Overview
Greenwayodendron suaveolens (Engl. & Diels) Verdc., also known as Greenway's saucer tree or akele, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is a native tree of tropical Central and East Africa.
Description
The Greenwayodendron suaveolens tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter up to 60 cm. The bark is smooth and grayish with fissures when older. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, up to 18 cm long and 6 cm wide, and arranged alternately on the branches. The tree produces flowers that are green to yellow and cup-shaped, and they bloom in clusters up to 7 cm wide. The fruit is a woody, round-shaped capsule that splits open, revealing numerous seeds that are enclosed in a fleshy pulp.
Common Names
The Greenwayodendron suaveolens tree has various common names, including Greenway's saucer tree, akele, mpanju, and mbulumbune.
Uses
The Greenwayodendron suaveolens tree has various uses. Its timber is used for furniture, buildings, and construction purposes. The bark and roots are used for medicinal purposes, as they are believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The tree also has cultural and economic significance in some African communities, where it is used for traditional rituals and as a source of food, as the fleshy pulp of the fruit is edible.
Light Requirements
Greenwayodendron suaveolens thrives in partially shaded to fully shaded environments. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause the plant to wilt. In the natural habitat, the plant grows under the canopy of larger trees, which provide shade and dappled sunlight. In indoor settings, the plant can grow well under artificial fluorescent lights or with natural light filtered through sheer curtains or blinds.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Greenwayodendron suaveolens growth is between 18 to 27 degrees Celsius (65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). In cooler temperatures, the plant may go dormant or experience stunted growth. In hotter temperatures, the plant's leaves may become yellow, dry, and eventually fall off. The plant can tolerate a cool winter dormancy period where temperatures can drop slightly below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few weeks.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Greenwayodendron suaveolens must be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The natural habitat of the plant consists of loamy soils with a pH range of 5 to 7.5. In cultivation, the plant grows well in a mix of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and sand in equal parts. The soil should be kept moist at all times but should not be waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. It is also recommended to add some slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to the soil to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Greenwayodendron Suaveolens
Greenwayodendron Suaveolens is a plant that is native to tropical Africa, and it does best in a tropical, humid climate. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on your climate and preferences. If you are keeping this plant indoors, it is best to keep it in a brightly lit area where it can receive plenty of sunlight.
When planting Greenwayodendron Suaveolens, it is important to ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. This plant prefers soil that is slightly acidic and maintains a pH value between 6.5 and 7.5. You can add some sand, perlite or vermiculite to the soil to help with drainage.
Watering Needs for Greenwayodendron Suaveolens
Watering is an essential part of caring for Greenwayodendron Suaveolens. You should water this plant frequently, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. If the soil dries out between watering, it can cause stress on the plant and lead to leaf drop.
You can water this plant thoroughly once a week or more depending on the environmental conditions. You can also mist the leaves with water to provide additional humidity for the plant.
Fertilization of Greenwayodendron Suaveolens
Greenwayodendron Suaveolens should be fertilized during the growing season to promote healthy growth. You can use a balanced, slow-released fertilizer to feed this plant every four to six weeks. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations and do not over-fertilize the plant, which can cause damage to its roots.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like vermicompost or fish emulsion to feed your plant every two weeks. These fertilizers will provide the necessary nutrients that the plant requires for healthy growth.
Pruning Greenwayodendron Suaveolens
Pruning is essential to keep Greenwayodendron Suaveolens looking healthy and vibrant. You should prune any damaged or diseased leaves and stems as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
To promote bushier growth and buy time for the main stems to grow thicker, you can tip prune the branches when the plant is young, or cut off the top part of the stem as this plant has a tendency to grow tall and lanky. However, it is not necessary to prune this plant regularly; only prune when required.
Propagation of Greenwayodendron suaveolens
Greenwayodendron suaveolens, commonly known as Greenway's incense tree, is a small tree or shrub native to East Africa. The plant is propagated through both sexual and asexual propagation methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces seed pods, which can be harvested once they turn brown and begin to split open. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24-48 hours before sowing them.
The seeds are sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The trays should be kept moist and placed in a warm and bright location. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, typically 4-6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual containers. The young plants should be kept in a shaded location until they are established and can tolerate direct sunlight.
Asexual Propagation
Greenwayodendron suaveolens can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood, which is mid to late summer. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches in length and have a few leaves attached.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. The container should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright, and sheltered location.
Roots will form in 4-6 weeks, and the young plants can be transplanted into individual containers. The container should be placed in a shaded location until the plant is established.
Propagation of Greenwayodendron suaveolens is relatively easy, and the plant can be a delightful addition to any garden.
Disease Management
Greenwayodendron suaveolens is susceptible to various diseases. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and shoot blights. To manage, remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage, avoid overhead watering, prune infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide.
- Root Rot: This disease causes root decay and can be caused by both fungi and bacteria. To manage, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plant parts.
Pest Management
Greenwayodendron suaveolens is also susceptible to pest attacks. Some common pests that can affect this plant are:
- Scale Insects: These pests suck the sap out of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop. To manage, remove the pests by hand, prune infested plant parts, and apply an insecticide.
- Caterpillars: These pests can chew holes through the leaves and cause defoliation. To manage, remove the caterpillars by hand and apply an insecticide.
- Leaf Miners: These pests tunnel through the leaves and cause yellowing and distortion. To manage, prune infested plant parts, and apply an insecticide.
