Description of Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart.
Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. is a tropical tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is commonly referred to as the African fig or the red-leaved fig. This species is distributed throughout tropical Africa, including countries like Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Togo.
General Appearance
Ficus glumosa var. intermedia is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. The tree has a rounded or spreading crown with a diameter of up to 25 meters. The trunk of Ficus glumosa var. intermedia is usually straight and cylindrical and has a grey-brown bark with vertical fissures and ridges.
The tree's leaves are alternate, simple, and 7-15 cm long, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface. Ficus glumosa var. intermedia is particularly distinctive because of its red to purple-colored new leaves, which gradually turn green as they mature.
The fruits of Ficus glumosa var. intermedia are small, round, and yellowish-brown in color. They measure between 0.5-1 cm in diameter and grow in clusters at the base of the leaves.
Uses
The leaves of Ficus glumosa var. intermedia are used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine, often to treat stomach ailments, asthma, and various skin conditions. The leaves are also used as fodder for livestock.
The tree's bark is commonly used for making rope, twine, and baskets. The bark has a strong fibrous quality that makes it ideal for weaving.
Ficus glumosa var. intermedia is also planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along roadsides.
Conclusion
In summary, Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. is a beautiful and useful African tree with an intriguing appearance that makes it a popular choice for both medicinal and decorative purposes.
Light Requirements
Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. prefer bright but indirect sunlight for optimum growth. They tend to grow well in partial shade or a location with filtered light. Direct sunlight can lead to scorching of the leaves, while a lack of sunlight can slow or even halt growth.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer warm temperatures that range between 18°C - 25°C (64°F - 77°F). They cannot tolerate sudden temperature drops, and the temperature should not drop below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is a must for the Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. The soil should be fertile and preferably slightly acidic. Also, the soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should maintain moisture while draining excess water quickly. An ideal soil pH is between 5.5 - 6.5.
Cultivation
Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey, but prefers a pH range of 6.0 – 7.5. This plant is native to Africa and benefits from a warm climate with temperatures between 20 – 35°C. It can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
While the ficus glumosa var. intermedia can tolerate drought, regular watering is important to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. It is advisable to water the plant deeply, at least once a week during dry seasons. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is important for the ficus glumosa var. intermedia to achieve optimal growth and yield. A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 3:1:2 is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 months, and its amount should be adjusted based on soil conditions and plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning is recommended to enhance plant growth and productivity. Dead and diseased branches should be removed regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. Ficus glumosa var. intermedia responds well to pruning and can be trained into a desired shape. Pruning can be done during the dry season to stimulate new growth.
Propagation of Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart.
Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. is propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. The plant produces seeds which can be used for propagation, but asexual methods such as cuttings, layering, grafting, and tissue culture are preferred as they ensure that the propagated plant is genetically identical to the parent plant.
Asexual Propagation
Cuttings are the most common and straightforward method of propagation. Select a healthy stem, about six inches long, and remove all but the top leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged. In a couple of weeks, the cutting will have rooted, and new growth will be visible.
Layering is another asexual propagation method where a stem is bent to the ground and a shallow cut is made on the underside of the stem. The cut is held open with a toothpick or small wedge of wood, and rooting hormone is applied. The stem is then buried slightly in the soil, and the wound is covered. After a few weeks, the buried stem will have begun to root, and the plant can be cut from the parent plant and potted or transplanted elsewhere.
Grafting is a little more complicated but used for some specialized cultivars of Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. The process involves attaching a rooted plant, or scion, of the desired cultivar to the rootstock of another plant. The resulting plant will have the desired cultivar's characteristics and the rootstock for growth.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is used to propagate Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. quickly and efficiently. This method involves taking small tissue samples from the plant and growing them in a lab under controlled conditions. This yields genetically identical plants that can then be potted and grown as usual.
Disease Management
Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. is susceptible to a variety of diseases, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot diseases: These diseases are caused by fungi and bacteria and are characterized by circular or irregular spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, it is crucial to remove and destroy infected plant parts and maintain proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage this disease, prune and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides to the plant following the manufacturer's directions.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soils that promote the growth of fungi, which damage the plant's root system. To manage this disease, ensure well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.
Pest Management
Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. is also prone to pest infestations, which can weaken the plant and reduce its overall health. Some pests that commonly affect this plant include:
- Mealybugs: These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing chlorosis and leaf drop. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the plant.
- Spider Mites: These pests are characterized by small, white or yellow spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infected plant parts and spray the plant with water regularly to increase humidity levels.
- Scale Insects: These pests are characterized by brown, shell-like bumps on the plant's stem and leaves. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the plant following the manufacturer's directions.
Regularly inspecting Ficus glumosa Delile var. intermedia Mart. for signs of disease and pests and promptly managing them can help ensure the plant's overall health and longevity.
