Origin
Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg is a native plant of Madagascar, an African country.
Common Names
It is commonly known as the short-stalked fig, and it's also called "fanjan'ana" in the Malagasy language.
Uses
The short-stalked fig has various traditional medicinal uses among Madagascar communities. Malagasy people use its leaves and roots as a remedy for antifungal and antibacterial infections. The fig bark is flavored with spices and used in traditional dishes as a food preservative. It also has pharmaceutical properties that are beneficial to humans.
General Appearance
The short-stalked fig plant is an evergreen tree or shrub that grows up to a height of around 5 to 10 meters. Its branches spread out tremendously, producing a large and wide canopy that gives much-needed shade. The leaves of this plant are elliptical and leathery. They're estimated to be 15-25cm long and around 7-10cm wide. The plant produces figs that are roundish to oval in shape and usually about 2-3cm in diameter. The mature fruit has a soft texture and velvet-like outer skin. The skin color is usually green, turning brownish-red to almost red when ripe.
Light requirements
Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg, commonly known as the short-stalked fig tree, thrives in bright indirect light. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, especially in the morning and evening, but it can get scorched from prolonged exposure. For indoor cultivation, place the plant near a south-facing or west-facing window with a sheer curtain to diffuse the rays.
Temperature requirements
This ficus subspecies prefers warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate temperatures between 16°C to 30°C, but it thrives in the range of 21°C to 27°C. Sudden drops in temperature or exposure to cold drafts can shock the plant and cause leaf drop. It's best to keep it away from air-conditioning units and heaters, especially during colder months.
Soil requirements
Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite or sand, and compost or loam would suit this plant. Avoid using heavy soil or ones that retain too much moisture, as they can cause root rot. Adding a layer of mulch to the soil can help retain moisture and improve microbial activity.
Cultivation methods
Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg is usually grown outdoors in tropical or subtropical regions or indoors in a bright location. It thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and the container must have sufficient drainage holes. The best planting time is during the spring or summer when the temperature is warm.
Watering needs
It is essential to water the Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice per week, depending on the temperature, humidity, soil, and pot size. Reduce the watering frequency in winter, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Fertilization
Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg requires regular feeding to maintain healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once a month during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning
Pruning the Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg is necessary to maintain its shape, remove weak or damaged branches, and promote optimal growth. Use sterilized pruning shears and cut back one-third of the plant's foliage in spring to encourage new growth. Prune anytime during the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size, and regularly pinch the tips of the branches to promote bushy growth.
Propagation of Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg
Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg, commonly known as the short-stalked fig, can be propagated through various methods. These include:
Seed propagation
The short-stalked fig can be propagated from seeds that are collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining propagation mix and kept moist until germination, which usually takes between 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings develop their true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown under bright, indirect light.
Cuttings propagation
This species can also be propagated through stem cuttings, which can be taken from healthy, mature plants. The cuttings should be between 10-20cm long and should have 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone before inserting it into a well-draining propagation mix. The cutting should be kept moist and under high humidity until roots have formed, which should take between 2-6 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate the short-stalked fig. This involves creating a wound on a mature stem, applying rooting hormone to the wound and covering it with a moist sphagnum moss ball. The ball should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be removed from the parent plant and transplanted into its own pot.
Overall, propagating Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg can be relatively easy with proper care and attention to each method.
Disease and Pest Management of Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg
Ficus polita Vahl subsp. brevipedunculata C.C.Berg, commonly referred to as the African fig, is a species of fig tree that belongs to the family Moraceae. This plant is primarily found in regions that experience a tropical climate, and it is known for its aesthetic appeal and air purifying properties. However, African figs are susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations that can reduce their visual appeal and lead to significant yield losses. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that affect African fig trees and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most prevalent diseases that affects African fig trees is root rot. This disease is caused by waterlogged soil conditions that create a breeding ground for fungi such as Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. The first sign of root rot is yellowing and wilting of the leaves, which will eventually lead to defoliation. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained, avoid overwatering the plant, and use fungicides such as mefenoxam and metalaxyl to treat infected plants.
Another disease that affects African figs is powdery mildew. This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and fruit of the plant and appears as a white, powdery substance on the affected parts. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides such as triforine and myclobutanil.
Pests
African figs are also susceptible to various pest infestations that can cause significant yield losses. One of the most common pests that attack African figs is the fig rust mite. This tiny pest is difficult to detect, but it can cause extensive leaf drop and fruit deformation. To manage fig rust mites, apply miticides such as bifenazate and abamectin to the plant.
The fig fruit fly is another pest that affects African fig trees. This pest lays its eggs inside the fruit of the plant, which causes premature fruit drop and reduces fruit quality. To manage the fig fruit fly, use insecticidal sprays that contain spinosad and pyrethroids.
Other pests that may attack African figs include spider mites, scales, and mealybugs. Regular inspection of the plant can help identify pest infestations early, allowing for prompt management through the use of appropriate pesticides and insecticides.
Overall, disease and pest management is critical in ensuring the productivity and survival of African fig trees. By implementing good cultural practices and timely application of appropriate chemical treatments, you can ensure that your African figs remain healthy and productive.
