Overview of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. belongs to the family Loranthaceae. It is a native plant of Asia, specifically found in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bandura, Banda, Banda-pala, and Banda-para in Sri Lanka, while in India, it is referred to as Banjha, Benjha, or Beng.
Appearance
Loranthus celtidifolius is a parasitic and hemi-parasitic plant with smooth green stems, which can grow up to 60cm in length. The leaves are alternate, ovate-lanceolate, and have a length of 4-8 cm long and 1.2-3 cm broad. The flowers are hermaphroditic and sessile with a diameter of about 1cm. The color of the flowers is creamy white, and they are arranged in groups of 5-10 flowers. The fruit is a berry with a length of 6-8mm and is purple-black in color.
Uses
The plant has been used as traditional medicine in China, India, and Sri Lanka for a long time. The extracts from the plant have several medicinal properties that make it valuable. The plant has been used to treat various diseases such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. It is also believed to be effective in the treatment of hepatitis, jaundice, and diabetes. The plant has also found its use in cosmetic products due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. The leaves of the plant are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable in some parts of India.
In conclusion, Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. is a valuable plant with several medicinal properties that make it useful in traditional medicine. Despite its parasitic nature, it has found its use in cosmetics and food.
Growth Conditions of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult., commonly known as the Chinese parasitic plant, is a holoparasitic plant species that belongs to the family Loranthaceae. It is largely found in tropical and subtropical regions and thrives in a variety of environmental conditions.
Light requirements
Being a holoparasite, Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. has very minimal or no chlorophyll, therefore, is not dependent on sunlight for food production. However, it still requires some light for energy production in order to survive. The plant typically thrives under full sunlight or partial shade conditions.
Temperature requirements
Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in areas with a temperature range of 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature required for its growth is 10 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is 40 degrees Celsius.
Soil requirements
The parasitic plant can grow on a wide range of host trees, such as fig, mango, and guava, among others. It acquires all its nutrients and water from its host tree, and as such, soil requirements do not significantly affect its growth. However, the host tree should have a strong and healthy root system that can support the growth of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult..
Cultivation of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
The Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. plant is a parasitic shrub that grows ranging from 1-4 meters in height. It can be cultivated in almost all climatic conditions.
Initially, the plant needs to be planted manually into a healthy host plant, preferably on a tree with high trunk density. It's best to plant it during the rainy season to avoid transplant shock.
The plant does not require much attention to grow as it naturally feeds off its host plant. Once it starts to grow, it is important to provide it with adequate water, especially during the dry season.
Watering Needs of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
The Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. plant requires watering only during the dry season, as it does not store water in its stem or leaves. However, the amount of water required by the plant depends on the environmental conditions and the plant's stage of growth.
It is recommended to water the plant twice a week during the dry season, ensuring that the soil is never allowed to dry out completely. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot, so it's important to exercise caution.
Fertilization of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
The Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. plant does not require any special fertilization. It naturally draws its nutrients from its host plant through its haustoria, which are root-like structures that penetrate the host's vascular system.
If the host plant is healthy, the Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. plant will thrive and grow well. However, a weak host plant may affect the growth of the Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. plant, so it's essential to ensure that the host plant is also cared for.
Pruning of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
Pruning the Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. plant is not necessary as it naturally forms a dense, bushy growth. However, to maintain the plant's shape, one can prune it during the dormant season.
It's important to prune away any dead or diseased stems to prevent the spread of diseases and to encourage the growth of new shoots and leaves.
Propagation of Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult. is a parasitic plant that grows on a variety of host trees, including Celtis spp., Ficus spp., and Mangifera indica. The plant can be propagated through three methods: seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Loranthus celtidifolius. The seeds are collected from mature fruits and dried in the shade. The dried seeds are then sown in a potting mix, and the seedlings are transplanted to the field after about a year. The success rate of seed propagation is relatively low, and the seedlings need to be monitored for several months to make sure they establish on the host tree.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Loranthus celtidifolius is possible through cuttings. Terminal or semi-hardwood stem cuttings of about 6-7 cm are collected during March-April and July-August and treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in pots filled with soil and sand mix, and they are kept in a shaded area with high humidity. The success rate of vegetative propagation is relatively high, and the cuttings can be transplanted to the host tree after about four months.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture propagation is a relatively new method for Loranthus celtidifolius. The technique involves growing plant cells in vitro under controlled conditions. The explants are collected from young tissues, such as the apical meristem or axillary buds, and cultured on a nutrient medium supplemented with growth regulators. The plantlets are then transferred to a rooting medium before transplantation to the host tree. This method is still under development, and more research is needed to optimize the protocol and increase the success rate.
Disease and Pest Management for Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult.
Loranthus celtidifolius Willd. ex Schult is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the branches of other trees and shrubs. Being a parasitic plant, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests. Proper care and management can help prevent and control these problems.
Common Diseases
Loranthus celtidifolius is prone to diseases caused by fungi, such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. Rust is another fungal disease that can cause yellow or brown spots on the plant's leaves and stems. Both of these diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. In case of an infestation, fungicides can be used to control them.
Common Pests
Loranthus celtidifolius can also be attacked by several pests, such as aphids and mealybugs. Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing deformation and curling of the leaves. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that also feed on the plant's sap and secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. Both of these pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is important to ensure that the plant is thoroughly coated for effective control.
Conclusion
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to managing diseases and pests in Loranthus celtidifolius. Regular inspection of the plant for signs of infestation and providing proper care and maintenance can go a long way in preventing problems and maintaining the plant's health.
