Origin
Kolobopetalum chevalieri (Hutch. & Dalziel) Troupin is a flowering plant species endemic to West Africa, particularly found in the southern regions of the continent.
Common Names
Kolobopetalum chevalieri is known by several common names, including “Lampshade Plant,” “Egbe,” and “Dumaye.”
Uses
The plant has both medicinal and culinary uses. The leaves and roots of the plant are known to have medicinal properties, such as treating headaches, fever, and toothaches. In some regions, it is also used in traditional medicine to aid in pregnancy and childbirth. The fruit of Kolobopetalum chevalieri is edible and has a sweet, sour taste. Local communities use the fruit to make jams, jellies, and juice.
General Appearance
Kolobopetalum chevalieri is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 4 meters tall. The plant has a woody stem, and its leaves are arranged alternately. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and have an elliptic shape that tapers to a pointed tip. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is oval-shaped, approximately 1 cm long, and turns from green to yellow when ripe.
Light Requirements
Kolobopetalum chevalieri prefers to grow in partial shade to full sunlight. In its native range, it is often found growing under the canopy of larger trees, receiving dappled sunlight. When grown as a houseplant, it can adapt to lower light conditions but may not flower as abundantly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to West Africa, specifically Ghana and Nigeria, and it prefers to be grown in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It can tolerate brief drops in temperature, but prolonged exposure to colder temperatures can harm the plant. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
Kolobopetalum chevalieri prefers to grow in well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for this plant. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot when grown in overly wet conditions. It also prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5.
Cultivation
Kolobopetalum chevalieri is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in a bright and sheltered area, away from direct sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Potting soil mixed with organic matter like peat moss or perlite helps to improve soil quality. The plant also requires ample space to spread out its roots. It is recommended to transplant the plant every 2 to 3 years to allow for new growth.
Water Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering as this may lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the temperature, humidity level, and size of the container. It is recommended to water the plant every 5 to 7 days, or when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is important to ensure the plant grows healthy and strong. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. During the dormant season, fertilize the plant sparingly to avoid over-fertilization. It is recommended to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent root burn.
Pruning
Pruning can help to control the size and shape of the plant. It is best to prune the plant during the active growing season to encourage new growth. Use a sharp and sterilized pruning shear to remove any dead or damaged foliage. To control the size of the plant, prune back the stem tips as needed. The plant can also be trained to climb a trellis or support structure by gently tying the stems to the support using a soft string.
Propagation of Kolobopetalum chevalieri
Kolobopetalum chevalieri can be propagated both by seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seed
The seeds of Kolobopetalum chevalieri should be sown as soon as they ripen. The seeds are usually small and are best sown in a sunny, well-draining pot, around 2-3 cm deep. The pot should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2 weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be planted in individual pots and kept in partial shade until they are well established, which usually takes about 6 months.
Propagation by stem cuttings
The stem cuttings of Kolobopetalum chevalieri should be taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the basal part of the plant. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining pot containing a mix of sand and peat. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and should be kept in the shade. Rooting usually occurs within 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, the plastic bag can be removed, and the newly rooted plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In addition, newly propagated plants should be kept in partial shade until they are well established.
Disease management
Kolobopetalum chevalieri is relatively resistant to diseases, but it can still suffer from fungal infections that may cause leaf spots, stem rot, or root rot. To prevent diseases, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices by removing dead leaves and plant debris and avoiding overhead watering.
If the plant is already infected, you can apply copper-based fungicides or other approved fungicides on a regular basis until the disease is controlled.
Pest management
There are several pests that can attack Kolobopetalum chevalieri, including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests can cause discoloration, deformation, and stunted growth of leaves, flowers, and stems.
To prevent pest infestation, regularly inspect the plant and avoid overcrowding. You can also spray a mixture of neem oil or insecticidal soap and water on the affected areas to control the pests. Alternatively, use a systemic insecticide applied as a soil drench.
It is important to note that the use of pesticides should be minimal and only applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overuse of pesticides can lead to the development of resistant pest populations and harm beneficial insects.
