Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard: Description and Information
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard is a small, evergreen shrub belonging to the family of the Rubiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, specifically found growing in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Central African Republic. The plant belongs to a genus of approximately six species of tall shrubs or small trees with simple leaves.
Common Names
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard is commonly known as “Tabakoshi”, “Lamps-ear”, or “Sausage Tree” in English, amongst other names in its local regions.
Appearance
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard produces a compact, round canopy with a height that averages between 1.2 m and 2.5 m and a width of around 1.5 m. The plant produces lanceolate, shiny leaves that have a lighter green patch on the upper surface, with rib-like lateral veins that extend to the leaf’s margin from the midrib. The lateral veins are often indistinct on the lower surface of the leaves.
The flowers, which develop on short stems, are small white flowers in small clusters that grow from the axils of leaves. The flowers either bloom in the fall or in the winter depending on the geographic location. The fruit of the plant is a dark reddish-brown, sausage-like capsule that opens to reveal the seeds.
Uses
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard has a variety of uses. The bark of the plant is widely used in traditional medicine, particularly in its native regions, for treating ailments such as fever, headaches, and skin infections. The wood of the plant is also used for carving, making handles for tools, spoons, and other utensils. The fruit of the plant is edible by humans and is consumed by local wildlife.
Light Conditions
The Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard plant is a shade-loving plant that grows well under low to moderate light conditions. It needs indirect sunlight to thrive and direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched. It is, therefore, suitable for indoor planting or in shaded outdoor areas.
Temperature Conditions
The ideal temperature range for the Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard plant is between 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and it should be kept away from air conditioning or heating vents. Changes in temperature may cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
Soil Requirements
The Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard plant requires well-draining, friable soil that is slightly acidic with a pH ranging from 5.6 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and a peat-based mixture or a combination of peat and perlite/sand is recommended. It is important to ensure that the soil is not allowed to dry out and the plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation of Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard
Maesobotrya pierlotii is a rare plant that requires specific conditions for growth. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and prefers bright but indirect light. It is important to plant the Maesobotrya pierlotii in well-draining soil with good aeration to prevent waterlogging. It is also recommended to use a pot with drainage holes to facilitate adequate drainage.
Watering Needs of Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard
Maesobotrya pierlotii requires regular watering, but it is important to prevent overwatering. To avoid overwatering, allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. The plant also requires relative humidity, and therefore it is recommended to keep a tray of water nearby to provide adequate moisture. It is important to avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard
Maesobotrya pierlotii requires fertilization during growing season to promote growth and flowering. It is recommended to use a balanced soluble fertilizer once per month during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied at half the recommended strength to avoid overfertilization which can damage the roots.
Pruning of Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard
Pruning of Maesobotrya pierlotii is important to maintain the plant's shape and size. The plant should be pruned in spring or early summer by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased growth. It is also recommended to shape the plant by removing any stray branches to maintain a compact habit. The plant does not require extensive pruning, and therefore only a light pruning is recommended.
Propagation of Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. The following paragraphs provide detailed information about the propagation methods:
Propagation by Seeds
The first step to propagate Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard by seeds is to collect ripe fruits which typically appear in the fall season. The seeds are extracted from the fruits and cleaned thoroughly with water. Once cleaned, the seeds can be sown in small pots containing a well-draining soil mix. The pots should be kept in a warm, bright location, preferably under grow lights or in a greenhouse, at a temperature of around 20-25°C. The seeds will usually germinate within a few weeks, and the young plants can be transplanted into larger pots as they grow.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To take cuttings, select healthy stems that are around 10-15 cm in length, and make a clean, angled cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only a few at the top. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone before placing them in a well-draining soil mix. Place the pot in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, and the cutting should root within 6-8 weeks. Once the cutting is rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted in the ground.
Common diseases and pests affecting Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard is a robust and hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases or pests. However, like all plants, it is not entirely immune and can still experience issues with pests and diseases.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard is root rot. This occurs when the soil is waterlogged, and the roots begin to rot. Another disease that can affect this plant is caused by fungal pathogens such as Phytophthora and Pythium. These pathogens can cause crown and root rot and can lead to the death of the plant.
To prevent root rot, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-draining. Allow the plant to dry out slightly between waterings, and ensure that the pot has excellent drainage. Using a rich, well-draining soil mix and avoiding overwatering can help prevent root rot and other related diseases. In case of crown and root rot, it is essential to remove infected parts of the plant and change the potting soil to avoid further infection.
Pests
Maesobotrya pierlotii J.Léonard is generally pest-resistant, but it can still be affected by common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites can cause yellowing leaves and webbing while mealybugs and scale insects can cause stunted growth, yellow leaves, and a sticky residue on the plant.
To manage pests, it is crucial to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Isolate infected plants to prevent the spread of the infestation, and remove any affected leaves or branches. Treat the remaining plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is also essential to keep the plant clean by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris that can harbor pest populations.
