Overview:
Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague is a flowering plant that belongs to the Loranthaceae family. This plant is commonly known as African Mistletoe, Five-Angled Mistletoe, Mupundu, and Mubuso. It is commonly found in African countries such as Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. It is a semi-parasitic plant that obtains water and nutrients from its host tree. The plant has medicinal uses and is used in traditional African medicine.
Appearance:
Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague is a woody shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in length. Its stem is green, thick, and has numerous branches. It has elliptical-shaped, leathery leaves that are light green in color, and measure around 5-10 cm in length. The plant blooms orange to red flowers and has a fruit that is yellow or green. The fruit contains one seed.
Uses:
Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, infertility, and heart diseases. The plant's leaves, bark, and roots are used to make a decoction, which is taken orally for its medicinal properties. The leaves are also believed to possess anti-cancer properties. The fruit is edible and is used as food in some African cultures.
Light Requirements
The Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague plant requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It is best to plant it in an area where there is little shade during the day. The plant needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague plant grows well in warm temperatures. It prefers a temperature range of 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day and 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night. The plant does not do well in areas with extreme temperature variations or frost.
Soil Requirements
The Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should ideally be between 5.5 to 6.5, with a moderate soil texture. The plant requires a soil that retains moisture, but not one that is waterlogged. The use of compost, organic fertilizers or mulch will enhance plant growth and promote optimal soil health.
Cultivation methods
Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague, also known as Marathrum pedicellatum, is a parasitic plant that grows on trees and has no roots. It can be propagated by collecting seeds or by grafting and attaching it to the branch of a host tree. It grows best in areas with a tropical climate and partial shade. When planting, choose a host tree that is compatible with the Loranthus species to provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
Watering needs
Since Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague thrives on a host tree, the watering requirements depend largely on the host tree. However, during dry periods, the plant may require additional watering. Monitor the plant's moisture level by touching the leaves or the host tree bark. If they are dry, water the plant until the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague relies on the host tree for nutrients, and therefore, it does not require additional fertilization. However, if the host tree appears nutrient deficient, fertilize the host tree as recommended.
Pruning
Since Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague grows on a host tree, its pruning needs are minimal. Remove any dead or diseased branches from the host tree to help prevent the spread of disease to the plant. Also, keep an eye out for any overgrowth that may be shading the plant, and remove it as needed to allow for more sunlight. Prune any vines that may be growing on the ground to promote upward growth.
Propagation of Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague
Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague can be propagated by two methods which are:
1. Seed Propagation
The seeds should be collected from ripe berries. To increase the chances of germination, treatment of the seeds with boiling water or moist heat is recommended to soften the seed coat. The moist heat treatment for 60 seconds is ideal to enhance the germination rate.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, lightly covered with the soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not wet, until the seeds germinate. This process usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Once the germination occurs, the seedlings should be kept in bright but indirect light and should be transplanted in individual pots when they reach a height of 5-6 cm. Fertilization with balanced fertilizer every two weeks will ensure healthy growth.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done by taking cuttings from young stem tips. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining soil mix. A clear plastic bag should then be placed over the pot to maintain humidity.
The planted cuttings should be kept in bright, but indirect light, and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Water the cuttings infrequently to avoid waterlogging the soil. After 4-6 weeks, the cutting should develop roots, and the plastic bag should be removed. The plant should be planted in its permanent container (if desired) once it has outgrown the temporary container.
Disease Management
Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague is susceptible to several diseases. The most common diseases affecting the plant include;
- Leaf spot
- Anthracnose
- Powdery mildew
Leaf spot is characterized by the appearance of small spots on the plant's leaves, which gradually grow bigger and turn dark brown. Anthracnose causes cankers on stems, fruits, and flowers, and it is caused by fungal pathogens. Powdery mildew mostly affects the leaves and is characterized by the appearance of a white powdery substance on the leaves.
To manage these diseases, it's essential to practice good sanitation methods, such as pruning of the affected parts of the plant and collecting the plant debris. Additionally, you can use fungicides such as copper sulfate and sulfur to control leaf spot and anthracnose. For powdery mildew, you can use fungicides such as azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, and myclobutanil to reduce its spread.
Pest Management
Several pests affect Loranthus quinquangulus Engl. & Schinz var. pedicellatus Sprague. The most common pests that attack the plant include;
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Mealybugs
The scale insects damage the plant by sucking sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Aphids cause the leaves to curl and yellow, while caterpillars eat up the leaves. Finally, mealybugs cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and defoliation of the plant.
To manage these pests, it's crucial to practice good sanitation methods, such as keeping the garden clean and removing any debris. Additionally, you can use insecticides such as acephate, imidacloprid, and neem oil to control aphids and scale insects. For caterpillars, you can use insecticides such as bacillus thuringiensis and spinosad to reduce their population. Finally, for mealybugs, you can use insecticides such as pyrethrum and insecticidal soap to reduce their spreading.
