Plant Description
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça, also known as "Chibia" in Angola, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Celastraceae. This evergreen shrub or small tree can reach a height of up to 4 meters. The stem is grey-brown and the leaves are leathery, with a shiny green color on top and a paler shade underneath.
Origin and Habitat
Maytenus welwitschiana is native to Angola and can be found in the southern regions, particularly in dry savannas and rocky areas.
Common Uses
Traditional medicine practitioners use various parts of the plant to treat a range of illnesses such as malaria, stomach pains, diarrhea, and fever. The bark and leaves contain biologically active compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids, which have potential for further research as alternative treatments for various diseases.
Locals also use the plant to treat livestock diseases, such as internal parasites, and for hedges and fuelwood.
General Appearance
Maytenus welwitschiana has a dense, bushy appearance with a wide-spreading crown. Its small, inconspicuous flowers are white and typically appear in the spring, followed by small red fruits that ripen in the summer.
The plant's hardy nature and drought tolerance make it a popular choice for landscaping and erosion control in its native range.
Light Requirements
The plant Maytenus welwitschiana grows best in areas that receive bright, indirect sunlight. The plant can tolerate full sun, but it should be exposed to direct sunlight for only a few hours each day. In areas that receive very low light, the growth and foliage of the plant will be affected, leading to weak and thin stems, spindly growth, and smaller leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Maytenus welwitschiana prefers warm temperatures between 18°C – 27°C (64°F – 81°F), but can tolerate temperatures up to 38°C (100°F) and as low as 10°C (50°F). In areas with cooler temperatures, the plant should be kept in a greenhouse or indoors near a bright window where it can receive sufficient sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Maytenus welwitschiana grows well in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 – 6.5, which is slightly acidic. The plant needs regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, which could lead to root damage and stunted growth. The addition of organic matter, like peat moss or compost, can help improve soil structure, drainage, and water retention, allowing the plant to grow healthier and stronger.
Cultivation methods for Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça, also known as Maytenus senegalensis Engl., is a shrub or small tree that grows in arid and semi-arid regions in Africa. The plant is hardy, drought-resistant, and can tolerate poor, dry soil. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
To cultivate Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça, plant it in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 8.5. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It can be planted during the rainy season or in early spring.
Watering needs of Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça needs regular watering during the first year after planting to establish roots. Once established, the plant is drought-resistant and can survive with minimal watering. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça does not need much fertilization. The plant can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply fertilizer sparingly, as too much can lead to excessive foliage growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning of Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça can benefit from pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before the plant begins to grow. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's growth in a single season to prevent stress and weaken the plant.
Propagation of Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça is a plant species that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is commonly known as white bark or mubanga in Zambia. The plant is native to Zambia, Angola, and Namibia, where it grows in woodland and grassland areas.
Propagation methods
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering:
Seeds
The seeds of Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate. The best time to sow the seeds is during the warm months of the year.
Cuttings
Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants, and should be at least 10 cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they develop roots. The best time to take the cuttings is during the warm months of the year.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves making a small cut in the stem of a plant and covering it with moist soil mix. The cut will produce roots, and a new plant can be grown from the resulting root system. Maytenus welwitschiana Exell & Mendonça can be propagated through air layering by making a cut in the stem of a mature plant and covering it with moist soil mix. The stem should be kept moist until roots develop, and the resulting plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease Management
Maytenus welwitschiana is susceptible to several diseases, but the most common ones are stem cankers, root rots, and leaf spot.
Stem Cankers are caused by fungi such as Nattrassia mangiferae and Fusarium solani. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and dropping of leaves. To manage stem cankers, remove the affected parts of the plant and apply fungicides.
Root Rots are caused by fungi such as Phytophthora cinnamomi and Pythium ultimum. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To manage root rots, water the plant moderately and avoid overwatering. Apply fungicides and improve drainage.
Leaf Spot is caused by fungi such as Cylindrocladium spathiphylli and Pestalotiopsis species. Symptoms include brown spots on leaves that may grow and merge. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Maytenus welwitschiana is also susceptible to several pests, but the most common ones are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stunting. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to wash them off, apply insecticides, and improve humidity levels.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with white wax. They feed on the sap, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, apply insecticides and remove the affected parts of the plant.
Scale Insects are small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stunting. To manage scale insects, remove them manually or apply insecticides.
Regular monitoring and early detection of pests and diseases is essential for the effective management of Maytenus welwitschiana. Maintaining proper cultural practices such as watering and fertilization also helps to reduce stress on the plant and improve its resistance to diseases and pests.
