Origin
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis, commonly known as the Mayumba liana, belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is native to tropical West Africa.
Common Names
The Mayumba liana has various common names such as Mayumba rubber, Mboma, and Assankpe in different African regions where it grows.
Uses
The plant has significant economic importance in the African region. The latex obtained from the stem bark of the plant is a source of rubber for industries. Moreover, the leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments like dysentery, fever, and bronchitis. The bark of the plant can be used to produce ropes and threads, while the wood of the liana can be used for building, carpentry, and handicrafts.
General Appearance
The Mayumba liana is a woody climber that can grow up to 30 meters long. The plant's leaves are simple, leathery, and glossy with a dark green color, while the flowers are yellowish. The fruits produced by the plant are woody capsules that contain numerous flat and thin seeds.
Light Requirements
Landolphia owariensis var. mayumbensis requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. Insufficient light can result in stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to tropical regions and requires warm temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 25-30°C (77-86°F). Temperatures below 20°C (68°F) can cause the plant to stop growing or even die.
Soil Requirements
Landolphia owariensis var. mayumbensis prefers well-drained, organic-rich soils. It grows well in loamy soils that retain some moisture but do not become waterlogged. Soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging between 5.5-6.5.
For optimal growth, the soil should be supplemented with organic matter such as compost or manure. Fertilizer can also be added to the soil to ensure the plant has access to essential nutrients.
Cultivation methods
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis is a climbing shrub that requires support to stay upright. For cultivation, it is recommended to plant the seeds or propagate from cuttings. The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil with good organic matter content. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil remains moist.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis depend on the weather conditions and the stage of growth of the plant. It requires regular watering during the dry season to maintain adequate moisture levels. It is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other problems. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week or more frequently during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 is ideal. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, starting in early spring. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to promote healthy growth and maintain the shape of Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis. It is recommended to prune the plant after flowering to remove any dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant. The plant can be pruned back by up to a third of its size. Pruning during the growing season can stimulate new growth and promote flowering.
Propagation of Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces pods that contain viable seeds. To propagate the plant through seeds, extract seeds from the pods and soak them in warm water for 24 hours to soften their hard coating. After soaking, dry seeds for a few hours and sow them in moist sandy soil or seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and ensure the soil remains moist continuously. The germination process may take up to two months, and once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into bigger pots or beds.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves taking cuttings or dividing roots to create new plants that are identical to the parent plant. Here are the steps to follow when propagating through cuttings and division:
Cuttings Propagation
1. Select healthy stems suitable for cuttings and make a clean sharp cut below the leaf node.
2. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it in a pot or a well-prepared bed.
3. Water the cutting and place it in a shady area with good air circulation.
4. Keep the soil moist continuously, and roots should develop after 2-3 weeks.
5. Transplant the rooted cutting to a bigger pot or bed after it develops new leaves and a strong root system.
Division Propagation
1. Dig up the parent plant during the dormant season.
2. Clean the roots and divide it into sections with a clean and sharp knife.
3. Replant the divided sections in pots or on prepared beds.
4. Water the divided sections and place them in a shaded area with good air circulation.
5. Continue to water the divided sections and maintain uniform soil moisture until the plants establish successful.
Disease Management
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis, commonly known as the bush mango, is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It can cause small, circular, sunken lesions on the leaves, which can spread and become larger over time. Infected fruits may also develop dark, sunken spots.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves, which can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It can cause small, circular, brown or black spots on the leaves, which can coalesce and become larger over time.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices. This includes removing infected plant material, pruning diseased branches, and disposing of infected fruits. Regularly spraying the plant with fungicides can also help prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. mayumbensis is also susceptible to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Fruit flies: These pests can cause damage to the fruit of the plant, making them unsuitable for consumption. Infested fruits may also become discoloured and soft.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can feed on the leaves and fruit of the plant, causing significant damage to the plant.
- Mealybugs: These pests can suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to yellow and die over time.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Removing and disposing of infested plant material can help prevent the spread of pests. Regularly spraying the plant with insecticides can also help prevent pest infestations.
