Origin
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson, also known as African starbush, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. The plant is native to Tanzania and is commonly found in regions of East Africa.
Common Names
The plant has various common names, including African starbush, Tanzanian feretia, and mkwaju wa Tanzania in Swahili.
Uses
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson is often used for medicinal purposes in Tanzania. The roots of the plant contain numerous compounds that have been found to possess antimalarial properties. In addition, the stem bark and leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including dysentery, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
General Appearance
The African starbush is a small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves of the plant are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, and typically have a length of 1-2 centimeters. The plant produces small, yellowish-white flowers, which are followed by small, round fruit that turn red when ripe.
Light Requirements
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It cannot thrive in shady or partially shaded areas as it needs the direct sunlight to carry out photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to warm and hot climates and grows best in temperatures that range between 20°C and 35°C. It can tolerate occasional temperature drops as low as 7°C or 8°C, but it cannot withstand prolonged low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil that Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson grows in must be well-draining and should have a pH range that is mildly acidic to neutral. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 7.0. The soil must also have good fertility, with a healthy mix of organic and inorganic nutrients to support the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson can be cultivated either from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds should be sown in pots or seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The pots or trays should be placed in a warm and partially shaded area until the seedlings emerge. For cutting propagation, the cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and stuck in a rooting hormone mixture. The cuttings should be placed in a light and humid place until roots appear.
Watering Needs
The plants should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. To ensure that the plant is getting the right amount of water, check the soil moisture frequently and adjust watering as needed.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and health, the plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied following the manufacturer's instructions, making sure not to overfertilize as this can damage the plant. During the winter months, fertilization can be reduced or stopped altogether.
Pruning
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson requires minimal pruning. However, dead or diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of diseases. If the plant becomes too large or unwieldy, it can be trimmed to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done in the dormant season.
Propagation of Feretia Apodanthera Delile Subsp. Tanzaniensis Bridson
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson, commonly referred to as East African Wedelia, is native to Tanzania and belongs to the family Rubiaceae. If you're interested in propagating this plant, there are a few methods you can choose from, including:
1. Seeds
Seeds are an excellent way to propagate Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson, although they need to be fresh for germination to occur. The seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil.
Watering is vital during the germination process, and you should keep the soil moist, not waterlogged. In optimum conditions, the seeds will germinate within two to three weeks.
2. Cuttings
You can also propagate Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson from cuttings. Choose healthy stems with at least two nodes, and make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only two or three at the top.
Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil, and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight, and remove the plastic bag when new growth appears.
3. Division
Dividing the root ball is another way to propagate Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson. However, this method is only possible if the plant is large enough to have multiple stems.
Remove the plant from the pot and separate the root ball into two or more sections, ensuring each division has its roots and stem. Plant the divisions in individual pots with well-draining soil mix, water the soil, and put them in bright, indirect sunlight.
Whether you choose to propagate Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson using seeds, cuttings, or division, it is important to provide the plant with regular water, well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight to ensure that it flourishes.
Disease Management
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson is a tough plant that usually doesn't face significant disease issues. However, prolonged periods of high humidity can lead to fungal infections such as leaf spot disease. To prevent leaf spot disease, make sure to avoid excessive moisture on the leaves. Trim off any infected leaves and avoid watering the plant from above.
Root rot is another potential issue for Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson. The fungus responsible for root rot thrives in waterlogged soil. Therefore, it is crucial to only water the plant when the soil has become slightly dry, and ensure the soil has good drainage.
Pest Management
Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson is mostly pest-resistant. However, like most plants, they can contract an infestation by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These insects feed on the plant's sap, resulting in stunted growth or even plant death.
To manage these pests, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils. These two products work by suffocating the insects, causing them to lose their ability to feed on the plant. For severe infestations, you might need to repeat the applications over a few days or weeks.
Yellow sticky traps can be used to prevent whiteflies and aphids, preventing them from infesting the plant. Finally, maintaining moderate moisture levels and removing dead plant debris will prevent the growth of fungal infections, making your Feretia apodanthera Delile subsp. tanzaniensis Bridson healthy and strong.
