Origin and Common Names:
Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is commonly known as "tubaak" in Ethiopia and "africaine lierre" in French-speaking African countries. The plant is native to sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
Appearance:
The plant is a large climbing shrub or small tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Its stems are woody and its leaves are simple, alternate, and slightly wavy along the margin. The plant bears tiny white flowers that are arranged in small clusters and produce dark green, fleshy fruit capsules.
Uses:
The roots, bark, and leaves of Hippocratea africana var. schimperiana have been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as malaria, fever, intestinal parasites, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant's stem bark can be used to make fiber, which can be woven into baskets, mats, and other crafts. The plant is also used in the production of insecticides and pesticides.
Light Requirements
Hippocratea africana var. schimperiana prefers an environment with bright, indirect light. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can damage the plant's leaves and cause stunted growth. If grown indoors, place the plant near a window that receives moderate to bright light. Outdoor cultivation should be done in areas with partial or filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Hippocratea africana var. schimperiana is between 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the day and 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause damage to the plant. In colder climates or during winter seasons, it is essential to provide adequate warmth through heating systems or by covering the plant with protective cloths.
Soil Requirements
Hippocratea africana var. schimperiana thrives in well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH ranging from slightly acidic (6.0) to neutral (7.0) for optimal growth. The use of soil amendments, such as compost or aged manure, can improve soil fertility and structure. Place the plant in a pot or in the ground with enough soil depth to allow for adequate root growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. is a vine that thrives in warm climates and can grow up to 15 meters long. It is best cultivated in well-drained and moist soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant needs support as it grows, and it is advisable to provide it with a trellis or other suitable structure.
Watering Needs
The Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. requires consistent and regular watering to promote healthy growth. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot and other complications.
Fertilization
The Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. should be fertilized regularly to ensure optimum growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used, and it is recommended to apply it every three months. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize as this can lead to nutrient toxicity.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining the health and vitality of the Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. plant. The vine should be pruned once or twice a year, preferably during the dormant season. The objective of pruning is to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant, as well as to shape it to the desired form. Heavy pruning should be avoided as this can reduce the plant's growth and flowering potential.
Propagation of Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes.
Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. is a woody climbing vine that is propagated through seed and vegetative means.
Seed propagation
The ripe fruits of Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. are collected from the plant. The fruits are opened up, and the seeds are removed. The seeds can be cleaned using a fine mesh to remove any fruit pulp or debris.
Before planting the seeds, they should be scarified or soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat and improve germination rates. The seeds are then sown in seedling trays or nursed in polybags filled with sterilized soil. The seeding trays are normally kept under a shade until germination which takes between six to eight weeks.
When the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted in polybags or pots. Seedlings that have been started in seedling trays or polybags require careful handling while transplanting.
Vegetative propagation
Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. var. schimperiana (Hochst. & Steud. ex A.Rich.) Loes. can be propagated vegetatively by cuttings. Hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the mother plant are suitable. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone, after which they are planted in sand and covered with polybags to retain humidity. The polybag-covered pot with the cuttings is kept under shade, and the cuttings are watered regularly. The cuttings root in about 6-8 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Hippocratea africana var. schimperiana
Hippocratea africana var. schimperiana is a hardy plant, but like all plants, it can be affected by pests and diseases. It is essential to manage these issues to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: These tiny insects attack the plant by sucking out the sap, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphid infestation, you can use a strong jet of water to wash off the insects. Alternatively, you can spray insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate the pests.
2. Scale Insects: They are hard-to-spot pests that resemble small bumps on the plant's stem and leaves. They feed on the sap, causing the plant to wilt and leaves to drop. To manage scale insects, you can use rubbing alcohol or horticultural oil to suffocate them.
3. Spider mites: They are tiny pests that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They feed on the plant's sap, and their infestation leads to yellow, dry, and spotted leaves. To manage spider mites, you can increase the plant's humidity by misting the leaves or removing dust from them. Alternatively, you can spray insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the plant's leaves. It thrives in humid conditions and can spread quickly, causing the leaves to deform and drop. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, ensure proper air circulation, and apply fungicides.
2. Root Rot: It is a fungal disease that attacks the plant's roots, causing them to turn black and mushy. The infected plant cannot absorb water and nutrients, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, you must ensure the plant is growing in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
3. Bacterial Leaf Spot: It is a bacterial disease that appears as small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves. The spots enlarge, turn yellow, and eventually coalesce, killing the leaves. To manage bacterial leaf spot, you should avoid watering from above, remove infected leaves, and apply copper fungicides.
By following the above measures to manage pests and diseases, you can keep your Hippocratea africana var. schimperiana healthy and productive.
