Origin
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri is a tropical plant species that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is native to the lowland tropical rainforests of West Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly referred to as the "Cameroon spike" or "Spider Tree" due to its unique appearance. In Nigeria, it is known as "Akpafid" in Efik or "Ubube" in Igbo. The plant's scientific name is also sometimes used in the literature.
Uses
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri has several uses in traditional medicine and as a source of material for cultural practices. The plant is believed to possess antimalarial and antimicrobial properties and has been used in the treatment of various ailments in West African traditional medicine.
Additionally, the plant's bark is used in the production of a durable, lightweight fiber called "rattan." This fiber is commonly used for furniture, baskets, and handicrafts. Additionally, the plant's distinctive shape makes it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and as an interior decoration.
General Appearance
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that typically grows to a height of 5 to 18 meters and a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm. The leaves are simple, oblong, and glossy green, measuring 5 to 10 cm in length and arranged opposite each other on the stem.
The plant's unique feature is its striking inflorescence, which emerges directly from the trunk or branches instead of the tips. The flowers are small and form dense spikes that can measure up to 50 cm in length. The fruits are elongated, cylindrical, and measure up to 20 cm in length, containing many small seeds. The bark of the tree is typically rough and fissured, with a grayish-brown color.
Light Requirements
Maesobotrya barteri typically grows in shaded areas, such as the forest understory in its native habitat. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight and must be protected from high intensity light. For indoor cultivation, it is recommended to place the plant near a north facing window or under artificial lights that mimic low-intensity shade light.
Temperature Requirements
Maesobotrya barteri grows best in warm environments within a temperature range of 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). It does not tolerate temperatures below 13°C (55°F) or above 35°C (95°F). Fluctuations in temperature should be avoided and the plant should be kept in an environment with consistent temperature levels.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Maesobotrya barteri is a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and capable of retaining moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be used as a suitable soil medium. The plant should be potted in a container with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri is an easy-care plant and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and light conditions. The plant prefers well-draining soil, so ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and porous enough to prevent waterlogging.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, which root easily in a moist rooting medium. Plant the cuttings in a potting mix and keep the soil moist until the cuttings take root, which typically takes a few weeks. Once established, the plant is low maintenance and requires minimal care.
Watering Needs
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri thrives in moist soil, but not waterlogged soil. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plant once the top inch of soil is dry. When watering, ensure that you water the soil evenly and thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot. Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
In hot and dry conditions, the plant may require more frequent watering, while in cooler months, it may require less water. Always monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
Fertilization
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri does not require frequent fertilization, but occasional feeding can help the plant grow and thrive. Use a well-balanced fertilizer, and apply it during the growing season, typically in spring and summer. Follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid overfeeding the plant, which can lead to burn damage.
Pruning
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri does not require pruning, but you may trim occasionally to shape the plant or get rid of any yellow or dead leaves. Use clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Cut just above a leaf or a node to encourage branching and stimulate new growth. Avoid cutting too much of the plant as this can stress it, leading to stunted growth and other issues.
Propagation of Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri
Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri is a commonly found plant in tropical Africa. It is commonly known as the "African pear" or "bush pear". Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The use of seed is a common propagation method for this plant. The seeds are obtained from ripe fruits and can be sown directly into fertile soil. It is advisable to scarify the seed before planting to reduce the seed coat's hardness. Scarification can be done by nicking the seed coat with a blade or sandpaper. The seeds can be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered regularly until germination.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri can also be done using cuttings. The cuttings are taken from the mature wood of the plant and should be about 20 cm long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting is dipped into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then planted in fertile soil, and regular watering is done to support its growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for this plant. This method involves girdling a mature stem's bark and applying a rooting hormone to the girdled area. The girdled area is then covered with damp moss, and a plastic bag is used to enclose the area. Roots will develop within a few weeks, and the rooted stem can then be cut and planted in fertile soil.
With these propagation methods, Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. var. barteri can be reproduced easily and efficiently to increase its population.
Disease management for Maesobotrya barteri
Maesobotrya barteri is a plant species that is prone to various diseases, which can significantly reduce its productivity. The following are some of the most common diseases that affect Maesobotrya barteri and ways to manage them:
Fungal diseases
Fungal diseases are a significant challenge in the cultivation of Maesobotrya barteri. Some of the most common fungal diseases that attack this plant are Leaf spot, Powdery mildew, and Rust. Management of fungal diseases on Maesobotrya barteri can be achieved through:
- Practicing good sanitation by removing dead and diseased plant parts.
- Using disease-resistant varieties.
- Applying fungicides, such as copper-based fungicides, to control the spread of fungal pathogens.
Bacterial diseases
Maesobotrya barteri can also be affected by bacterial diseases, such as Bacterial blight. Bacterial diseases often require a promising combination of control measures, including:
- Using pathogen-free planting materials.
- Disinfecting tools after use with 10% bleach solution.
- Practicing crop rotation to reduce pathogen populations — avoid planting Maesobotrya barteri on the same land every season.
Pest management for Maesobotrya barteri
Maesobotrya barteri is also prone to attack by various pests. The following are some of the most common pests that affect Maesobotrya barteri and ways to manage them:
Mites
Mites are a significant pest problem in the cultivation of Maesobotrya barteri. Spider mites, in particular, cause severe damage to the leaves and stems. Management of mites can be achieved through:
- Practicing good hygiene and keeping the greenhouse clean and dust-free to discourage mite infestation.
- Using insecticides, such as neem oil and insecticidal soap, to control an infestation.
- Maintaining an optimal humidity level of below 60% to reduce the mite population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are another common pest of Maesobotrya barteri. They cause damage to the leaves, which can eventually affect plant health and productivity. Management of caterpillars on Maesobotrya barteri can be achieved through:
- Handpicking caterpillars whenever they are visible.
- Using insecticides, such as spinosad and bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), to control an infestation.
- Covering the plants with row covers to prevent the pests from accessing the plants.
Thrips
Thrips are a commonly found pest that attack the foliage and flowers of the Maesobotrya barteri plant. They cause discoloration, deformation, and leaf browning. Management of thrips can be achieved through:
- Using sticky traps to control the population of thrips.
- Applying insecticides to control thrips allergies.
- Maintaining the proper temperature and relative humidity to reduce the thrips population.
