Overview
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii, commonly known as "Toma Toma" or "Oomai-Kaadicholai" in West Africa, is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This plant is native to Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo.
Appearance
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii grows as a shrub that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The stem is four-angled, woody, and sparsely hairy. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and smooth, with entire margins. The flowers are small and white, and they are arranged in clusters at the tip of the branches. The fruits are small and round capsules that split open when mature, revealing numerous small seeds.
Uses
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including male infertility, gonorrhea, and rheumatism. The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and other phytochemicals that are responsible for its medicinal properties. Research has shown that extracts of Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii can improve sperm quality and increase testosterone levels in male rats. However, further studies are needed to determine its potential benefits in humans.
Light Requirements
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii typically grows in areas with partial to full sun exposure. It is important for the plants to receive adequate sunlight to promote healthy growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species can only survive in warm climate regions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Anything below 10°C (50°F) will cause damage to the plant, and it cannot survive frost conditions.
Soil Requirements
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It grows well in sandy loam soils, but it can also withstand rocky terrain. The plant can be found in soil with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. Regular watering and fertilization are necessary to promote healthy and vigorous growth.
Cultivation of Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii Plant
The cultivation of Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii requires specific conditions. It is an annual plant that grows in warm regions with average temperatures ranging from 20-25°C. The plant grows well in soils with good drainage and with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The soil must also be rich in nutrients and organic matter.
The plant requires sufficient sunlight to germinate and grow. It is advisable to plant the seeds early in the warm season and to ensure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering Needs
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii requires moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to soil saturation and root rot. However, the plant must not be allowed to dry out completely as it can lead to wilting. It is advisable to water the plant at least once a week or when the soil feels dry.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and development of Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii plant, apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and in the middle of the growing season. The fertilizer must be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is advisable to use organic fertilizers as they improve soil fertility and promote overall plant health.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii to maintain its shape, and promote better flowering and fruiting. Prune the plant regularly to remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches. You should also prune the plant to remove any branches that rub against each other or that are growing in the wrong direction.
Propagation of Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii is propagated through seed, stem cuttings, or division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii should be collected from matured fruits and cleaned before sowing. It is important to ensure that the seed is viable by conducting a viability test before sowing.
The seeds can be sown directly, preferably in a seedbed, or in pots or trays filled with a suitable growing medium. Sowing can be done during the rainy season or when adequate water supply is available.
The soil should be well-drained and fertile with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and watered gently to avoid washing away the seeds. Germination should occur within 1 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii. The cuttings should be taken from the healthy and disease-free plant and should be at least 8 cm long.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a propagating medium such as sand, perlite, or vermiculite. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until rooting occurs, which may take up to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii can also be propagated by division. This is usually done when the plant has become too large for its assigned space or when there is an urgent need to reproduce the plant.
To propagate by division, the clump is gently lifted from the soil and carefully divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some shoots.
The divided sections should be immediately planted in a suitable potting mix and watered regularly until they are established.
Disease Management
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to diseases. However, some diseases can attack the plant, especially when the conditions are favorable to their development. The following are the most common diseases that affect Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii, and methods to manage them:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, prune the infected leaves and destroy them. This should prevent the fungus from spreading to other parts of the plant.
- Bacterial Wilt: Bacterial wilt is a disease that leads to wilting and death of the plant. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease. The best course of action is to remove and destroy the infected plant to prevent the spread of the bacteria to the other plants.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs due to poor drainage. To manage this disease, ensure the soil is well-drained, and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicides can also be used to manage the fungus.
Pest Management
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii is also susceptible to attack by pests. The following are common pests that affect this plant and methods to manage them:
- Mites: Mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. To manage them, use a miticide to kill them.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant, and can cause substantial damage if not controlled. To manage them, remove them manually and use an insecticide to kill the remaining ones.
- Thrips: Thrips are small insects that feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage them, use an insecticide to kill them.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly for signs of these diseases and pests to manage them before they get out of hand. Proper sanitation, like pruning infected leaves and destroying them, is also essential in preventing the spread of diseases.
