Plant Description
Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is a flowering plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is a climbing shrub that can grow up to 10 meters long. It has hairy stems, which exude a milky latex when broken. The leaves are green, ovate, and up to 16 cm long. The plant produces small, white, fragrant flowers that give way to fleshy fruits that are up to 10 cm long. The fruits have a green color while growing, but they turn yellow when ripe and have a pulp that surrounds flattened black seeds.
Origin and Common Names
Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is native to West and Central Africa, specifically Nigeria and Cameroon. It is commonly known as the "bush rubber" or "bitter rubber," which refers to the high latex content of the stem.
Uses
The latex from the stem of Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is used by some African communities in traditional medicine as a purgative, to treat skin diseases or to facilitate childbirth. The seeds are sometimes eaten as a vegetable, while the fruits are primarily used as a source of food for wildlife. Additionally, the plant is known to fix nitrogen in the soil and has potential as an agroforestry crop.
In the Western world, Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is not widely used, but researchers are studying its potential as a source of rubber. The high-quality latex it produces is perfect for the manufacture of high-quality gloves, condoms, and other medical supplies.
Growth Conditions for Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe
Light: Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe requires partial shade to full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will grow best when placed in bright light conditions.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. Its ideal temperature range is between 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). It can tolerate slightly colder temperatures but should be kept away from drafts or cold air-conditioned rooms.
Soil: Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe prefers well-draining, acidic soil. It needs soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. Adding peat moss, sand or perlite to the soil can help improve drainage and increase aeration.
Water: This plant requires regular watering to maintain its growth. Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilizer: Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe benefits from regular fertilization to encourage growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10:10:10 every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce fertilization during the winter months.
Humidity: Maintaining high humidity levels is important for this plant's growth. It thrives in humidity levels between 50% to 70%. Mist the leaves regularly using a spray bottle or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity.
Propagation: Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe can be propagated from stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and placed in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight. Seeds should be sown in the spring in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination.
Cultivation methods
The Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe plant is a unique specimen that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. It is recommended to cultivate it in a warm environment with a temperature range between 10-30 degrees Celsius, with moderate to high humidity levels. The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with good organic matter.
Propagation of the Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe plant can be done by using seeds, cuttings, or air layering. Seed sowing is the easiest way to propagate this plant, and it can be done during the rainy season when there is enough moisture to facilitate germination.
Watering needs
Proper watering is vital for the Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe plant to thrive. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to severe damage to the plant. It's essential to maintain moderate soil moisture levels, and it's recommended to water the plant once every week during the growing season.
During the rainy season, it's advisable to reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging. On the other hand, during the dry season, ensure that the plant receives sufficient water daily to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe plant requires adequate nutrients to support healthy growth and development. It's advisable to fertilize the plant during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer containing necessary micronutrients.
You can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure to provide the required nutrients. The recommended application rate is once a month, ensuring that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overfertilization.
Pruning
Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe plant requires pruning to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve overall health. Pruning should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
You can remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches using a pruning saw, making sure that you sterilize the cutting tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Ensure that you do not remove more than 1/3 of the plant's foliage to avoid stressing it.
Propagation of Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe
Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is a plant that can be propagated through different methods:
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is through seeds. They should be sown during the rainy season in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5-1cm and at a distance of 5-10cm apart. Germination time varies from 2 weeks to 2 months.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagating Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant with a sharp and sterilized tool. The cuttings should be 15-20cm long and 1-2cm in diameter. The cuttings should be planted in potting soil and kept in a warm environment with high humidity. The cuttings should root within a month.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe. This method involves taking a cutting from a parent plant and attaching it to a seedling rootstock of a related species. The cutting should be joined to the rootstock using a grafting tape or a grafting wax. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft takes and new growth appears.
Disease management of Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe
Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe is known for its susceptibility to fungal diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include leaf spot, stem canker, and root rot. These diseases can cause severe damage to the plant if not managed promptly.
To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering as this can lead to the spread of the disease. Additionally, apply fungicides to prevent further damage.
Stem canker is a more severe disease that can result in the death of the plant. To manage this disease, prune out the infected areas of the plant as soon as possible. Disinfect pruning tools before and after use to avoid spreading the disease. In severe cases, apply fungicides to prevent further damage.
Root rot is another fungal disease that affects Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe. It is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-draining. In severe cases, apply a fungicide to prevent further damage.
Pest management of Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe
Insects are the most common pests that affect Landolphia subturbinata Stapf ex Dawe. The most common pests include mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems.
To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill the insects. Additionally, apply insecticidal soap to further manage the infestation.
Whiteflies can be managed by using yellow sticky traps to capture the insects. Additionally, apply insecticidal soap to the affected areas to further control the infestation.
Spider mites can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with water to discourage their presence. Additionally, apply insecticidal soap to the affected areas to further manage the infestation.
