Origin:
Landolphia scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Didr. var. ferruginea Hallier f. is a species of the climbing plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is a plant indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa and is found in various countries within the continent, including Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo.
Common Names:
Landolphia scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Didr. var. ferruginea Hallier f. is commonly referred to as the 'African rubber vine,' 'Tangala rubber vine,' 'Tangala rubber,' 'Agwugwu rubber vine,' and 'Paa Jeen Kwa rubber vine' in different regions in which it grows.
Uses:
The plant has several medicinal properties that have been used to effectively treat various ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, and malaria. The latex of the plant is also used traditionally for waterproofing of fabrics and as a source of natural rubber for the manufacture of a variety of rubber-based products. Additionally, the plant's leaves have been used to make soups and stews in some African cultures.
General Appearance:
Landolphia scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Didr. var. ferruginea Hallier f. is a climbing woody vine that can reach up to 3-5 meters in length. The plant has glossy green leaves that range from 7-20 cm long and 5-15 cm wide, and it has a latex-rich stem and branches. The flowers are small, yellow, and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit of the plant is a large woody capsule that contains many seeds, and the latex is milky white and sticky.
Light Requirements
Landolphia scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Didr. var. ferruginea Hallier f. grows best in full sun to partial shade. However, it can tolerate some shade but it may affect its growth rate and flowering. It is advisable to plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Landolphia scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Didr. var. ferruginea Hallier f. is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C but may not grow optimally. On the other hand, high temperatures above 35°C may slow down the growth rate of the plant. It is important to note that temperature fluctuations may negatively affect the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Landolphia scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Didr. var. ferruginea Hallier f. grows well in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth and development. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging may lead to root rot. It is important to maintain proper soil moisture levels by watering the plant regularly but not excessively.
Cultivation
Landolphia scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Didr. var. ferruginea Hallier f. is a tropical vine species that is grown in many parts of Africa for its rubbery latex. The plant requires a warm and humid climate, making it ideal for the tropics. It is usually propagated through seeds, and the ideal planting time is during the rainy season.
When choosing a planting site, ensure that it has well-drained soil. The plant requires partial shade, and it should be protected from strong winds.
Watering Needs
Landolphia scandens requires adequate water for optimal growth and latex production. The plant should be watered to maintain a moist soil condition, especially during dry seasons. However, care must be taken not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.
The ideal watering frequency may vary depending on factors such as the soil type, temperature, and humidity. As such, it is recommended to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and latex production, Landolphia scandens requires fertilization. However, the specific fertilizer requirements may vary depending on the soil type and the plant's stage of growth.
The most suitable fertilizers for the plant are those that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers, such as compost, as they provide a slow and steady release of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Landolphia scandens cultivation. It helps to promote growth, maintain a healthy plant, and increase latex production.
The best time to prune the plant is during the dry season when the plant is dormant. Pruning entails removing any damaged or diseased foliage and cutting back the vines to promote new growth.
It is important to note that Landolphia scandens may produce a milky sap when cut. As such, when pruning the plant, care must be taken to avoid direct contact with the eyes and skin.
Propagation of Landolphia scandens var. ferruginea
Landolphia scandens var. ferruginea can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
The recommended time for sowing Landolphia scandens var. ferruginea seeds is during the rainy season or early in the dry season. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coat and improve germination. After soaking, the seeds should be planted directly in the soil or in seedling trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered with a light layer of soil and kept moist until germination occurs, which typically takes about 2-4 weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be gradually hardened off before transplanting them to their permanent location.
Stem cutting propagation
Landolphia scandens var. ferruginea can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy stem cuttings that are about 15-20 cm in length, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, and plant the stem in a well-draining potting mix. The stem should be kept moist and in a shaded area until roots develop, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to direct sunlight before transplanting it to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management of Landolphia scandens var. ferruginea
Disease and pest management are crucial for maintaining healthy and productive Landolphia scandens var. ferruginea plants, which are known for their rubber-producing properties. The following are common diseases and pests that might affect L. scandens var. ferruginea and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect L. scandens var. ferruginea is the black leaf disease, caused by the fungus Capnodium citri. This disease can cause premature defoliation and reduced latex production. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide like copper-oxychloride.
Another fungal disease that can affect L. scandens var. ferruginea is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and treat with a fungicide like carbendazim.
Powdery mildew caused by Oidium sp. is also been reported on the leaves of Landolphia species. To manage this disease, space the plants to increase the air circulation and reduce humidity. Spraying with registered fungicide can also help.
Pests
L. scandens var. ferruginea is also prone to pest infestations. One of the common pests that can infest the plant is mealybugs. These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and reduce the latex production. To manage mealybug infestations, prune the affected plant parts and treat with an insecticide like imidacloprid or acetamiprid.
Another pest that can infest L. scandens var. ferruginea is the red spider mite. These mites can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves and reduce the latex production. To manage red spider mites, increase humidity by watering the plants frequently and spraying with an insecticide like abamectin or chlorfenapyr.
In conclusion, L. scandens var. ferruginea disease and pest management is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive plantation. Regular monitoring of the plants and taking necessary preventive measures can reduce the incidence of these diseases and pests.
