Origin
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki, commonly known as the African helicopter tree or African gyroscope fruit, is a species of flowering plant in the Gyrocarpus genus. The plant is native to the African continent, where it can be found in several countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
Common Names
In addition to the African helicopter tree and African gyroscope fruit, this plant is also commonly known as the spinning top tree due to its unique, twisting seed pods which resemble children's spinning tops. Other common names for Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki include the helicopter seed tree, whirligig tree, and hotnotsgoed.
Uses
The seeds of Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki are traditionally used by indigenous African populations for medicinal purposes. The seeds are believed to have properties that can help treat conditions such as stomach ache, fever, and diarrhea. The plant's wood is also considered to be high quality and is used for furniture making, fuelwood, and other construction purposes.
General Appearance
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows between 3 to 10 meters in height. The tree has a spreading, umbrella-like canopy and a smooth bark that is mostly gray in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate in shape, and typically measure between 7 to 15 centimeters in length. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with male and female flowers produced on separate trees. The plant's most distinctive feature is its fruit, which is a large, woody, twisted seed pod that resembles a spinning top.
Light Requirements
The Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki plant requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It should be planted in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted in a shaded area, it will not grow well and may have stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow, and it cannot survive in cold climates. The ideal temperature range for the Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki plant is between 20-30°C. Below this range, the plant growth will slow down, and the leaves may fall off. Extreme heat can also impact the plant's growth and cause leaf wilting.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be rich in nutrients and have a neutral pH level between 6.5 to 7.5. It is also crucial to ensure that the soil has good drainage, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
The plant Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki, commonly known as "spinning jenny," can be grown in a variety of soils, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. It thrives in well-draining soils with a neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant grows best in full sun or partial shade and prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F.
Watering Needs
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between watering to avoid root rot. During the dormant season, reduce the watering to twice a month.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize the plant Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki once a year at the beginning of the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water thoroughly.
Pruning
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki does not require a lot of pruning. However, pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and control its size. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Trim the tips of branches to encourage lateral growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune the plant lightly to avoid stimulating drastic regrowth, which could limit flowering.
Propagation of Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki, commonly known as "spindle tree," can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus are usually sown in seedbeds and covered lightly with soil, followed by regular watering. The seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have reached a height of about 15 cm, they can be transplanted to a permanent location in well-drained soil with regular watering.
Propagation by Cuttings
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus can also be propagated by softwood cuttings. Cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length are taken from the current season's growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The base of the cuttings is dipped in rooting hormone before planting to promote rooting. The cuttings are then covered with a plastic bag or kept in a humid environment to maintain moisture levels. After about six to eight weeks, roots should have developed, and the new plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management for Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki is generally considered to be a hardy plant. However, it can still be affected by various diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect this plant:
Leaf Spot
This disease can be identified by the presence of brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by a fungus and can be managed by removing the infected leaves and ensuring that the plant has proper air circulation. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Mildew
Mildew is identified by the presence of a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by a fungus and can be managed by removing the infected plant parts and using fungicides.
Pest Management for Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki
Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki can also be affected by various pests. Here are some of the common pests that might affect this plant:
Mites
Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunting of growth. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or oils.
Aphids
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can infect Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki. They can cause yellowing of leaves and stunting of growth. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, oils, or insecticides.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies and they can feed on the leaves of Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. subsp. africanus Kubitzki. They can be identified by the presence of holes in the leaves. They can be managed by picking them off by hand or by using insecticides.
