Overview:
Landolphia axillaris Pichon is a woody, perennial climbing plant in the Apocynaceae family. This plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically in the countries of Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon.
Common Names:
Landolphia axillaris Pichon is commonly known as "Kaa-tsun" in Cameroon and "Bolondo" in Congo.
Uses:
The plant has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. In Cameroon, the bark of the plant is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea, while in Gabon, it is used as a remedy for malaria. The root of the plant is also used to treat snake bites. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used for its rubber. The stem exudes a white latex that can be used to produce rubber.
Appearance:
Landolphia axillaris Pichon is a climbing plant that can grow up to 15 meters in length. It has a smooth, green bark with small lenticels. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape, with a length of 6 to 10 cm and a width of 2.5 to 5 cm. The flowers are small, greenish-white and are arranged in terminal clusters. The fruit is a large, ovoid capsule that contains numerous seeds embedded in a fleshy pulp.
Light Requirements
Landolphia axillaris Pichon thrives in a well-lit environment. This plant requires full sun to partial shade, depending on the region where it grows. In its natural habitat, it can tolerate temperatures of up to 95°F, so it is essential to avoid areas with too much shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, so it requires a warm environment to grow correctly. Ideally, the temperature should range between 70°F and 85°F. Temperatures outside this range can result in stunted growth or even the death of the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in a greenhouse to regulate the temperature.
Soil Requirements
The growth of Landolphia axillaris Pichon is heavily influenced by the type of soil in which it grows. The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil's pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5, and the soil structure should be loamy and well-draining. It is essential to avoid planting the plant in areas with compacted soil or heavy clay, which do not provide the optimal drainage required by the plant to grow and develop.
Cultivation
Landolphia axillaris Pichon is a tropical plant species that requires a warm climate to grow. The plant prefers sandy loam soil that is well-draining. It thrives in areas with moderate to high humidity levels.
Landolphia axillaris Pichon requires a location with partial to full sunlight. The plant benefits from a sheltered spot that protects it from harsh winds and rain during the growing season.
The best time to propagate this plant is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Propagation can be done through seed or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Watering requirements for Landolphia axillaris Pichon will vary depending on the plant's age and the growing season. Younger plants will require more water than mature ones.
During the growing season, the plant requires frequent watering as the soil should not dry out. In contrast, during the dormancy phase, the watering should be reduced to prevent overwatering the plant. It is essential to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers because this can cause fungal diseases and lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization
Landolphia axillaris Pichon requires regular feeding during the active growing season. The best fertilizers to use are organic ones, which provide the necessary nutrients and promote healthy growth.
It is recommended to fertilize the plants every three months using a balanced liquid fertilizer, which contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Landolphia axillaris Pichon responds well to pruning, which is required during the growing season. Pruning serves to control the size of the plant, remove dead and damaged branches, and promote fuller growth.
It is advised to use clean and sharp garden tools to avoid spreading fungal diseases that can infect the plant. Cut the branches at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from sitting on the cut surface, which can cause rot.
Propagation Methods for Landolphia axillaris Pichon
Landolphia axillaris Pichon, also known as Buko in African countries, is a climbing plant native to West and Central Africa. This plant is propagated through different methods that include:
Seed Propagation
Propagating Landolphia axillaris Pichon from seeds is a common method. The seeds are collected from mature fruits, dried, and sown in a well-draining potting mix. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is kept moist for a long time, and the temperature is maintained between 23°C to 30°C. The seeds take between two to three weeks to germinate, and once they grow large enough, they can be transplanted into the desired location.
Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Landolphia axillaris Pichon is through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem from the mother plant, making sure it has at least one node for root development. The cutting should be about 10-15cm long and be free of diseases or pests. Dip the bottom end of the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. The stem cutting should be watered and kept in a warm and humid place, away from direct sunlight. The cutting should develop roots after four to six weeks, after which it can be transplanted into a permanent location.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Landolphia axillaris Pichon that can be done on mature branches. Select a healthy branch and cut a section of the bark away from the stem. Wound the cut area and wrap it with wet sphagnum moss and plastic wrap to hold moisture. After a few weeks, roots will start to develop in the wound area. After roots have developed, cut the branch below the rooting area and plant the rooted branch in a pot with potting soil.
Grafting
Grafting is another means of propagation for Landolphia axillaris Pichon. This method involves taking a scion from a parent plant and grafting it onto a compatible rootstock. The scion should have a minimum of three nodes, and the rootstock should be healthy and disease-free. After the grafting process, the plant should be covered and kept humid for the first few weeks. Once the graft has taken hold and starts to grow, the covering can be removed.
Propagation of Landolphia axillaris Pichon requires patience and careful attention to detail. The chosen propagation method should be suited for the grower's skill level and equipment available.
Disease and Pest Management for Landolphia axillaris Pichon
Landolphia axillaris Pichon is a plant species that is prone to various diseases and pests. The appropriate management of these problems is critical in ensuring the optimal growth and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Landolphia axillaris Pichon is leaf spot. Symptoms of leaf spot include the appearance of small, dark spots on the leaves, which may later develop into larger, irregular-shaped areas. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and can be controlled by promptly removing any affected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.
Another disease that is prevalent in Landolphia axillaris Pichon is root rot. Root rot is caused by various fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to the death of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include the wilting of leaves and stunted growth. Proper drainage of the soil and improving the aeration of the soil can help prevent the growth of the fungus. The application of a fungicide may also help to manage root rot.
Common Pests
Landolphia axillaris Pichon is also prone to pest infestations, which can cause considerable damage to the plant. One of the common pests that affect the plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny, and their presence may not be noticeable until they have caused considerable damage to the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, leading to the yellowing of leaves and defoliation. Regular inspection of the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, and the application of a miticide can help manage spider mite infestations.
The aphid is another common pest that infests Landolphia axillaris Pichon. Aphids can cause significant damage to the plant by transmitting viruses and sucking the sap from tender shoots, leading to distorted growth and deformation. The use of insecticidal soap and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can help manage aphid infestations.
It is essential to note that the use of chemical pesticides should only be the last resort as these pesticides can also harm beneficial insects. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying pesticides to ensure that the plant is not damaged.
