Origin
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson is a plant native to tropical Africa. It is mainly found in Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, and the Central African Republic.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Gabonese Bamboo or Gabonese Mapania. In French, it is known as "Rotin du Gabon".
Uses
This plant is widely used for its beautiful and sturdy stem, which makes it a popular choice for crafting baskets, furniture, mats, and hats. Gabonese Bamboo is also popularly used for roofing and fencing in rural areas in African countries where it is found. In traditional medicine, the aerial parts of the plant are used to treat inflammation, fever, and snakebites.
General Appearance
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson is a tall, slender plant that grows up to 6 meters in height. It has thin, stiff, and green stems with a diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm. The young stems are covered with brown hairs, which disappear as the plant matures. The leaves of this plant are simple and narrow, measuring about 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. The plant has small flowers that are yellow and green in color. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that contains several tiny seeds.
Light Requirements
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth and development. The plant can tolerate partial shade but thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Inadequate light causes stunted growth, leggy stems, and yellowing of leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical climates with average daytime temperatures ranging from 23-30°C (73-86°F). Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 18°C (64°F). In colder regions, the plant is grown indoors or in a greenhouse to protect it from frost and extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica prefers soils that are moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant is sensitive to soil salinity and waterlogged conditions, which can cause root rot and other diseases. It is recommended to add organic mulch to the soil to increase water retention and improve overall soil quality.
Cultivation Methods
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid environment to grow. It prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or by seed. Growers should keep the plant in bright, indirect sunlight, preferably under the shade of a tree. In colder climates, it's advisable to keep this plant indoors or in a greenhouse to maintain a suitable temperature range.
Watering Needs
The Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson plant needs consistent moisture to thrive. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist, but ensure the soil has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature of the growing environment, the humidity level, and the size of the plant. Generally, it's best to water the plant when the top two or three inches of soil are dry.
Fertilization
To support healthy growth, Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson requires regular fertilization. During the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength to avoid damaging the plant's roots. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season, which is typically in the winter.
Pruning
Pruning Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson is not necessary, but it can help maintain its shape and promote new growth. Trim back any damaged or dead leaves or stems as soon as you notice them. To control the size of the plant, remove any overgrown shoots by cutting them back to a healthy growth node. Regular pruning also helps to improve the plant's ventilation and light exposure, which can promote healthier growth.
Propagation of Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson, also known as Gabonese bamboo, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Cyperaceae. The following are the different propagation methods of Mapania sylvatica:
Seed propagation
The most common method to propagate Mapania sylvatica is through its seeds. Seeds can be collected during the flowering season or by purchasing them from a reputable nursery. The seeds should be sown immediately in a well-draining potting mix, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist. They should germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings emerge, they should be transplanted individually into small pots and grown until they are large enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Division propagation
Division propagation is another method used to propagate Mapania sylvatica. This method involves dividing the clumps of the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This method is best done during the early spring or fall. The rootball should be carefully divided using a sharp knife or garden fork and replanted in a well-prepared bed with fertile soil and good drainage.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation by cuttings can be done in the early spring or summer. Select young, healthy stems with active growth and cut them to a length of about 6 to 8 inches. Remove the lower leaves and stick the cuttings into a well-draining soil mix. Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity and place them in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings will develop roots within about four to eight weeks. Once they have established roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson is a hardy plant, but like all plants, it is susceptible to several diseases. Below are some common diseases that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal diseases
Fungal diseases such as leaf spot and anthracnose can affect Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson. To manage these diseases, it's essential to maintain good plant hygiene and remove any infected plant material. Fungicides can also be used in severe cases, but prevention is always better than cure.
Bacterial diseases
Bacterial diseases like bacterial wilt can also affect this plant. These diseases usually occur due to poor growing conditions, like over-watering or poor drainage. The best way to manage such diseases is to maintain good soil drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. There are also bactericides available that can be used to control bacterial infections.
Viral diseases
Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson can also be affected by viral infections. These can be difficult to manage, and the infected plant material should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the disease from spreading. It's important to maintain good hygiene practices and avoid reusing infected equipment or tools.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson can also attract several pests. Below are some common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites can be a problem for Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson. The infested plant material should be removed, and the plant should be sprayed with an insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution. It's important to maintain good plant hygiene and avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as these can attract spider mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs can also infest this plant. These can be controlled by removing the affected plant material and spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Predatory insects like ladybugs can be introduced to the plant to control the mealybug population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can also feast on the leaves of Mapania sylvatica Aubl. subsp. gabonica (Cherm.) Simpson. The best way to manage these pests is to pick them off by hand or use a natural pesticide like Bacillus thuringiensis. It's essential to maintain good plant hygiene and remove any fallen leaves or debris around the plant, as this can attract caterpillars.
