Origin
Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White, commonly known as Tisserand's False Ironwood, is native to the tropical rainforests of Cameroon and Nigeria. It belongs to the genus Magnistipula and the family Euphorbiaceae.
Common Names
Tisserand's False Ironwood is known by various local names including "Ogbono", "Adiré", and "Munyaga".
Uses
The Tisserand's False Ironwood tree has various uses in traditional medicine. Its leaves, bark, and roots are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, malaria, and stomach problems. The fruit of the tree is also edible and is used to make a soup thickener locally known as "Ogbono soup".
Furthermore, the wood of the Tisserand's False Ironwood tree is durable and hard, making it suitable for carving and making furniture. Its high density also makes it a good source of firewood and charcoal.
General Appearance
The Tisserand's False Ironwood tree can grow up to 20 meters tall with a straight, cylindrical trunk that is up to 60 cm in diameter. Its leaves are elliptical, shiny, and dark green in color, with a length of up to 15 cm and width of up to 8 cm. The plant produces small, greenish flowers that later develop into a fruit that is up to 5 cm in diameter and has yellow or orange flesh when ripe. The bark of the tree is rough and grayish-brown, with vertical ridges and cracks.
Overall, the Tisserand's False Ironwood tree is a valuable plant with various uses and a distinctive appearance, making it an important part of its native ecosystem and local culture.
Light Requirements
The Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White plant requires bright and indirect sunlight to grow properly. However, it cannot withstand direct and harsh sunlight, which may cause leaf scorching or leaf drying. It is recommended to place the plant in a well-lit area with curtains or mesh drapes to filter the light.
Temperature Requirements
The Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C. It does not tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures, and hence, it should be kept away from drafty areas or air-conditioning vents. Temperatures below 13°C may cause stunted growth and leaf discoloration or drop.
Soil Requirements
The Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White plant requires well-draining and fertile soil to grow properly. It prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter and perlite to ensure adequate drainage. The plant does not tolerate water-logged or heavy soil, which may cause root rot. It is recommended to test the soil pH regularly to maintain a slightly acidic or neutral pH level of 5.8 -6.5.
Cultivation
Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White, commonly referred to as Magnistipula tisserantii, is an evergreen shrub that prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. It can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. To propagate from cuttings, select a healthy stem with at least 2 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom node and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium and keep it moist. Transplant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil after it has developed roots.
Watering Needs
Magnistipula tisserantii prefers moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if the soil is waterlogged. Water the plant moderately and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Magnistipula tisserantii with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a higher concentration of nitrogen to promote leaf growth and a higher concentration of phosphorus for root growth. Add the fertilizer to the soil around the plant and water it thoroughly after application.
Pruning
Prune Magnistipula tisserantii during the dormant season to remove dead or damaged branches. This will stimulate new growth and improve the overall health of the plant. Trim back any excessively long branches to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. To prevent the spread of disease, disinfect pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a solution of bleach and water before and after use.
Propagation of Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White
Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White can be propagated through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seeds which can be collected and used for propagation. The seeds must be sown during the spring season in a well-drained soil mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist. The seeds will take about 2-4 weeks to germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another way to propagate Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White. Take stem cuttings from the plant during the growing season. Cut about 4-6 inches of stem with a sharp and clean pair of scissors. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and then dip the lower part of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the cutting in a bright and warm location. The cutting will take about 3-4 weeks to root.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method best done during the spring season. Lift up the plant and gently separate the rhizomes. Make sure each section has at least one shoot and one or two roots. Plant each divided section in a well-draining soil mix. Water well and place in a bright and warm location. The divided sections will take about 2-3 weeks to establish.
Disease Management
Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White is generally a healthy plant, but can be susceptible to a few diseases.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are common in this plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow with dark spots. This can be managed by removing the affected leaves and ensuring proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Root Rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot which can be identified by stunted and yellow leaves. To manage this disease, the plant must be repotted with fresh soil and proper drainage ensured.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections can cause stem rot and powdery mildew. This can be managed by pruning infected parts of the plant and spraying with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Magnistipula butayei De Wild. subsp. tisserantii (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) F.White is generally not prone to pests, but some pests can be problematic:
Spider Mites: Spider mites are a common pest that can cause discoloration and distortion of leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can be identified by a white, cottony substance on the leaves and stems. To get rid of mealybugs, wipe the leaves and stems with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects: Scale insects can cause yellow or white spots on leaves and stems, and they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the scale insects, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
