium used. Always check the soil moisture level before watering.
Fertilization of Entadopsis schlechteri
Entadopsis schlechteri benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, and apply every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant and its growth, so apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.
One can use organic fertilizers like compost instead of synthetic ones to ensure prolonged release of nutrients. Remember to fertilize at the start of the growing season until the stop of growth, ideally around October.
Pruning of Entadopsis schlechteri
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape, size, and promote healthy growth. It is advisable to prune Entadopsis schlechteri after the flowering season ends, which can vary depending on the location. However, it is better to do it around early spring to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Use pruning shears or scissors to remove the top inch or two of new growth to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Thinning the shrub regularly promotes better airflow and reduces the chance of pests and diseases.
Following these simple cultivation methods and care tips will help you grow a healthy and beautiful Entadopsis schlechteri plant that will thrive for many years.
Propagation of Entadopsis schlechteri
Entadopsis schlechteri can be propagated through both seed and vegetative propagation methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Entadopsis schlechteri can be collected directly from the plant when they turn brown and start to fall. After collecting the seeds, they can be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until ready to be sown. The recommended time for sowing the seeds is during the rainy season.
The seeds of Entadopsis schlechteri have a hard seed coat and will require scarification before sowing. This can be done by nicking the seed coat with a knife or rubbing the seeds with sandpaper.
The seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with a mixture of peat and coarse sand. The trays should be kept moist, and the seeds will germinate in about two to three weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots and kept in a shaded area until they are large enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Entadopsis schlechteri can also be propagated through vegetative means, including stem cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants, and the cuttings should be about 15 cm in length. The cuttings should be taken during the rainy season, and the bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be planted in pots filled with a mixture of peat and coarse sand, and kept in a shaded area until they form roots and are large enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Layering can also be used for propagating Entadopsis schlechteri. This involves bending down a branch of the plant and covering the part that is touching the ground with soil. The branch will develop roots, and when it has established a strong root system, it can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted.
Grafting can be used to propagate Entadopsis schlechteri onto related rootstocks. This method involves cutting a small section from a healthy plant and attaching it to the rootstock of another plant. The graft should be kept moist and protected until it has formed a strong union.
Disease and Pest Management for Entadopsis schlechteri
Entadopsis schlechteri is a hardy and resilient plant, but it is still vulnerable to a number of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Entadopsis schlechteri is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can lead to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and ultimately death. To manage this disease, it is important to make sure the plant is not overwatered, and that the soil is well-draining.
Another common disease is powdery mildew, which is characterized by a white, powdery substance on the leaves. It can be controlled through proper air circulation and maintaining a clean environment. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Common Pests
Mites and aphids are two common pests that can affect Entadopsis schlechteri. These pests can cause leaf damage and stunting of the plant's growth. To manage pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. Isolating the affected plant from other plants can prevent the problem from spreading. Insecticides and miticides can be used to manage the pests, but care should be taken to avoid harming the plant.
Caterpillars and snails can also be a problem. Snail damage is typically characterized by holes in the leaves. Handpicking and removal can be an effective management technique. For caterpillars, insecticides or Bacillus thuringiensis can be used as a management technique.
Overall, it is important to regularly inspect Entadopsis schlechteri for any signs of disease or pest infestation, and to take early action to manage the problem. By providing proper care, monitoring, and timely management, the plant can thrive and remain healthy.
