Origin
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei (De Wild.) Balle, also known as Bushman’s poison rope or Uhuru wa mchomaji in Swahili, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Loranthaceae. This plant is native to East Africa and is commonly found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, growing on a variety of trees such as Acacia, Combretum, and Terminalia.
Common Names
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei is commonly known as Bushman’s poison rope because of the traditional use of its bark as a hunting tool by the San people (bushmen) of southern Africa. The plant is also known as Uhuru wa mchomaji in Swahili, which translates to “freedom of the burner” referring to the use of its bark for lighting fires.
Uses
The bark of Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei has various traditional medicinal uses. It is used as a painkiller, to treat snakebites, and to manage symptoms of malaria. The bark is also used for its laxative properties and to treat dysentery. In addition, the San people of southern Africa use the bark of this plant for hunting by soaking it in water to release its poisonous compounds and then coating their arrows with it. The poison from the plant causes paralysis in the prey, making it easier to catch. The bark is also used as a source of tinder for starting fires.
General Appearance
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei is a woody perennial vine that grows up to 2 meters long. The plant has numerous branches with opposite leaves that are thick and leathery. The leaves are elliptical or narrowly oval, with a dark glossy-green upper surface and a pale green lower surface. The plant produces beautiful red or pinkish flowers that are tubular in shape and grow in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small, fleshy berry that is green when immature and turns red when it is ripe.
Light Requirements
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei (De Wild.) Balle prefers a bright location but not direct sun exposure. It is a plant that can grow in partial shade or full sun if the temperature is not extremely high.
Temperature Requirements
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei (De Wild.) Balle prefers temperatures between 18 and 25 °C (64-77 °F). This plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F) or high temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
Soil Requirements
This plant typically grows well in well-drained soils, with preferred pH varying mildly between 6.5 to 7.5, and soil texture can range from sandy loam to clay. It can handle different amounts of nutrients, tolerating either nutrient-poor or enriched soil types.
Cultivation Methods
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei (De Wild.) Balle is a parasitic plant species that rely on other trees for survival. Therefore, cultivating Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei is not possible without a host plant. The best method for cultivation is to identify a suitable host tree, preferably a fruit tree species, and provide an environment that will encourage the establishment and growth of the parasitic plant on the host.
Watering Needs
As a parasitic plant, Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei does not require much watering, as it obtains most of its nutrients from its host plant. However, it is essential to ensure that the host tree is well-watered to maintain overall plant health. In times of drought, it is advisable to water the host tree regularly to prevent desiccation and eventual death of both plants.
Fertilization
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei does not require direct fertilization. However, a healthy and well-nourished host plant will provide adequate nutrients for the parasitic plant's growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to fertilize the host tree regularly using suitable fertilizers to ensure the growth of the parasitic plant.
Pruning
Pruning Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei is not necessary. However, it is important to observe the growth of the plant and remove any dead or broken branches to prevent them from causing any damage to the host plant. Also, it is essential to remove any heavily infested areas of the plant to prevent the spread of any diseases or pests to the host tree.
Propagation of Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei (De Wild.) Balle
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei (De Wild.) Balle can be propagated through different methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Loranthus brunneus can be collected when the fruits have ripened. The collected ripe fruits should be cut open to extract the seeds, which are then washed and air-dried for 1-2 days. The collected seeds stored in a cool, dry place can be sown on a seedbed mixed with sand and topsoil or directly on the branches of host plants without pre-treatment. After sowing, they should be watered and kept moist in a shaded environment until germination occurs in about 6-8 weeks. Young seedlings can be transplanted into pots or into the soil after approximately 6 months.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Loranthus brunneus. The cuttings are taken from the current-year-growth shoots and can be about 10-15 cm in length with healthy leaves and nodes. The collected cuttings should be immersed in water before being planted in a rooting medium. Rooting medium should be well-drained and consist of equal parts of sand, garden soil, and peat moss. After planting, the cuttings must be watered thoroughly and kept in a shaded place until roots start growing. Once the roots develop, the cuttings can be transferred to individual pots.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is commonly used for the propagation of Loranthus brunneus. The grafting process involves cutting a branch of Loranthus brunneus with the desired form, and grafting it onto the stem of a related host plant. The success rate of grafting is high, and the newly propagated plant will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease Management
Loranthus brunneus Engl. forma butayei (De Wild.) Balle, like any other plant, is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage if left untreated. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect Loranthus brunneus and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is caused by fungi that live in the soil. You can identify it by the small brown spots that appear on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and debris from around the plant. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Loranthus brunneus. You can identify it by the white powdery substance that appears on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Root rot
Root rot is caused by fungi that live in the soil. You can identify it by the yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage root rot, remove the affected plant from the soil, cut the affected roots, and replant in fresh soil. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Loranthus brunneus is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage if left untreated. Here are some of the common pests that can affect Loranthus brunneus and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. You can identify them by the presence of sticky residue on the plant. To manage aphids, remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap to control their population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves. You can identify them by the holes that appear on the leaves. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to control their population.
Spider mites
Spider mites are small insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. You can identify them by the presence of webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap to control their population.
