Origin
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns, commonly known as the Lance-leaved Fadogia, is a plant species that grows in tropical African countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which has about 13,500 species of plants, including coffee and quinine.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name, the Lance-leaved Fadogia also goes by several common names such as Kadzakaro, Kadzukaro, and Malaku in Nigeria, Ngolongo in Cameroon, and Nketepa in Ghana.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, infertility, and erectile dysfunction. According to studies, the roots and stem bark of Fadogia cienkowskii are rich in compounds that possess aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Aside from its medicinal properties, the plant also has economic value. Its stem bark and roots are used in local dyeing and tanning industries, while its leaves serve as a food source for caterpillars and other insects.
General Appearance
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to two meters tall. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are about 4-12 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. Its flowers are small and white, with four or five petals that form a trumpet-shaped tube. The plant's fruit is a small, round, and fleshy berry that turns from green to red or black when ripe.
The Lance-leaved Fadogia is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. It prefers to grow in open, sunny areas such as savannas and grasslands.
Light Requirements
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth or even death. It is important to note that adequate light is necessary for proper photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns can grow in a range of temperatures. It grows best in warm temperatures, with the ideal temperature range falling between 20°C to 35°C. However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C. At temperatures above 35°C, the plant may be stressed and growth may be stunted.
Soil Requirements
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns prefers well-draining soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but it does best in sandy, loamy soil with a pH range from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers a soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate drought. However, the soil must not be waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns is a native of West Africa, where it grows in the tropical rainforests. It prefers a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Seeds should be sown in nursery beds during the rainy season, and the seedlings transplanted to individual pots or the main field after six months. Cuttings should be taken from the stem tip, treated with rooting hormone, and planted in a mixture of sand and soil. They should be kept in a shade house with high humidity until rooting occurs.
Watering Needs
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns requires regular watering. The plant should be watered when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced during the winter months.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization for healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two to three months. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the plant's shape and keeping it healthy. Dead or diseased branches should be pruned and removed immediately to prevent the spread of infection. Regular pruning of the stem's tips will encourage lateral branching and provide a bushy appearance.
Harvesting of the plant should be done when the flowers have fully bloomed, and the fruits have matured. The parts of the plant used for medicinal purposes are the roots and stem bark. Care should be taken not to over-harvest, as it can harm the plant.
Propagation of Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns can be propagated through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns can be collected from the plant when they are fully ripe. The seeds can then be sown in the nursery bed at a depth of 0.5-1 cm. The soil should be moist and well-drained. The seedlings will germinate within 10-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 8-10 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots or to the field.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings of Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns can also be used for propagation. Softwood cuttings of 10-15 cm length and semi-hardwood cuttings of 15-20 cm length can be collected from the plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in partial shade until they develop roots. Once the cuttings have grown to a height of 8-10 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots or to the field.
Division Propagation
Division of mature plants is another method of propagation for Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns. The plant can be carefully lifted from the ground, and the clumps can be divided into smaller portions with roots. The divided portions can then be planted in individual pots or to the field. The soil should be moist and well-draining, and the plants should be kept in partial shade until they are established.
Disease Management
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns is mostly susceptible to fungal diseases that affect its leaves, stems, and roots. One of the common fungal diseases is the leaf spot disease. Symptoms of this disease include small brownish spots on the leaves, which gradually enlarge and coalesce to form larger dead patches. To manage this disease, the affected leaves must be removed and destroyed. Fungicides may also be applied to the plant to suppress the spread of the disease.
Another fungal disease that affects Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns is the root rot disease. This disease causes decay of the roots, which affects the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. To manage this disease, it is important to prevent overwatering and ensure proper drainage of the soil. For infected plants, the roots must be removed, and the remaining part must be treated with fungicides.
Pest Management
Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns is also susceptible to various pests that affect its growth and development. One of the common pests is the spider mite, which feeds on the plant's leaves and causes wilting and yellowing. To manage this pest, regular spraying of insecticides or miticides is required.
The mealybug is another pest that affects Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns. It is characterized by a white cottony mass on the leaves, which is a protective covering. The mealybug feeds on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing. To manage this pest, the plant can be sprayed with insecticides, or the mealybugs can be physically removed from the plant with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
In conclusion, Fadogia cienkowskii Schweinf. var. lanceolata Robyns can be affected by various pests and diseases that could reduce its yield. By identifying the pests and diseases early enough and implementing the appropriate management practices, the plant can be protected, and its growth and yield improved.