Plant Description:
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. is a perennial plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. The plant grows up to 1-2m tall and has woody stems with opposite decussate branching. The leaves are tri-foliate, with oval-shaped leaflets that are dark green and 1.5-2cm in length. The plant produces small white flowers that are 5-petaled.
Plant Origin and Common Names:
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. is native to West Africa and can be found in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. The plant is commonly called "black aphrodisiac," "bakin gagai," or "hoju."
Plant Uses:
Throughout history, Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. has been used for a wide range of medicinal purposes. In traditional herbal medicine, the plant's roots, stems, and leaves have been used to treat various ailments such as malaria, dysentery, and gonorrhea. It is also believed that the plant has aphrodisiac properties and can be used to enhance libido and fertility in men.
In recent years, there has been increased interest in the potential of Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. as a sports supplement. It is believed that the plant can increase testosterone levels, leading to improved athletic performance and muscle growth. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of these uses.
Light Requirements:
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. requires moderate to high levels of light to support its growth. It thrives in full sunlight exposure, but it can also grow in partially shaded areas. Insufficient light can result in leggy and weak plants with stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species grows best in tropical and subtropical climates where the temperature ranges between 20°C and 35°C. Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. tolerates high temperatures up to 40°C but cannot withstand frost and freezing temperatures. Frost can damage the leaves and stems, slowing down the plant's growth or, in severe cases, kill it.
Soil Requirements:
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. grows in different soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils as they lead to root rot. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should not be too moist. A layer of mulch on the soil surface helps to maintain soil moisture levels and suppress weed growth.
Cultivation methods of Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc.
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid environment. Therefore, it needs to be cultivated in a greenhouse or indoors in a warm and humid area. The plant grows best in well-draining soil that has high organic matter content. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.5-7.5. It is best to plant the seeds in spring, and the plant takes approximately six months to grow to maturity.
Watering needs of Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc.
The Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. plant requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering frequency should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is in a dormant state. It is essential to ensure that drainage is good to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc.
Regular feeding is crucial for the Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc plant health and growth. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content are best used during the flowering period to promote growth. During the winter season, a balanced fertilizer should be used, which contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in equal amounts. The plant should also be fed with organic matter during the growing season to provide additional nutrients.
Pruning of Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc.
Regular pruning is essential for the Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. plant to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. Pruning should be carried out during the growing season to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant and restrict the height. This will encourage lateral growth and will make the plant much more vigorous. The best time to prune is after the flowering has finished or at the beginning of spring.
Propagating Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc.
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. is through seeds. The seeds are generally small, black, and round and can be sown in a well-drained soil mix in pots or trays. The recommended time for sowing seeds is usually at the start of the rainy season or in early spring.
The seeds should be sown no deeper than 5 mm in the soil mix and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots and grown until they are large and strong enough to be planted in their final destination.
Cuttings Propagation
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. can also be propagated through cuttings taken from established plants. The best time for taking cuttings is usually in the late spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cutting should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the new growth on the plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone before placing it in a well-drained soil mix.
The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a bright but shaded location. Once the cutting has developed roots and new growth, it can be transplanted to its final destination.
Division Propagation
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. can also be propagated through division of established plants. This is best done in the early spring before new growth emerges.
To divide the plant, carefully remove it from the soil and separate the root ball into several sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have an established root system and several stems. Replant each division in its final destination.
Disease Management
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. can be affected by a number of diseases that may decrease its productivity. Here are some of the common diseases that affect Fadogia triphylla and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. The disease typically appears as small brown or purplish spots on the leaves. The spots may eventually coalesce and form larger patches that can cause the leaves to wilt and die. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Maintain proper plant spacing to allow for good air circulation and reduce humidity. Fungicide applications are needed in severe cases.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by various species of soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia. Infected plants may show wilting, stunting, yellowing, or death. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering and poorly drained soils. It's also advisable to use disease-resistant varieties. Fungicide drenches may be necessary in severe cases.
Pest Management
Fadogia triphylla Baker var. pubicaulis Verdc. can be attacked by various pests such as insects and mites. The following are common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny sap-sucking pests that can cause bronzing, yellowing, and defoliation of leaves. To manage spider mites, use appropriate miticides or insecticidal soaps. Maintain good plant hygiene by removing fallen leaves and debris. Introduce natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings to reduce spider mite populations.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that can infest the leaves and stems of Fadogia triphylla. They suck sap from the plant and produce honeydew, which can attract ants and cause black sooty mold. To manage scale insects, remove heavily infested plant parts and protect the plant from ants. Use horticultural oils or soaps to smother and kill the scales. Introduce natural predators such as ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
