Origin
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. This plant is native to the tropical areas of South America, specifically found in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Common Names
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is commonly known as "canelinha" in Brazil, which means "little cinnamon" in Portuguese, due to its bark's color. It is also known as "chuva-de-ouro" or "golden rain" in Portuguese, referring to its stunning yellow flowers.
Uses
The bark of Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is used in traditional medicine by indigenous people in South America to treat digestive and respiratory problems. It is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant's leaves also have medicinal value and are used to treat skin conditions like eczema and fungal infections. In addition to its medicinal uses, Guyonia intermedia Cogn. has economic value for its timber, which is used in construction, furniture making and woodworking.
General Appearance
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is a small, evergreen tree that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It has a dense and spreading crown with dark green, elliptical-shaped leaves, and a cinnamon-colored bark. The plant produces beautiful yellow flowers that grow in dense clusters at the end of its branches. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have five petals with a diameter of about 3-4 cm. The fruit of Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is an edible berry that turns bright red when ripe. The berries are used to make jams and preserves.
Light Requirements
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. grows well under full sun or partial shade conditions. The plant thrives best when exposed to sunlight for at least 4-6 hours every day. Direct sunlight is ideal for this plant, but it can also grow in areas with dappled sunlight and protection from hot afternoon rays.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm and humid climate. It can withstand temperatures as low as 12°C (54°F) during winter but does better in warm temperatures of around 18-20°C (64-68°F). Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) should be avoided as they can cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. thrives well in fertile, well-draining soils that are moist. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires adequate soil moisture and can withstand brief periods of flooding. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it is advisable to include compost or manure when planting or repotting the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Guyonia intermedia Cogn.
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is a tropical plant that requires sufficient light exposure and proper drainage. It grows well in warm temperatures and moist soils, which should be well-drained. When cultivating Guyonia intermedia Cogn., it's essential to select a fertile, well-draining potting mix and a pot that is large enough to accommodate the root system.
Watering needs for Guyonia intermedia Cogn.
Watering Guyonia intermedia Cogn. should be done regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the soil should be checked regularly for moisture to avoid over-drying or over-watering. If the leaves droop or turn brown, it's an indication of insufficient watering.
Fertilization for Guyonia intermedia Cogn.
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. requires frequent fertilization to maintain healthy growth and metabolism. A Liquid fertilizer, with a balanced nutrient such as NPK, should be applied bi-weekly to the soil during the growing season. Fertilizer use can be reduced in the winter but can still be applied monthly to support healthy growth.
Pruning for Guyonia intermedia Cogn.
Pruning Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is necessary to create a well-structured and attractive appearance. The plant benefits from being pruned lightly to control size and shape. In the spring, dead or damaged growth, or branches that interfere with the overall plant appearance, should be removed. Additionally, thinning out the center of the plant promotes better air circulation which reduces chances of disease and promotes development of lovely flowers.
Propagation of Guyonia intermedia Cogn.
Guyonia intermedia Cogn., also known as "Cacho de Venado," is a small flowering plant native to the South American countries of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Propagating Guyonia intermedia Cogn. can be done through various methods depending on the grower’s preference and resources.
Propagation by Seeds
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. produces small, hard seeds that can be harvested and propagated. Collect ripe seeds from the parent plant and store them in a cool, dry place until planting. Soil should have a pH of 4.5-5.5 and should include sand, peat moss, or perlite for proper drainage. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining potting mix and cover with a light layer of soil. Water the soil, keeping it moist but not water-soaked. It can take 1-3 weeks for germination to occur. Once seedlings are 1 inch tall, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. can be propagated by stem cutting, which is quicker than growing from seed. Take cuttings from a healthy parent plant, choosing a young stem without flowers. Cut 5-6 inches of stem with a clean, sharp blade and remove lower leaves, keeping only two or three at the top. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in moist, well-draining soil. Soak the soil with water, then cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist until the cutting develops roots, which generally takes 2-4 weeks. Once rooted, transplant the cutting to a permanent container or location in the garden.
Propagation by Division
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. can be propagated by division once the parent plant has developed multiple rhizomes. Carefully dig up the parent plant, keeping the rhizomes intact, and separate them into sections using a clean, sharp knife. Each section should have 2-3 stems and some roots attached. Replant these sections immediately in well-draining soil, water thoroughly, and keep soil moist until the plant is established.
Disease and Pest Management for Guyonia intermedia Cogn.
Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is an ornamental shrub that is native to South America. Though it is relatively hardy, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests. Proper management is necessary to protect the plant and ensure it thrives.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to provide good air circulation around the plant. Prune away infected plant parts, and avoid overhead watering. If the infestation persists, fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil can be applied.
Another common disease is root rot. Root rot occurs when the soil remains too wet and does not drain properly. The plant's roots become waterlogged and can no longer absorb nutrients. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and the plant's eventual death. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil has proper drainage and do not overwater the plant.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affects Guyonia intermedia Cogn. is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny bugs that suck the sap from the plant, leaving behind a stippled appearance on the leaves. They reproduce quickly and can rapidly infest the entire plant. The best way to manage spider mites is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These products must be applied directly to the mites to be effective.
Aphids are another common pest that can infest Guyonia intermedia Cogn. Aphids are soft-bodied insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can reproduce quickly, and their sticky honeydew can attract ants and other insects. The best way to manage aphids is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs are also a natural predator of aphids and can be introduced to the environment to help control the infestation.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management are essential to ensure the health and functionality of Guyonia intermedia Cogn. Monitoring the environment and preventing infestations before they occur is an important step in managing diseases and pests.
