Overview
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis is a plant species in the family Capparaceae that originates from tropical Africa. It is commonly known by several names such as muhohwa, jiyane, and kalandeu.
Description
The plant is a small tree that grows up to 5 meters tall and has a dense crown with a spread of up to 4 meters. The leaves are dark green and glossy with a leathery texture. The flowers are white and have a pleasant fragrance, blooming between July and September.
Uses
The plant has a variety of medicinal properties, and its leaves are used to treat a range of ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and headaches. The bark is also used to treat stomach ulcers and diarrhea.
The fruit is edible and has a sour taste. It is often used to make a refreshing drink in some African countries. The wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for carving and making furniture.
Furthermore, the plant has an essential ecological role as it provides food for many animals and serves as a nesting site for birds.
Cultivation
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis thrives in a broad range of soils, provided that there is adequate drainage. The plant prefers full sunlight and does not tolerate frost. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, with seeds being the most common method of propagation.
The plant is becoming increasingly important for reforestation in some parts of Africa due to its high survival rate and fast-growing nature.
Light Requirements
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis thrives best in full sunlight exposure. The plant requires about six to eight hours of bright sunlight every day to grow to its full potential. Lack of enough sunlight may lead to stunted growth, weak stems, and leaves, and poor flowering. Therefore, it is recommended that the plant is grown in an open area with clear access to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis is between 18°C to 35°C. The plant prefers a warm climate and does not tolerate frost or extremely low temperatures. In regions with colder temperatures, the plant must be grown in a greenhouse or indoors to regulate temperature levels and provide the necessary warmth for adequate growth. Similarly, in areas with extremely high temperatures, the plant should be placed in partial shade to protect them from the hot afternoon sun.
Soil Requirements
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis prefers well-draining, fertile, and loamy soils. The soil's pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6-7. The plant does not grow well in waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot and eventually death. Therefore, make sure the soil has adequate drainage and is not overly compacted. Soil amendments such as organic matter can help improve soil quality and provide essential nutrients needed for healthy plant growth.
Cultivation
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis, also known as the Angolan lace flower, is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, from sand to clay. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight exposure. If you are planting it in a container, ensure that it has adequate drainage holes at the bottom.
The ideal planting time for Maerua angolensis is in the spring, after the last frost, but it can be planted anytime during the growing season. To plant, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and loosen the soil. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Watering Needs
Maerua angolensis requires moderate watering during the growing season, from spring to fall. Water the plant deeply but infrequently. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little water can cause the plant to wither and die.
During periods of drought, the plant may require more frequent watering. You can also feed it with compost tea or liquid fertilizer every two weeks to improve its water retention capacity.
Fertilization
Maerua angolensis does not require frequent fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to enhance its growth and flowering. Do not over-fertilize as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming. Stop fertilizing in the fall when the plant becomes dormant.
Pruning
Maerua angolensis does not require frequent pruning, but you can trim the plant to maintain its shape and size. You can remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of the year. Additionally, removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms to form.
If you want to promote more bushy growth, you can apply a light pruning in the spring, just as new growth starts. Cut back the top third of the branches to promote side branching and a denser foliage. Avoid pruning the plant during the fall and winter when it is dormant.
Propagation of Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis is typically propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis can be sown in individual containers or directly in the ground during the rainy season. The seedlings can be transplanted when they grow to around 15-20 cm tall.
Cutting Propagation
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants. The best time to take the cuttings is during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 15-20 cm in length with no flowers or buds present.
The lower end of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a pot filled with soil and sand mixture or directly in the ground with a spacing of 2-3 meters. Daily watering is crucial for the first few weeks to maintain the moisture level.
With proper care, the cuttings will begin to root in 3-4 weeks and start to grow new leaves after 2-3 months. The young plants can be transplanted to larger containers or to their final location after 6-8 months when they reach a height of around 30-40 cm.
Disease and Pest Management for Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis is a native plant of southern Africa and is also found in Madagascar. It is a hardy plant that can resist many pests and diseases, but just like any other plant, it is not immune to them. Therefore, proper pest and disease management practices are essential for the optimal growth and health of Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis.
Common Diseases of Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis
The most common diseases that affect Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis are fungal infections. Fungal diseases can cause leaf spots, stem rot, and even death of the plant. The fungus can spread through spores or contact with infected parts of the plant. One way to control fungal diseases is to maintain proper sanitation practices. Remove any infected plant material and dispose of it to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungi thrive in moist conditions, so it is essential to maintain good drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure or to treat an existing fungal infection.
Common Pests of Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis
Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis is generally resistant to pests, but some common pests can still affect the plant. Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs are the most common pests that infest Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis. These pests can suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced vigor. To manage these pests, insecticides can be used as a preventive measure or to treat an existing infestation. However, as with any chemical, caution must be exercised to avoid harm to the plant or the environment.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management practices are essential for the optimal growth and health of Maerua angolensis DC. subsp. angolensis. Maintaining proper sanitation practices, avoiding overwatering, and using insecticides and fungicides as necessary are good measures to help keep the plant healthy and free from pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment of any pest or disease problems are crucial to prevent them from spreading and causing significant damage to the plant.
