Origin
Keetia zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Bridson subsp. gentilii (De Wild.) Bridson is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of East Africa, specifically found in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.
Common Names
The plant has various common names such as Zanzibar copal, East African copal, and gum copal. In Swahili, the plant is referred to as Msufi, which translates to "the healer."
Uses
The Keetia zanzibarica plant has various medicinal properties and has been used for hundreds of years in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach ulcers, malaria, and respiratory infections. Due to its antibacterial properties, it has also been used to treat wounds and as an antiseptic. In addition, the resin produced by the plant has been used for centuries as incense, perfume, and in traditional rituals.
General Appearance
The Keetia zanzibarica plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 18 meters tall. It has a smooth, greyish-brown bark, with dark green leaves that are about 6 to 13 cm long and 3 to 6 cm wide. The leaves are opposite, elliptical, and leathery. It produces fragrant, white flowers that turn yellow as they mature. The plant produces a resin known as copal, which is amber in color and is harvested by making incisions on the bark.
Light Requirements
Keetia zanzibarica subsp. gentilii prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it is important to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day if growing the plant outdoors.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions, with a temperature range between 18-28°C (65-82°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause leaf drop and slow growth. Avoid placing it near drafts or air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Keetia zanzibarica subsp. gentilii should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is recommended. The pH level should be slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5.
It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Cultivation Methods
Keetia zanzibarica subsp. gentilii is best grown indoors or in a tropical climate with consistent temperatures and humidity. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer, and seeds should be planted as soon as they are ripe.
Watering Needs
Keetia zanzibarica subsp. gentilii requires consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry and provide enough water to saturate the soil, but ensure that any excess water drains away.
Fertilization
Keetia zanzibarica subsp. gentilii benefits from occasional fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer and apply it during the growing season as directed on the package. Do not fertilize during the winter months, as the plant is dormant and does not require additional nutrients.
Pruning
Keetia zanzibarica subsp. gentilii benefits from occasional pruning to promote bushier growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth begins using clean, sharp pruning shears. Cut back any dead or damaged growth, and trim back any overgrown or leggy stems to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Keetia zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Bridson subsp. gentilii (De Wild.) Bridson
Keetia zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Bridson subsp. gentilii (De Wild.) Bridson, commonly known as Zanzibar chocolate or Mkilifi, is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The tree is native to East Africa and is popular for its beautiful foliage and edible fruits. Propagation is an important process for maintaining and increasing the population of the plant species. The following are some of the propagation methods for Keetia zanzibarica:
Seed Propagation:
Propagation of Keetia zanzibarica can be done through seeds that can be obtained from the ripe fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in clean water for 24 hours before sowing. The sowing should be done in a well-draining soil mixture with added organic matter. The seedlings usually emerge after 2-4 weeks and should be kept in a warm and humid environment with filtered light. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have developed enough roots and leaves.
Cuttings Propagation:
Propagation of Keetia zanzibarica can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the healthy and mature branches of the tree. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm in length and should be treated with rooting hormones before planting in a prepared rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment with filtered light until they develop roots and shoots. The rooted cuttings can then be transplanted to individual pots or to the field.
Air layering propagation:
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Keetia zanzibarica. This method involves making a wound on the branch of the plant and then covering it with a rooting medium such as sphagnum moss and wrapping it with a plastic or aluminum foil. Roots will then emerge from the wound and grow in the rooting medium. The rooted section can then be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a prepared potting medium.
Grafting Propagation:
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for Keetia zanzibarica. This method involves selecting a healthy rootstock and scion. The scion should be obtained from a healthy and mature tree while the rootstock should be obtained from a vigorous seedling. The selected scion is then grafted onto the rootstock, and the joined section is covered with a grafting tape to enable the healing process. The grafted plants should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until they start growing.
Disease Management
The Keetia zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Bridson subsp. gentilii (De Wild.) Bridson is prone to several fungal and bacterial diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect this plant:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small, circular, brownish or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow to blackish-brown powdery spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing the infected leaves and applying a fungicide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose causes leaf spots that turn black. It usually occurs in humid conditions. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves and can be controlled by applying a fungicide.
- Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is characterized by the appearance of water-soaked spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply a bactericide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Keetia zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Bridson subsp. gentilii (De Wild.) Bridson is also prone to attacks by several pests. Here are some of the common pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a miticide or insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that suck the sap from the leaves and stems. To manage this pest, remove the scales by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied pests that appear as white, fluffy masses on the leaves and stems. To manage this pest, wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply an insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves by sucking the sap. They can be controlled by using a systemic insecticide or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves and cause considerable damage to the plant. They can be controlled by picking them off the plant or applying a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis.
