Description
Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. var. arborescens, commonly known as "Parsley Tree," is an evergreen tree growing up to 6 meters tall. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes celery, parsley, and carrot.
Origin
The plant is native to South Africa and can be found in other African countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It is also cultivated in some parts of the world, including Europe, for its ornamental value.
Common Names
Parsley Tree is the most common name for Heteromorpha arborescens var. arborescens. In South Africa, it is also known as "Mukalawinja" in Xhosa and "Umsuzwane" in Zulu.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal uses. The bark and roots have been traditionally used to treat a range of ailments such as stomach ailments, diarrhea, and dysentery. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties as it is used to relieve pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis. Additionally, the plant is used in some cultures as a good luck charm, warding off evil spirits.
General Appearance
The Parsley Tree has a dark green crown of leaves that resembles parsley. The leaves are twice or thrice pinnately lobed and measure up to 15 cm in length. The plant blooms small white flowers in umbels that develop into small brown fruits. The bark of the tree is brown and fissured, and it exudes a sweet smell when cut. The Parsley Tree's general appearance is quite stunning, making it a common feature in landscaping.
Light Requirements
Heteromorpha arborescens typically grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may become leggy and lose its compact form. When grown in full sun, it tends to produce more flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers warm temperatures. It grows best in areas with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F (21-30°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures but may stop growing during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Heteromorpha arborescens prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 5.5-6.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. However, it is important to avoid poorly drained soils as this can lead to root rot.
The plant should be grown in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter to provide adequate nutrients. Adding organic matter can improve soil texture and water retention, which can help the plant grow and thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. var. arborescens, commonly known as the Parsley Tree, is a hardy plant that can grow well both in pots and outdoor gardens. The plant prefers a well-draining soil mixture and a warm, sunny location to thrive.
The Parsley Tree can grow up to 6 meters tall, and it requires a large pot or ample space in the garden for the roots to spread out. When planting, ensure that the soil is loosened and mixed with organic matter to enhance water retention.
Watering Needs
The Parsley Tree prefers consistent, light watering. As such, it is best to water the plant twice a week during summer and once a week during spring and autumn. During winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks to avoid root rot.
When watering, make sure to saturate the soil to the roots' depth. Allow the soil to dry a few centimeters before watering again.
Fertilization
The Parsley Tree requires adequate nutrients to grow well and produce healthy foliage. As such, fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growth season (spring and summer). You can use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 to supplement the plant's growth.
During autumn and winter, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month to match the plant's slow growth rate.
Pruning
Pruning promotes healthy growth and helps maintain the Parsley Tree's shape. You can prune the plant during winter to remove dead or damaged branches.
You can also prune the Parsley Tree to a desired shape or height. However, avoid heavy pruning as the plant may not recover well.
Regular pruning ensures that the Parsley Tree produces new growth, improves the foliage's appearance, enhances air circulation, and promotes the plant's health.
Propagation of Heteromorpha arborescens var. arborescens
Heteromorpha arborescens var. arborescens can be propagated using various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Heteromorpha arborescens var. arborescens is by collecting its seeds. The seeds should be collected when they are mature, which is usually in the late summer to early autumn. The collected seeds are then dried and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted.
When planting the seeds, it is best to use well-draining soil and to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings have grown to be large enough, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by cuttings
Heteromorpha arborescens var. arborescens can also be propagated using cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer, while hardwood cuttings can be taken in the winter.
The cuttings should be about 6 inches long, with a few leaves on the upper end. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil and kept moist until they root.
Propagation by division
Heteromorpha arborescens var. arborescens can also be propagated by division. This method is best used for mature plants that have been growing for several years.
The plant should be dug up and carefully separated into individual plants. Each plant should have its own set of roots and shoots. The plants can then be transplanted into the garden or into a larger pot with well-draining soil.
Disease Management
The Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. var. arborescens plant is generally resistant to diseases. However, certain environmental conditions such as high humidity and low light intensity may make it susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy the affected plant parts, improve air circulation and light intensity, and avoid overhead watering. Rust can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts and improving air circulation. Leaf spot can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plants, avoiding overhead watering, and maintaining good sanitation.
Pest Management
The Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. var. arborescens plant may be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune and destroy heavily infected parts, and maintain good sanitation. Spider mites can be managed by improving air circulation, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and spraying plants with water. Mealybugs can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil, manually removing them from the plant, and maintaining good sanitation.
