Origin and Common Names
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is a plant indigenous to the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. It is known by various common names including Black Aphrodisiac, Bakin gagai, African Potency Wood, Yohimbe the Second, and African Viagra.
General Appearance
The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family and grows up to 10 meters tall. Its dark green leaves are oppositely arranged and have a glossy texture while its branches are slender and woody. Flowers are yellow and appear in clusters while the fruit is a small capsule containing numerous seeds.
Uses
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac, fertility enhancer, and to alleviate erectile dysfunction in men. It is also used to treat diarrhea, stomach pains, and fever. The plant contains several alkaloids including yohimbine which are utilized in the production of sexual supplements. Extracts from the plant have also been shown to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Growth Conditions for Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is a herbaceous plant that is known for its medicinal properties. It is a plant that is native to West Africa and grows in a variety of environments, such as in the savannah regions and in the forests. The plant has been traditionally used within the African continent as an aphrodisiac, as a treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, and to lower blood pressure. Here are the typical growth conditions for Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii:
Light Requirements
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii requires a lot of sunlight to grow well. It is a plant that requires full sunlight exposure, as it thrives in conditions where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, the growth rate will be slower, and the plant may become weak and susceptible to disease.
Temperature Requirements
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is a plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a heat-loving plant and grows well in temperatures ranging from 20 – 35°C(68 – 95°F). The plant can tolerate high temperatures but will not survive frost or freezing temperatures. The plant’s growth is optimal at temperatures between 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F).
Soil Requirements
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii requires well-draining soils with good fertility. The plant thrives best in soils that are rich in organic matter, such as sandy loam or loamy soils. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in soils with low moisture but does better in soils with a consistent moisture level.
Cultivation methods
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in warm climates. The plant prefers well-draining soil and a sunny location. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
For best results, plant Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii in soil that has been mixed with equal parts of sand and compost. During planting, make sure to place the root ball at the same level as the soil surface and water the plant well.
Watering needs
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii requires regular watering, especially during the dry months. However, it is crucial not to overwater the plant, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
Water the plant every other day, or as needed depending on the moisture level of the soil. Check the soil moisture level regularly by inserting your finger into the soil and feeling for dampness.
Fertilization
Although Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii does not require much fertilizer, adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil can help the plant grow faster and produce more flowers.
Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, and apply it to the soil around the plant every three months during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct amount to use.
Pruning
Pruning Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is not necessary, but it can help keep the plant looking neat and healthy. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears.
Trim any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and remove any low-growing branches that obstruct the plant's shape or growth. Use sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf node, which will encourage new growth.
Propagation methods for Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii:
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and division. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the resources available and the desired outcome.
Propagation via Seeds:
The most common method of propagating Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the parent plant when they are fully mature. The seeds can then be planted in a mixture of sand and organic matter, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination can occur in 2-3 weeks.
Seed propagation has its advantages, including the ability to produce many plants from a single parent plant. However, this method requires patience, as it may take 3-4 years for the plants to reach maturity.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings:
Another method of propagating Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking 10-15cm cuttings from the parent plant, and planting them in a mixture of sand and organic matter. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area, and kept moist until rooting occurs. This method can produce mature plants in just 1-2 years.
Stem cutting propagation has its advantages, including the ability to produce mature plants quickly. However, it requires more resources and attention than seed propagation, as each cutting must be carefully monitored until it establishes roots.
Propagation via Division:
Propagation via division involves separating the parent plant into smaller parts, each of which can be planted to produce a new plant. This method is best done when the plant is dormant, and can be done every 3-4 years. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root system separated into smaller sections. Each section should be planted in a mixture of sand and organic matter, and kept moist until roots establish.
Division propagation has its advantages, including the ability to produce large, mature plants quickly. However, it can be a difficult process, requiring carefully separating the roots without damaging them.
Disease Management
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is vulnerable to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and virus diseases. Here are some ways to manage them:
1. Root Rot
Root rot is caused by fungi in the soil that attack the roots, causing them to rot and preventing the plant from absorbing adequate nutrients. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil. Overwatering should be avoided, and the plant's roots should be regularly inspected for any signs of decay. Infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots to form on the leaves, which may later merge and cause leaf death. To manage leaf spot, remove all infected leaves and debris from the plant and its surroundings. Ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can be used for severe infections.
3. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To control powdery mildew, prune the plant to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant material. Fungicides can be used for severe infections.
4. Virus Diseases
Virus diseases, such as cucumber mosaic virus, can also infect Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii. There is no cure for virus-infected plants, so prevention is the key. Ensure that all tools used on the plant are clean and avoid planting in areas with a history of virus diseases. Infected plants should be removed.
Pest Management
Fadogia verdcourtii Tennant var. verdcourtii is also prone to pest infestations, such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Here are some ways to manage them:
1. Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They suck sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, wash them off with a jet of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause the leaves to turn yellow and produce webs over the leaves and stem of the plants. To manage spider mites, wash them off with a jet of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, flat insects that appear as small bumps on the leaves and stems. They suck sap, causing stunted growth, and yellowing of the plant. To manage scale insects, prune heavily infested areas, wash them off with a jet of water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
