Overview
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is a flowering plant from the family Loranthaceae. It is native to several African countries including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. The plant has various common names including "African mistletoe" and "Ngon-Ngon". Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is a hemiparasite, meaning that it partially relies on a host plant for its nutrients.
Appearance
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. has a unique appearance with bright green leaves that are opposite, lanceolate, and measure around 6-12cm long. The plant has slender stems that can grow up to 50cm in length. The flowers of Loranthus angiensis De Wild. are small, yellow, and arranged in clusters of 5-15 flowers. The fruit is a berry that is red or orange when mature and contains several seeds inside.
Uses
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is used for various medicinal purposes in African traditional medicine. The plant extracts are believed to possess antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It is also used to treat hypertension, headaches, and malaria. The plant is also used ceremonially in some African cultures.
Furthermore, the stem of the plant is used to make bows for hunting and arrows. Women in some African tribes also use Loranthus angiensis De Wild. to dye their hair.
Light Requirements
The Loranthus angiensis De Wild. prefers partial to full sun exposure to thrive. This plant can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its overall growth and flowering. It is ideal for planting in locations with bright and indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is native to tropical areas and requires warm temperatures to grow productively. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20 to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost and extreme cold and may die if the temperature drops below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. can grow on various soil types, but it thrives well in well-drained soils with a neutral pH level. The soil should be rich in organic matter, nitrogen, and other necessary nutrients. Avoid planting Loranthus angiensis De Wild. in waterlogged or compacted soils as it may cause root rotting and poor growth.
Cultivation Methods for Loranthus Angiensis De Wild.
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is a semi-parasitic plant that derives its nutrients from the host tree. Therefore, the cultivation method involves choosing a suitable host plant for the Loranthus angiensis De Wild.
The most appropriate host for Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is Acacia senegalensis tree, commonly known as Gum Arabic tree. The plant grows well in semi-arid and arid areas with well-draining soils.
Propagation of Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is by seeds or cuttings from a healthy tree. However, the cuttings may take a long time to establish due to the plant's reliance on the host tree for resources.
Watering Needs of Loranthus Angiensis De Wild.
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. requires moderate watering since it is a semi-parasitic plant that obtains its nutrients from the host tree.
Improper watering can lead to drying up of the plant, and it may be challenging to revive it due to its overreliance on the host tree. Watering should be done when the top layer of soil is dry.
During the rainy season, the plant may require less watering since it can obtain water from the host tree; however, sufficient water should be provided during the dry season.
Fertilization of Loranthus Angiensis De Wild.
Since Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is a semi-parasitic plant, it requires minimal fertilization. The plant obtains its nutrients from the host tree.
However, in cases of nutrient deficiency, a weak solution of liquid fertilizer can be applied to the roots for the plant to obtain the necessary nutrients.
Overuse of fertilizer can damage the plant, and therefore, it should be used sparingly and during nutrient deficiencies only.
Pruning Loranthus Angiensis De Wild.
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. does not require much pruning.
Pruning of the plant should be done severely to control its growth and prevent it from overshadowing the host tree, and limit it to the required size.
The best time to do the pruning is during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing.
Propagation of Loranthus angiensis De Wild.
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is a parasitic plant commonly found in Africa. It is a host-specific plant, which means it only grows on specific host trees. Despite being a parasitic plant, Loranthus angiensis De Wild. can be propagated easily using different methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the conventional methods of propagating Loranthus angiensis De Wild. is through seeds. However, the germination of seeds is often slow and can take up to several months. The seeds need to be collected as soon as they mature and then sown in well-drained soil. The ideal temperature for the germination of the seeds ranges from 20 to 25 °C. It is essential to maintain the moisture level of the soil to make sure the seeds do not dry out. Once the seedlings reach a height of around 10 to 15 cm, they can be transplanted into pots or directly into the ground.
Cutting Propagation
Loranthus angiensis De Wild. can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings of around 15 to 20 cm in length can be taken and planted into well-draining soil. The cuttings should be planted at a depth of around 5 to 7 cm and watered thoroughly. Within a few weeks, new leaves should start to emerge from the cuttings, indicating that the rooting process has been successful.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves making a wound on a stem, covering it with soil or moss, and then waiting for roots to grow before separating the new plant from the parent plant. This method can also be used to propagate Loranthus angiensis De Wild. by selecting a pencil-thick branch and then stripping the bark away from a 2 to 3 cm section. Next, the exposed section should be wrapped with sphagnum moss, wrapped with plastic wrap and tied with a string to secure it. After a few weeks, roots should form, and the newly rooted section can then be cut away and planted into a suitable container.
Disease and Pest Management for Loranthus angiensis De Wild.
Loranthus angiensis De Wild., commonly known as the Angolan Mistletoe, is a parasite plant that can affect several host plant species. Therefore, managing its diseases and pests can be challenging. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant, along with methods to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spots: Leaf spots are a common disease that can affect Loranthus angiensis. The symptoms include small circular or angular spots on the leaves that may turn yellow or brown with time. To manage Leaf spots, remove and dispose of the infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering, keep the soil well-drained, and apply a fungicide to the plant as per the instructions.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes irregularly shaped brown or black spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. In severe cases, it can lead to defoliation. To manage Anthracnose, remove and dispose of the infected parts of the plant. Improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as per the instructions.
Pests
Mistletoe Bugs: Mistletoe bugs are tiny insects that can cause severe damage to Loranthus angiensis. The symptoms of infestation include wilting and yellowing of leaves, and in severe cases, defoliation. To manage Mistletoe bugs, prune and dispose of the infected plant parts. Apply insecticides as per the instructions, and maintain good hygiene in the surrounding area.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another pesky insect that can feed on Loranthus angiensis, causing leaf yellowing and leaf drop. To manage Mealybugs, it is recommended to prune and dispose of infected plant parts to reduce the population. Use sticky traps to monitor their presence and apply insecticides as per the instructions.
By managing the diseases and pests that can affect Loranthus angiensis, the plant remains healthy and can effectively improve the biodiversity of its host plant species.
