Origin
Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant species that is native to West Africa, particularly found in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Mbamba" in Ghana, and "Doka-doka" in Nigeria.
Uses
Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel has various uses in traditional medicine. The bark and roots of the plant possess medicinal properties that are used to treat various health conditions such as fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The plant is also used to relieve pains and aches, and to induce sleep.
The plant also has antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat skin infections and wounds. The wood of the plant is used to make traditional drums and other household items such as spoons and bowls.
General Appearance
Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a grey-brown bark that is flaky and rough. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, with a pointed tip and a glossy dark green upper surface. The plant produces small, fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by small, round, brown fruits.
The plant is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and savannahs in West Africa.
Light Conditions
The Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant prefers a partially shaded to fully shaded environment. It is intolerant of direct sunlight and may experience leaf scorching under these conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in an area where it can receive dappled light or indirect light, such as under the canopy of taller trees or in a shaded greenhouse.
Temperature Requirements
The Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant thrives in warm temperatures with high humidity levels. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 24-30°C (75-86°F). However, the plant is also capable of tolerating temperatures below 20°C (68°F), provided that the air is moist and humid. Extreme temperatures outside of the plant's preferred range may cause stunted growth, leaf drop, and other adverse effects. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature range within the recommended limits for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils. A soil pH level of 6.0-7.0 is considered ideal for this plant's growth and development. The soil should be rich in organic matter with good water retention capacity. The use of perlite or vermiculite may aid in improving the soil's drainage, ensuring that excess water does not accumulate around the plant's roots. Additionally, regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can promote healthy growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a tropical tree that grows best in warm and humid regions with well-drained soil and good sunlight. The plant can only tolerate mild frosts and drought conditions, but it can adapt to different soil types. Propagation of the plant can be done using seeds, grafting, or stem cuttings. When planting, ensure enough distance between the trees to allow for proper canopy growth.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is necessary for the healthy growth of Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel. It is important to strike a balance between under and overwatering. Underwatering can cause the tree to wither, while overwatering can lead to root rot. To maintain adequate moisture, water the trees once or twice a week during the dry season. In the rainy season, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging of the soil.
Fertilization
Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are recommended for the plant. NPK ratios of 2:1:1 or 4:2:2 work well. During the growing season, apply the fertilizer once every two months. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to plant damage.
Pruning
Pruning of Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel should be done annually to promote bushier growth and increase crop yield. Prune the branches that are crossing or rubbing each other, those that are diseased or damaged, and those that are not contributing to the overall shape of the tree. Prune in the dormant season or after the fruiting season to avoid interfering with the plant's growth and minimizing stress on the tree.
Propagation methods for Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Propagation of Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel can be done through various methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is through seeds. Collecting the ripe fruits and extracting the seeds is the first step. Clean and dry the seeds, then treat with fungicide to prevent fungal attacks. Soak the seeds for 24 hours in water, then plant them in a well-draining soil mixture, burying them at a depth of 1 cm. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature between 25-30°C. Germination can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel through cuttings is a bit more complicated, but this method has a higher success rate. Take cuttings from new shoots in the early morning and treat the cuttings with a rooting hormone to encourage the development of roots. Plant the cuttings in a well-aerated soil mix, taking care to prevent the soil from being too wet, which can cause rotting. Maintain the soil temperature between 20-25°C and high humidity by covering the cuttings with plastic until they form roots.
Air layering propagation
Propagation of Isolona soubreana A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel through air layering is another method that can be successful if done correctly. Select a healthy and strong branch from the plant, remove the outer layer of bark, and apply rooting hormone on the exposed area. Wrap the area with moist sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic film. After three months, the roots will have developed, and the branch can be cut and planted in a well-aerated soil mix.
Disease Management
Isolona soubreana is generally not susceptible to many diseases. However, one of the most common diseases that might affect the plant is root rot caused by fungi such as Pythium and Phytophthora. The disease is more common in soil with poor drainage and high humidity. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil has excellent drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Isolona soubreana is known to be susceptible to attack from pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny creatures that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. Scale insects and mealybugs are known to infest the plant in large numbers and suck sap from its leaves and stem, causing stunted growth.
One of the ways to manage spider mites is by regularly spraying the plant with water using a hose to remove them from the plant. You can also use insecticides and miticides to control their spread. For mealybugs and scale insects, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove them, or you can use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
