Origin
Maytenus lepidota (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée var. kilimandscharica (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée, is a plant species native to Africa, specifically found in the highlands of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the East African maytenus or the Kilimanjaro maytenus. In Swahili, it is known as mkomati or mgwaju.
Uses
The bark and leaves of Maytenus lepidota have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by several African tribes. The plant is known to possess several medicinal properties, including antimalarial, antidiarrheal, and antipyretic activities. The bark of the plant is also used in the treatment of ulcers, fever, and dysentery. Apart from its medicinal value, the plant is also valued for its ornamental purposes, often used as a hedge plant.
General Appearance
Maytenus lepidota is a small deciduous tree that grows up to 10 meters tall and has a trunk of 30 cm in diameter. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptic in shape, with a length of 5 to 10 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm. The leaves have a glossy green appearance with a smooth surface, but the underside of the leaves is covered with scales. The plant has small green flowers that bloom in clusters during the rainy season. The fruit produced by the plant is a small red drupe that measures less than 1 cm in diameter and ripens during the dry season.
Typical Growth Conditions of Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica is a species of plant that is native to the tropical regions of East Africa. It is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 4m tall. Here are some of the typical growth conditions required for this plant species.
Light Requirements
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica thrives in full sunlight but can adapt to partial shade. It is important to ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to support proper growth. When grown indoors, it is essential to place the plant close to a window that receives direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures, with a minimum temperature of 10°C and a maximum of 35°C. The ideal temperature range for this plant species is 20°C to 28°C, which is equivalent to the average room temperature. The temperature should also be consistent as fluctuations can negatively impact the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in nutrients and organic matter to support growth. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Watering Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering, and it is essential to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the environmental conditions, and it is always better to water the plant in the morning when the soil is cool. Overwatering can result in root rot, and it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilizer Requirements
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer can be used every three months. It is important to avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil and damage the plant's roots.
Pruning Requirements
The plant requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can be done in dry seasons to avoid the spread of diseases. It is important to ensure that pruning is done with sterilized tools to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Maytenus lepidota (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée var. kilimandscharica (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée is a hardy shrub that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate both acidic and neutral soils. It can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds.Watering Needs
Maytenus lepidota (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée var. kilimandscharica (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée should be watered regularly during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as the roots may rot. The plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the climate and the soil.Fertilization
Maytenus lepidota (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée var. kilimandscharica (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée can benefit from regular fertilization. It is recommended to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. However, it is important to avoid overfertilization as this may lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.Pruning
Maytenus lepidota (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée var. kilimandscharica (Loes.) Robyns & Lawalrée can be pruned to promote bushier growth and maintain a desirable shape. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and the remaining branches should be pruned back to a healthy bud. It is important to use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant.Propagation of Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica propagates best from seeds and cuttings. Both methods have high success rates, and some nurseries combine them to produce more plants efficiently. Below are details on the propagation methods:
Propagation from Seeds
The first step in propagating Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica from seeds is to collect the seeds from the mother plant. The seeds are usually available after flowering or fruiting. You should select mature fruits with firm skin, as this shows that the seeds inside are viable.
After harvesting the fruits, you should extract the seeds by cutting open the fruit. You must be very careful not to damage the seeds. After extraction, wash the seeds with water to remove any pulp or debris stuck to them.
Next, sow the seeds in an appropriate seedling mix. Since the seeds are small, you should sow them at a shallow depth of around 3mm. The seedling mix should be moist, and you should keep it moist throughout the germination period.
The germination period for Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica ranges from 3-4 weeks. During this time, the seeds require warmth and light to sprout, so you should keep them at a temperature of around 20-25°C.
Propagation from Cuttings
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica easily propagates from stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing seasons when the plant is actively producing shoots. Late spring, summer, or early autumn is the ideal time to take cuttings.
You should select healthy cuttings with firm stems and mature leaves. The cutting size should be around 10-15cm long, and you should make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the leaves on the lower half of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Once you have taken the cuttings, dip the cut-end in a rooting hormone powder to promote root growth, then plant the cuttings in a moist potting mix. You can increase the rooting success rate by using a bottom heat source to keep the cuttings warm.
The cuttings usually take around 4-6 weeks to develop roots and start growing new shoots. After this, you can transplant the new plants into permanent pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica is prone to some fungal infections, and it is essential to identify and manage them in their early stages to prevent severe damage to the plant.
One of the common fungal infections that affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the plant's surface and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to prune affected parts of the plant, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply a fungicide suited for powdery mildew management.
Another fungal infection that may affect Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering, which leads to waterlogged soil, creating an ideal environment for fungi to thrive. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure the soil is well-drained. Applying a fungicide may also help stop the spread of the fungi.
Pest Management
Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica is generally resistant to pests, but some insects may still attack the plant.
One of the common insect pests that may attack the plant is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged insects that prefer dry conditions and suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to improve humidity levels around the plant, regularly spray the plant with water, and apply insecticides that are suitable for spider mite management.
Another insect pest that may affect Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica is mealybugs. Mealybugs are white, soft-bodied insects that produce a white, waxy substance that covers the body. They suck sap from the plant leading to wilting and stunted plant growth. To manage mealybugs, prune or remove affected parts of the plant, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply insecticides that are suitable for mealybug control.
Regular monitoring of the plant and early identification of pests and diseases will help manage pest and disease levels in Maytenus lepidota var. kilimandscharica.
