Description of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes.
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. is a perennial plant belonging to the Celastraceae family. The plant is native to sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in areas such as Angola, Somalia, and Tanzania.
Common Names
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. has a variety of common names. In Tanzania, it is known as "mwembetusi," in Angola, it is called "umbando," and in Kenya, it is referred to as "Mwanamwongo"
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. It is believed to have antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, stomachache, and fever. Additionally, the plant is used in reforestation efforts as it is known to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. The leaves of the plant are also used as fodder for livestock.
General Appearance
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. It has a rounded crown and a dense canopy of foliage. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate-shaped, with a glossy green appearance. The plant produces small, white flowers that are fragrant and produce small, red fruit. The bark of the plant is grayish-brown and has a rough texture.
Light Requirements
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. requires full sun exposure to grow properly. Inadequate light may cause stunted growth and insufficient leaf development. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 45°C during the hot summer months. However, it is essential to protect the plant from frost and extremely cold temperatures, which can be detrimental to its growth.
Soil Requirements
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. grows in a wide range of soil types. However, it thrives in well-draining soils with good organic matter content. The soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic soil but does not do well in extremely alkaline soils. It is recommended to apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and improve soil fertility.
Cultivation methods:
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. is a drought-resistant plant that prefers full sun and well-draining soils. It can be propagated easily from seeds or cuttings and grows well in both pots and in-ground. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but it is essential to avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Watering needs:
Watering regimes for Gymnosporia senegalensis require a balance between avoiding waterlogging and preventing the soil from drying out. It is recommended to water the plant deeply, saturating the root zone, and wait for the topsoil to dry out before watering again. During the dormant periods, it is critical to reduce watering to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization:
Gymnosporia senegalensis is a slow-growing plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, to promote healthy growth, it is recommended to fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the rate and timing of application to prevent over-fertilizing, which can cause salt buildup and damage the plant.
Pruning:
Pruning Gymnosporia senegalensis is vital to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. It is recommended to prune in the late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. The pruning should involve removing dead or damaged branches and shaping the plant to promote even distribution of light and airflow. It is essential to use clean pruning tools and to sterilize them to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes.
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes., commonly known as African bird plum or African savannah thorn, is a woody shrub or small tree that is native to eastern Africa and is widely distributed from Ethiopia to South Africa. It is drought-tolerant and has a wide range of uses including medicine, food, and timber. The plant is propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated from seeds. The seeds are collected from the plant during the fruiting season, which is usually from March to May. The seeds are then cleaned, dried, and stored in a dry and cool place until planting time. Before planting, the seeds must be scarified, which involves breaking the hard coat of the seed to allow for quicker germination. Scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few minutes or by rubbing the seeds against a rough surface. The seeds are then planted at a depth of 2-3 cm in the soil and are watered regularly. Germination of the seeds occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. can also be propagated asexually through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings, which are taken from the plant during the growing season, usually from May to September, are preferred for propagation. The cuttings are about 10-15 cm long and have 3-4 nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormones to encourage the formation of roots. The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite and kept moist. Rooting of the cuttings can take between 6-10 weeks. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. is susceptible to several diseases that can significantly impact its growth and productivity. Below are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Leaf spot disease
This disease is caused by fungi that infect the leaves, causing spots of varying colors. It can lead to the death of the plant if left untreated. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy all infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be sprayed on the plant regularly to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot disease
This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the root system, leading to the death of the plant. Plants infected with root rot will have stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage this disease, it is crucial to allow the soil to dry out between watering and avoid over-watering the plant. Application of fungicides can also be recommended.
Pest Management
Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. var. marangensis Loes. is also susceptible to attack by pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Below are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Mites
Mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wither and die. They are more prevalent in hot and dry conditions. To manage this pest, it is essential to maintain a humid environment around the plant by misting regularly. Additionally, spray and dust the plant with appropriate miticides.
Scale insects
Scale insects are also sap-sucking pests that can cause the plant's leaves to yellow and fall off. They secrete a sticky substance that encourages the growth of sooty mold, making the plant unsightly. To manage them, prune the infected areas and apply insecticide sprays to the plant thoroughly.
