Description of Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco
Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco is a plant species that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a subspecies of Lasiodiscus usambarensis and is native to the Usambara and Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Usambara sticky yellowwood or Gossweiler's yellowwood.
Uses
Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco is used for medicinal purposes. Its bark and leaves are used to make a decoction that is believed to treat stomach ache, fever, and coughs. The plant is also used for timber due to its hard and durable wood.
General Appearance
Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco is a small tree or large shrub that can reach a height of up to 15 meters. The trunk is straight and can be up to 35 centimeters in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptic to oblong in shape, with a length of 6-16 centimeters and a width of 3-7 centimeters. The flowers are yellow and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that is 2-5 centimeters in length and splits open to release numerous seeds.
Overall, Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco is a valuable plant species that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has various medicinal and timber uses.Light Requirements
Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant. It is ideal to place the plant near a window that receives bright and filtered light for most of the day. In situations where natural light is not available, artificial light can be used as an alternative source of light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco is between 18°C and 25°C. Temperatures below 15°C may slow down or stop the growth of the plant, and temperatures above 30°C may cause damage to the leaves and flowers. It is best to maintain a consistent temperature range, keeping the plant away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, loam soil, and sand can provide the necessary nutrients and drainage required for optimal growth. It is important to avoid soil that retains too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot. The plant should be watered only when the top inch of soil becomes dry, and excess water should be drained away from the plant's roots.
Cultivation Methods for Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco
Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It is a tropical plant and requires a warm and humid environment to grow. It can be grown in both indoor and outdoor settings, but it is usually grown indoors in temperate climates.
It is important to note that the plant requires well-draining soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH level between 5.5 and 7. The plant should be placed in a location where it can receive indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs for Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco
The plant requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plant when the topsoil is dry. Overwatering can lead to fungal infections, root rot and other diseases. Ensure that you don't let the plant stand in water to avoid these issues.
Fertilization of Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to feed the plant once every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid using fertilizers during the winter dormancy period.
Pruning Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco
Pruning should be done to keep the plant in shape and remove any dead or diseased parts. It is best to do it during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Cut the stems just above the leaf node where the new growth is expected to emerge.
Propagation of Lasiodiscus Usambarensis Engl. var. Gossweileri Cavaco
The Lasiodiscus Usambarensis Engl. var. Gossweileri Cavaco can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. The propagation method can depend on the gardener's preference, availability of equipment, or skills. Below are the propagation methods for this plant:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is a cost-effective propagation method. Although it may take a longer time to propagate the plant than cuttings, it is an effective propagation method. The following are the steps to propagate Lasiodiscus Usambarensis Engl. var. Gossweileri Cavaco through seeds:
- Collect matured seeds from the parent plant
- Clean the seeds to remove any outer coating or pulp residue and rinse in water
- Fill seed trays that have drainage holes with potting mix or peat moss
- Water the soil to ensure it is damp
- Plant the cleaned seeds in the soil and cover with a light layer of soil
- Water the newly planted seeds again
- Place the trays in a well-lit area with a temperature range of 25°C to 30°C
- Maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil, and after 3 to 4 weeks, germination should occur
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is faster than propagation through seeds. Cuttings generate plants that have an exact genetic match to the parent plant. The following are the steps to propagate Lasiodiscus Usambarensis Engl. var. Gossweileri Cavaco through cuttings:
- Choose a parent plant that is healthy and free from pests and diseases, and select a plant stalk with new growth that’s 15 to 20cm in length
- Cut the stalk off with a sterilized knife, and trim off all of the lower leaves, keeping two to three leaves at the top of the cutting
- Place the cuttings in a glass of water or rooting hormone for about an hour to promote rooting.
- Fill pots with well-drained potting mix
- Moisten the potting mix with water, and hole the cutting in the soil
- Water the cutting thoroughly
- Place the cutting in a well-lit area with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C.
- Ensure the soil remains moist until the cutting develops roots and shows signs of new growth, which may take about 4 to 6 weeks.
Disease and pest management for Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco
Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco is a relatively hardy plant species that exhibits resilience against environmental stresses. However, certain pests and diseases can be detrimental to the overall health of the plant and can result in reduced growth, poor flowering, and eventual death. Hence, regular monitoring and early intervention are important to ensure optimal plant health.
Common Diseases
There are two main diseases that affect Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco.
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots grow in size and merge with each other, ultimately resulting in premature defoliation. The best way to manage leaf spot is by removing the affected leaves and providing proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels. In severe cases, fungicides can also be used.
Root Rot: This is a soil-borne disease that is caused by excessive moisture. The plant exhibits wilted leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. To manage root rot, reduce watering frequency and ensure that the soil has good drainage. In extreme cases, it might be necessary to repot the plant completely, removing the soil and replacing it with fresh, sterile soil.
Common Pests
Several pests can affect Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco. Some common pests include:
Spider Mites: These pests thrive in hot, dry environments and can lead to the yellowing and falling of leaves. Remove spider mites by spraying the plant with a stream of water, ensuring that all areas are covered. Alternatively, insecticidal soaps can also be used.
Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, fuzzy substances on the plant leaves and stems, and can lead to a reduction in plant growth and yield. Mealybugs can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are also effective against mealybugs.
Scale Insects: These pests appear as small, round, immobile insects that can cause stunted growth and plant death. Scale insects can be removed by hand or by using insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils.
Regularly monitoring the plant for pests and diseases can go a long way in preventing their spread and minimizing the damage caused. Remember, early intervention is crucial to maintaining the optimal health of Lasiodiscus usambarensis Engl. var. gossweileri Cavaco.
