Overview: Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller
Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller is a fascinating plant species in the family Apocynaceae. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, the Central African Republic, and Congo, where it grows in lowland rainforests. This plant is known by various common names such as Bongandanga in Lingala, Ntchini in Swahili, and common cheesewood or Landolphia in English.
Appearance:
The Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller is a perennial plant featuring a strong, woody stem, which grows up to 20 meters long and can reach a diameter of up to 20 centimeters. The leaves of the plant are simple, opposite and elliptical with a leathery texture, which measures approximately 8-13 cm in length and are dark green on the upperside, and lighter underneath. This plant species blooms between September and November, producing small flowers clustered into dense axillary inflorescences. The flowers range in color from greenish-yellow to yellowish-white, with a diameter of 1cm. The fruits of the Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller are elongated woody capsules, measuring up to 10cm in length, filled with brown seeds with cottony hairs.
Uses:
The plant Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller is used ethnobotanically by the inhabitants of Central and West Africa. The sap of the root is traditionally used for treating various ailments such as skin infections and wounds. In addition, the plant's latex and bark contain alkaloids, which have shown to exhibit antimicrobial and antibacterial activity in scientific studies. This activity makes the plant a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents. The seeds of the plant are edible and are roasted and then eaten in parts of central Africa. Landolphia parviflora also has other commercial uses. The latex of the plant is used for making rubber products such as golf balls and surgical gloves, whereas the bark is used for making twines, fishing nets, and cordage.
Light requirements
Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller requires bright, but not direct, sunlight in order to grow properly. It's an understory plant, meaning it's adapted to survive under the canopy of larger trees where the light intensity can be moderate to low. Exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods of time may cause burning to the plant's leaves.
Temperature preferences
The plant prefers warm temperatures, with a range of 20-30°C being optimal for its growth. It's known to be quite tolerant of higher temperatures, but cold temperatures can be harmful to the plant. Temperatures below 10°C can lead to stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and even death of the plant.
Soil requirements
Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral pH. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soils, as this can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant. It requires soils that are rich in organic matter, as this helps to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. However, too much fertilizer can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Cultivation Methods
Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller is a tropical vine that prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C. It can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings and requires well-draining soil that retains moisture.
The plant is suitable for both outdoor and indoor cultivation and requires support or a trellis for the vine to climb. In outdoor cultivation, the plant should be protected from strong winds and should receive partial shade to full sun exposure.
Watering Needs
The Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the humidity and temperature of the environment; however, it is advisable to water the plant once or twice a week. It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and fungal growth.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, the Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller plant requires regular fertilization. The plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer with a formulation of 20-20-20 during the growing season from spring to summer.
The fertilizer should be applied once every two weeks, and the application should be reduced during the winter months. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and decrease flowering.
Pruning
The Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller plant may require pruning to control its growth and enhance its appearance. Pruning should be done at the end of the growing season, and the cutting should be angled at 45 degrees to discourage waterlogging and fungal growth.
Dead or unhealthy branches should be removed, and the remaining branches should be cut back by one-third to encourage new growth.
Regular pruning can also promote flowering and prevent the plant from becoming too bushy.
Propagation of Landolphia Parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller
Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller is a tropical plant usually propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering. However, the use of seeds is the most widely used method because of the ease and convenience of propagation.
Seed Propagation
Fresh seeds are preferable for propagation, and the seeds germinate easily with similar requirements to most tropical plants. The seeds should be washed in running water, dried, and sown immediately in a moist, fertile, and well-drained soil mix in a seedling tray or small polythene bags with holes for aeration.
The polythene bags should be placed under shade, and the seedbeds should be kept moist until the emergence of seedlings. The seedlings must be looked after carefully until they are stable enough to transplant, which typically takes about 3-4 weeks, at which point they can be transferred to their permanent positions.
Cutting Propagation
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be used to propagate Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller. The cuttings are taken from healthy and vigorous plants, preferably during the growing season. The best cuttings are usually 10–15 cm long and contain 3-4 nodes.
The lower part of the cutting, approximately 2-3 cm, is treated with rooting hormones, and the cutting is then planted in a rooting medium, usually composed of a mixture of sand and peat moss or other rooting mediums. The cuttings are then covered with polythene bags to maintain high humidity and better survival. Rooting usually takes 6-8 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller propagates easily through layering. In this method, a mature plant is gently undisturbed from its original position, and a stem or branch is bent down to the ground. The stem is then wounded slightly and covered with soil to stimulate the formation of roots. The layer is then watered regularly and tends to root in approximately six months.
After rooting has occurred, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant by cutting the stem that connects them and transplanted to a permanent position.
Disease and Pest Management of Landolphia parviflora
Landolphia parviflora K.Schum. ex Möller, commonly known as the climbing rubber vine, is a plant species that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa and is mainly cultivated for its rubber content.
Common Diseases of Landolphia parviflora
The plant is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including leaf spot, stem canker, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot disease causes reddish-brown spots on the leaves, which may eventually dry up and fall off. Stem canker is characterized by the development of sunken cankers on the stem that can girdle and kill the plant. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems.
Management of Fungal Diseases
To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation practices, such as removing fallen leaves and debris around the plant. Applying fungicides is also an effective means of controlling fungal diseases. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides, sulfur, and neem oil can be applied to prevent and control fungal infections.
Common Pests of Landolphia parviflora
The plant is also infested by various insects, including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Aphids suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. Mealybugs create white, cottony masses on leaves and stems, and spider mites cause brown, yellow, or white spots on leaves.
Management of Insect Pests
To manage insect pests, it is essential to maintain proper cultural practices, including regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning to keep the plant healthy. Applying insecticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin, and spinosad can be effective in controlling insect pests. Additionally, introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also help to control pest populations.
Conclusion
By maintaining good cultural practices, applying appropriate fungicides and insecticides, and monitoring the plant regularly, you can effectively manage common diseases and pests that affect Landolphia parviflora.
