Overview of Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia
Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia, commonly known as African Gambeya or Gambeya, is a plant species of the family Malvaceae. It is a tree distributed across Central and West Africa.
Appearance of Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia
Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is a small to large-sized tree, growing up to 30 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk, with a dense and rounded crown. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong or elliptical in shape, growing up to 25cm long and 11cm wide. The tree produces small, whitish-green flowers, followed by woody fruits that are cone-shaped, brown in color, and contain several seeds.
Common Names of Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia
Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is commonly known as African Gambeya or Gambeya in English, and Awoura in Yoruba language.
Uses of Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia
Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia has various uses, depending on the region where it grows. The tree's bark, leaves, and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, stomachache, and skin infections. The wood is hard and durable, making it a popular choice for carpentry, construction, and furniture making. Additionally, the tree is an excellent source of shade and serves as a windbreak in agroforestry systems.
Overall, Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is an important tree species for its ecological, economic, and medicinal benefits.
Light Requirements
Gambeya africana (A.DC.) Pierre var. oblongifolia Lecomte ex Pellegr. prefer full to partial sunlight exposure. As an understory plant, it can tolerate shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and reduce flower and fruit production. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a spot where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Gambeya africana (A.DC.) Pierre var. oblongifolia Lecomte ex Pellegr. is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid conditions. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). It cannot withstand freezing temperatures or frost, and if grown in areas with low temperatures, the plant may experience leaf drop, slow growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
Gambeya africana (A.DC.) Pierre var. oblongifolia Lecomte ex Pellegr. grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter content. The soil should have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is moderately tolerant to drought conditions, but it cannot survive waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Therefore, it is recommended to add organic matter and improve soil drainage by creating raised beds or adding soil amendments such as perlite or sand.
Cultivation Methods
Gambeya africana (A.DC.) Pierre var. oblongifolia Lecomte ex Pellegr. is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it requires full sun to thrive. The plant can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings.
If you are growing Gambeya africana from seed, be sure to keep the soil moist but not wet until the seeds have germinated. Once the plants have established themselves, they should be watered regularly, but be sure not to over-water. Too much water can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.
If you are propagating Gambeya africana from cuttings, take 10-15cm cuttings from a mature plant in summer. The cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in the soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not wet until the cutting has established itself in the soil.
Watering Needs
Gambeya africana requires regular watering to thrive, especially during its growing season. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. The plant is drought-tolerant, but it will not grow well if it is underwatered. Be sure not to over-water the plant as this can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.
Fertilization
Gambeya africana is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the early spring to give the plant a boost of nutrients. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and do not over-fertilize the plant.
Pruning
Pruning helps to remove dead, diseased or damaged branches, and it also helps to shape the plant. Gambeya africana does not require frequent pruning, but you can prune in winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches or to shape the plant. Prune the branches with clean, sharp shears, making sure not to cut too close to the buds as this can damage the plant.
Propagation of Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia
Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is a beautiful plant that can be propagated easily by following the steps below.
Propagating through stem cuttings
One of the most popular methods of propagating Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking healthy stem cuttings of about 10 to 15 centimeters in length, preferably from the mother plant's top section, hydrating the cuttings, dipping the cuttings in rooting hormone, and then planting them in a potting mix made of two parts sand and one part peat moss. These cuttings must be maintained in a warm, humid environment, away from direct sunlight. Within two to four weeks, the cuttings will form roots, and new leaves will emerge from the stem nodes.
Propagating through seeds
The other method of propagating Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is through seeds. This method involves cleaning the seeds, soaking them in water overnight, and scarifying them either manually or chemically to increase the seed coat's permeability. Scarification can be carried out using sandpaper, a file, or sulfuric acid. Scarification is necessary because the seeds' hard outer coat impedes germination. After scarification, the seeds are planted in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot should be kept in a warm environment, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds will typically germinate within two to four weeks.
Conclusion
Propagating Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is a straightforward process, and you can use either stem cuttings or seeds to propagate this plant. With proper care, the cuttings or seeds will develop into healthy Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia plants.
Disease Management
Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia is generally considered a hardy plant that is not prone to major disease problems. However, there are a few diseases that may affect the plant, which are described below:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection and results in the plant appearing wilted and stunted. To manage root rot, you should remove infected plants and improve soil drainage.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes spots to develop on the plant's leaves. To control leaf spot, you can apply fungicides and remove infected plant parts.
Pest Management
Gambeya africana var. oblongifolia may also be affected by pests. The following pests are common in these plants:
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of leaves. To control spider mites, you should regularly mist the plant to keep the leaves moist.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are common pests that feed on the plant's leaves. To control caterpillars, you can use bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or botanical insecticides.
Regularly checking your plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation can help prevent them from taking hold. Additionally, maintaining healthy growing conditions, such as providing adequate water and nutrients, can help the plant resist disease and pest pressure.
