Overview: Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. The plant is commonly known as "Makawu" in Cameroon and "Makok" in Gabon. It is native to Central Africa and can be found in the countries of Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Appearance:
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The trunk of the tree is straight and cylindrical and can reach up to one meter in diameter. The bark is grey and smooth in young trees but becomes rough and fissured in older trees. The leaves are simple, opposite, elliptic to obovate, with a length of 6-16 cm and a width of 3-7 cm. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color, and the fruits are fleshy, ellipsoid, and 3-4 cm long.
Uses:
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a valuable plant in folk medicine. The bark is used to treat various illnesses including malaria, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal disorders. The bark is also used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. In Gabon, the tree is used for timber including construction, furniture, and fuelwood. The bark is used to make rope, and the leaves are used for livestock forage.
In conclusion, Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a large tree native to Central Africa known for its valuable medicinal properties. The plant's bark, leaves, and fruits have different applications, from timber, rope, and forage to treatment of various illnesses such as malaria and pneumonia. The plant further provides an essential habitat for various fauna and serves as a natural heritage that requires conservation and responsible exploitation.Light Requirements
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in low light conditions. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant near a window that receives plenty of natural light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to wilt, scorch, or even die.
Temperature Requirements
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. thrives in temperatures ranging from 18-25 °C (65-77 °F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but is extremely sensitive to cold drafts, which can cause severe damage to the leaves. Therefore, ensure that the plant is kept in a draft-free area.
Soil Requirements
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil should retain some moisture while allowing excess water to drain easily, preventing waterlogging that can lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical plant and is found in the humid forests of western and central Africa. The plant requires a warm and humid environment to grow and thrive. The ideal temperature for its growth is between 20-30°C.
The plant requires well-drained soil and does best in loamy soils. Growers should ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH range of 5.0-6.5. The plant is also susceptible to wind damage, so it's essential to ensure it's not exposed to strong winds.
Watering Needs of Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr.
The plant needs adequate watering during the growing season. Growers must ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Irrigation should be done during the dry season to keep the plant alive. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization of Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Regular fertilization is necessary for the plant's growth and development. Growers can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure, which should be applied to the soil at the beginning of the growing season. It's also essential to use a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilization can be done three times a year; at the beginning of the growing season, during flowering, and fruiting.
Pruning of Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and size. Growers should prune the plant at the end of the flowering season to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Pruning also stimulates new growth and increases fruit production. It's essential to use sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. is propagated through seeds, cuttings, and layerings.
Propagation through seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown directly in the ground during the rainy season. Seeds should be sown at a shallow depth, about 1-2 cm, and should be kept moist. Germination takes about 2-4 weeks, and a temperature of 25-30° C is ideal for seed germination. However, the seeds should not be exposed to direct sunlight, and it is best to sow them in a partially shaded location.
Propagation through cuttings
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be propagated through stem cuttings taken from a healthy plant. The cuttings should ideally be taken during the rainy season and should be 10-15 cm long with 3-4 nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in well-prepared beds or pots containing soil mixed with sand. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a partially shaded location until they develop roots, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.
Propagation through layerings
Hymenodictyon gobiense Aubrév. & Pellegr. can also be propagated through layering. For this method, a healthy branch is selected and bent down to the ground. The branch is then partially buried in the soil, leaving a portion of it exposed. The area of the branch that is exposed should be scraped slightly to encourage rooting. The exposed portion of the branch should be kept moist until roots develop, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the layered branch can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to its final location.
Disease Management
The most common disease that affects Hymenodictyon gobiense is root rot, which is caused by Phytophthora species. This disease is favored by waterlogged soil and poor drainage and can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and to improve drainage in the soil. Affected plants should be removed and treated with fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Hymenodictyon gobiense is powdery mildew, which is caused by fungi in the Erysiphales order. Symptoms of powdery mildew include a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant and to avoid overcrowding. Affected plants can be treated with fungicides or by removing the infected parts of the plant.
Pest Management
The most common pests that attack Hymenodictyon gobiense are mealybugs and scale insects. These pests can cause stunted growth, yellowing or browning of leaves, and even death of the plant. To manage mealybugs and scale insects, it is important to inspect the plants regularly and remove any visible pests manually. The use of insecticidal soap and oil sprays can also be effective in controlling infestations.
Another pest that can be troublesome for Hymenodictyon gobiense is the leaf miner. These are the larvae of certain insects that burrow into the leaves of the plant, causing tunnels or mines that reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage leaf miners, it is important to remove and dispose of infected leaves and to encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps and flies. Insecticides can also be used as a last resort if the infestation is severe.
