Overview
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is a species of evergreen plant that belongs to the Myrsinaceae family. This plant is commonly known as Djalon bush, Djalon holly, or simply Maesa lanceolata.
Origin and Distribution
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is a native plant in West and Central Africa, and particularly found in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria. It grows abundantly in the savanna and in the deciduous forests of these regions.
General Appearance
The Djalon bush grows up to 5 meters in height with a stem that is usually twisted with many branches, giving it a bushy appearance. It has glossy green leaves that are lance-shaped and sometimes toothed at the margins. The flowers are small and creamy white with a sweet fragrance, while the fruits are round, red, and fleshy, containing 1 to 2 seeds.
Uses and Benefits
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. has various uses in traditional medicine. The leaves, bark and roots are used to treat diarrhoea, fever, skin infections, malaria and cough. Also, the fruits are eaten raw or cooked, and can be used to make jam. Due to its ornamental value and fragrant flowers, the Djalon bush is used in backyard landscaping and as a bonsai plant.
In addition, some studies have shown that extracts from this plant have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some researchers have therefore proposed its use in the development of new drugs for preventing and treating bacterial infections and inflammatory disorders.
Light Requirements
The Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. typically grows in areas with partial to full sun exposure, making it a versatile plant that can adapt to different light levels. However, it thrives best in areas with bright, indirect light that mimics its natural habitat.
Temperature Requirements
The Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is native to West Africa and therefore requires warm temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C and 27°C (64°F and 81°F), making it suitable for growth in most indoor environments. It does not tolerate extreme temperatures, especially cold temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand makes an ideal soil composition. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 to ensure proper nutrient absorption.
Cultivation of Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél.
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is a shrub that prefers to grow in partial to full shade, making it ideal for planting under tall trees or on the north side of buildings that cast a shadow. It thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. To create a perfect planting hole, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly deeper than the soil line.
Watering Needs for Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél.
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. needs regular watering to establish a deep and healthy root system. Water the plant deeply once a week, and increase watering frequency when the temperatures rise or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization of Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél.
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. benefits from fertilization twice a year, once in early spring and again in early fall. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 will provide sufficient nutrients for the plant to grow and thrive. Avoid overfertilization as this may cause excessive vegetative growth that could compromise the plant's overall health.
Pruning Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél.
Prune Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to emerge. The shrub responds well to regular pruning and requires minimal maintenance. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and shape the plant to maintain its desired size and form. Pruning also encourages new growth and enhances the plant's overall health and appearance.
Propagation of Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél.
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is a plant that can be propagated either sexually or asexually. Here are some of the methods that can be used to propagate this plant:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is through seed propagation. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 1 to 2 months and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers once they are large enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is through cutting propagation. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during their active growth period. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should have at least 3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Rooting usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. This method is particularly useful if the plant is difficult to root from cuttings. Air layering involves making a cut in the stem of the plant and applying rooting hormone to the area. The cut area is then wrapped in moss and plastic wrap to keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form and once they are well established, the rooted stem can be cut away from the mother plant and potted up.
Disease and Pest Management for Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél.
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is generally hardy and not very susceptible to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it can be vulnerable to certain problems.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. is fungal leaf spot. This disease causes small, irregular brown or black spots to develop on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any fallen leaves and destroyed plant material from around the plant on a routine basis. Moreover, using a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur can help manage the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Maesa lanceolata Forssk. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. can also be affected by a variety of pests, such as spider mites and leaf miners. Spider mites usually feed on the underside of leaves, which can cause yellowing and sometimes defoliation. Leaf miners, on the other hand, make tunnels that are visible on the leaf surface, causing leaves to become distorted and yellow.
Pest Management
In order to manage spider mites and leaf miners, it is important to be vigilant and look for signs of infestation regularly. If infestation is detected, removal of the affected leaves may suffice to control the problem. Several natural predators consume these pests, such as predatory mites and lacewings which can be released in the garden to control the pest population.
Alternatively, insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also be used to manage both spider mites and leaf miners. Using horticultural oil during dormant season helps to suffocate and kill pests on the plant.
Regularly feeding and watering your plant, maintaining soil health, and avoiding over-fertilization can also significantly reduce the chances of a pest infestation.
