Overview:
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague also known as Gossweiler's mistletoe, is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant species belonging to the family Loranthaceae. This plant species is native to tropical Africa and is found in countries like Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Appearance:
Gossweiler's mistletoe has an interesting widely spreading growth habit and can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical, with a leathery texture, glossy dark green color, and yellowish-green underneath. The leaves are arranged spirally towards the stem's ends. The inflorescence is a dense axillary or terminal cluster of about 6 to 25 flowers. The flowers have small calyces, green or light purple petals, and numerous stamens. The fruits are globose-shaped, rather fleshy, berry-like. They are usually red, yellow, or green when ripe, and contain a single seed.
Uses:
Gossweiler's mistletoe is widely used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine. It possesses chemical compounds that have antitumor, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. The leaves, stem bark, and fruits extract are rich in secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids, which provide various pharmacological effects. The plant is also used for making herbal teas, to treat hypertension, headache, hyperactivity, epilepsy, and cerebral malaria.
The plant is also used in ecological restoration because of its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, helping to improve soil fertility. It is also an essential component of the African rainforest ecosystem and provides food and habitat for several bird species, including the mistle thrush.
Conclusion:
Gossweiler's mistletoe has significant ethno-botanical importance, and its medicinal properties are gaining interest in modern-day drug development. Conservation measures should be put in place since this plant species is in danger of disappearing due to deforestation and overexploitation.
Growth Conditions for Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Loranthaceae. This plant is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, growing on the branches of trees such as Acacia and Combretum.
Light Requirements
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague requires a good amount of sunlight to ensure proper growth and development. This plant should be placed in a location that receives moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant and cause damage.
Temperature Requirements
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures above or below this range, but growth may slow down or halt altogether. This plant cannot survive in freezing temperatures and should be protected from extreme cold.
Soil Requirements
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague does not grow in soil and is a parasitic plant that extracts nutrients and water from its host tree. However, the host tree must have a healthy root system and nutrient-rich soil that is ideal for the growth of the plant. The host tree should be well-draining and should not be waterlogged as this can cause root rot and other diseases that can affect the growth of the plant.
Overall, Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague thrives in the warm and humid conditions of tropical and subtropical regions. The plant requires a good amount of sunlight and should be grown on a healthy and nutrient-rich host tree. By providing the right growing conditions, this parasitic plant can grow well and provide a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Cultivation Methods:
The Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plant is usually grown on the host tree branches or trunks. The plant can quickly establish itself in these areas and obtain the nutrients it needs. The best way to cultivate Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague is by attaching the seeds to the branches of the host tree, preferably using orchid glue or a similar product. The plant can also be propagated by stem cuttings.
Watering Needs:
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague requires moderate watering. The roots should be kept moist, but the plant should not be overwatered. The watering frequency should be reduced in winter, as the plant’s growth slows down during this period. The plant should not be allowed to dry out completely, as it can affect the plant’s health negatively.
Fertilization:
The Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plant does not require heavy fertilization. Fertilizing the plant once or twice a year with a balanced orchid fertilizer will suffice. Fertilizing the plant during the growing season, typically in spring and summer, will help the plant thrive. The plant’s feeding frequency should be reduced in autumn and winter when the plant is not growing actively.
Pruning:
Pruning is not necessary for the Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plant. The plant’s growth habit is natural and requires little intervention. However, if pruning is deemed necessary, it should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant. The pruning of diseased or damaged parts of the plant should be done immediately to prevent the spread of diseases or pests.
Propagation of Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague, commonly known as birdlime or mistletoe, is propagated through various methods.
Propagation by seeds
The plant produces berries that contain seeds. These berries are usually collected from the host tree and the seeds are extracted. The seeds are then cleaned and sown in seed trays, where they can germinate in a mixture of perlite and sphagnum moss. The trays should be placed in a warm, humid environment and the seeds should be watered regularly. Once the seedlings develop, they should be transplanted into individual containers.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season’s growth. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should have a few leaves on them. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and then planted in a mixture of sand and perlite. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment. Once the cuttings develop roots, they should be transplanted into individual containers.
Propagation by layering
Another method of propagation is through layering. In this method, a branch of the plant is bent down and placed in contact with the ground. The branch is then covered with soil and held in place with a stake. The branch will eventually develop roots and can then be separated from the parent plant. This method is useful for propagating large specimens of the plant.
Overall, propagation of Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri can be achieved through any of the above methods. The choice of method depends on the available resources and the desired outcome.
Disease Management for Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague
The Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plant is susceptible to several diseases that can weaken and damage the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and recommended ways to manage them:
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are a significant disease that can affect Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plants. These fungi attack the leaves, causing prominent visible lesions and thus reducing productivity. At the early stage, remove the affected part and treat it with the appropriate fungicide.
Mildew
Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plants can also suffer from powdery mildew, a fungal disease that results in a powdery white growth that appears on the leaves, buds, and stems. The disease hampers photosynthesis, so you must address it the moment it appears. Regularly spraying the plant with fungicides like neem oil can prevent it from spreading.
Pest Management for Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague
The Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plant is also susceptible to several insects and pests that can damage and degrade the plant. Here are the common pests and recommended ways to manage them:
Scale Insects
Scale insects can drain fluids out of the plant, damaging leaves and reducing yields. You can prune off the infected foliage and prevent further attacks by using insecticidal soap or oil sprays. You may have to wash off these products after treatment to avoid introducing toxic chemicals into the plant's system.
Aphids
Aphids can spread disease, and a heavy infestation can cause Loranthus incanus Schumach. & Thonn. var. gossweileri (Engl. & K.Krause) Sprague plants to wilt and die. You can use neem oil to deter the aphids, or choose to hand-pick them. At times, spraying with a strong water source like that from a garden hose can remove these pesky insects.
