Origin
Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon is a plant species that originally came from Central Africa and can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon is commonly referred to as forest rubber vine, Kondowele, or Loutsi.
Uses
The plant is known for its latex, which can be extracted and used in the manufacturing of rubber products. The latex is rich in quality and is heavily sought after in the market. The stems and bark of the plant can also be used to make ropes, while the leaves can be used to produce a herbal medicine that is traditionally used to treat several diseases such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.
General Appearance
Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon is a woody climbing plant species that can grow up to 40 meters in length. It has oval-shaped leaves that are around 5-15 cm long and 2-10 cm wide. Its flowers are small with a greenish-yellow color, which then form into a green fruit that is about 5-8 cm long, textured, and hairy.
Light Requirements
The Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii plant requires a lot of indirect sunlight to grow correctly. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in an area that receives partial sun. If planted in an area with too much direct sunlight, its leaves can become scorched or discolored, leading to stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive. Temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C are ideal for its growth. However, during the winter season, it is best to maintain a minimum temperature of 16°C to 18°C. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C, and such a condition can lead to a slow growth rate or even lead to its death.
Soil Requirements
The Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii plant prefers well-draining soil. Soil should be loamy, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is essential to add organic matter such as compost or manure to enhance its soil quality. In addition, the plant can only survive in soils that can retain moisture but not waterlogged soil. Therefore, to provide adequate drainage, one should choose pots with drain holes.
Cultivation
Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii, commonly known as Thollon's cowvine, is a plant that is best grown in humid and warm climates. It can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This plant needs partial shade to thrive.
Watering Needs
Thollon's cowvine prefers consistent moisture in the soil, but it should not be overwatered. Watering should be done once a week, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the hot summer months, watering must be done more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out entirely.
Fertilization
Fertilizers should be applied once a month during the growing season, which usually starts in the spring and ends in the fall. Thollon's cowvine requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Additionally, applying a layer of compost once a year can provide the necessary nutrients for this plant.
Pruning
Pruning of the plant should be done regularly to maintain the desired shape and size and to encourage the growth of fresh foliage. Thollon's cowvine should be pruned lightly in the winter to avoid disturbing its flowering phase. Dead or damaged branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent pests and diseases from spreading throughout the plant.
Propagation of Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon
Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon, commonly known as "Thollon's milkvine," can be propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds can be sown directly in pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The pots should be kept in a warm and humid place, and the seeds will germinate in about 3-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger containers or planted in the field.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and each cutting should have at least two nodes. The bottom of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid place. The cuttings will root in about 4-6 weeks, and once they have established roots, they can be transplanted to larger containers or planted in a suitable area.
Disease Management
The Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon plant is susceptible to various diseases that can reduce its productivity and overall health. Here are some of the common diseases associated with this plant:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. It spreads through wind-blown spores and can be managed through the removal of infected plant parts and the use of fungicides.
- Root rot: Occurring due to both fungal and bacterial attacks, root rot causes the plant to wilt and die. It can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil and not overwatering the plant.
- Mosaic viruses: These viruses cause distorted and discolored leaves and can be transmitted through pests or by using contaminated tools. Infected plants must be removed and destroyed, and the surrounding plants must be monitored for signs of infection.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene and to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease. Any diseased part of the plant should be removed immediately, and the use of fungicides and insecticides may also be necessary in severe cases.
Pest Management
The Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. var. thollonii (Dewèvre) Pichon plant is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that affect this plant include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and rashes on the foliage. They can be managed by using insecticides or by regularly washing the leaves with water.
- Mealybugs: These pests resemble small cotton balls and can cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf curling. They can be managed by using insecticides or by treating the plant with alcohol-soaked cotton balls.
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing. They can be managed by using insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
To manage these pests, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene and to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of infestation. Any infected plant parts should be removed immediately, and the use of insecticides and other pest control measures may also be necessary.
