Origin
Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. is a plant native to West Africa. It is commonly found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Oha" in Nigeria, "Matenda" in Gabon, and "Pembe" in Cameroon.
Uses
The Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. plant is primarily used for medicinal purposes. In traditional African medicine, the plant is often used to treat a variety of ailments including infertility, diabetes, and hypertension. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are all used in these treatments.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used for its latex. The latex is harvested from the stem of the plant and is used to produce rubber. The rubber produced from Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. is of high quality and is known for its strength and flexibility.
General Appearance
Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. is a climbing plant that can grow to a height of 30 meters. It has a woody stem with smooth, gray bark. The leaves are ovate and have a pointed tip. They are dark green and glossy on top and slightly lighter and fuzzy on the underside.
The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a woody, oblong capsule that contains numerous seeds. The seeds are covered in a bright red aril that is edible but quite bitter.
Light Requirements
Landolphia tomentella var. rufescens grows well in partial shade or bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in an area with filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 18-28°C (64-82°F). It is important to avoid temperatures below 13°C (55°F) as it can harm the plant and affect its overall growth.
Soil Requirements
Landolphia tomentella var. rufescens thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH level between 5.6 to 7.5. It prefers soils that are mildly acidic to slightly alkaline. To ensure proper drainage, the soil should be loamy and porous. The addition of perlite or sand can increase the drainage rate of the soil.
Cultivation methods
The Landolphia tomentella var. rufescens A. Chev. plant is a climbing evergreen shrub native to West Africa. It is commonly known as the rubber vine plant. The plant is suitable for tropical and subtropical climates and can grow up to 20-30 meters height. It is commonly propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in a sandy soil mix at a depth of 2-3 cm. Seedlings should emerge in two weeks.
Watering needs
Landolphia tomentella var. rufescens A. Chev. prefers a moist soil. During the dry seasons, it requires watering twice a week, but during the rainy season, watering once a week is sufficient. Watering should be done in the morning or evening to avoid exposing the plant to hot temperatures. Adequate drainage should be provided to prevent waterlogging which can destroy the roots.
Fertilization
The rubber vine plant requires regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. It should be fed with liquid fertilizers that have a balanced nutrient ratio of Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). The fertilizers should be applied to the base of the plant and around the drip line. Over-fertilizing can lead to leaf and stem burning, and it is recommended to follow the instructions on the label.
Pruning
Landolphia tomentella var. rufescens A. Chev. requires minimal pruning, and it should be done only to remove dead or damaged branches to promote growth. Pruning should be done during the rainy season, and garden tools should be disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning should be done using sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts without injuring the plant's bark.
Propagation of Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev.
Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. is a climber species typically propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. are usually collected from ripe fruits. The collected seeds are then sown in a well-drained soil mix and just covered with soil. The seeds require moist soil and warm temperatures, preferably between 25 and 30°C. Germination typically takes three to six weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be potted and transplanted to the field when they are established.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagating Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. through stem cuttings is also possible. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy plants are generally preferred, with a length of around 10 cm and a diameter of 0.5 to 1 cm. The leaves are removed from the lower half of the cutting, which is then dipped into a rooting hormone and planted in a well-prepared potting mix. The pot should be placed in a shaded area and watered regularly until roots appear. Once the new plants are established, they can be transplanted out in the field or larger pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev.
Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. is vulnerable to a few common diseases and pests. Here are some management techniques that can be used to control them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects this plant is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering. If the disease has already set in, prune away infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can impact this plant. It's characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves and stems, and may also cause wilting and leaf drop. To control this disease, remove infected plant material and avoid overhead watering. An application of fungicide can also be effective.
Pests
One of the most prevalent pests that can impact Landolphia tomentella var. rufescens is the spider mite. These tiny arachnids are red or brown in color and can be found on the undersides of leaves spinning webs. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, or apply an insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can attack this species is the mealybug. These white, fuzzy insects cluster in protected areas on the plant and draw sap, leading to stunted growth and yellowing foliage. Manual removal with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol can be an effective management method for mealybugs.
Regular monitoring and using the above management techniques can help keep Landolphia tomentella (Stapf) A.Chev. var. rufescens A.Chev. healthy and thriving.
