Overview
Melodorum gracile (Engl. & Diels) Verdc. subsp. englerianum (Exell & Mendonça) Verdc. is a plant species native to West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, and Congo. It belongs to the Annonaceae family.
Common Names
Some of the common names of Melodorum gracile subspecies englerianum include 'Ebaka', 'Boame', 'Nkusi', 'Ekwensu', 'Nkwam', 'Eduna', and 'Ngangila'.
Appearance
Melodorum gracile subspecies englerianum is a semi-deciduous plant that can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its branches are covered in brown bark, and its young shoots have dense, rusty-brown hair. The leaves are large, oblong, and glossy green, measuring 12-20 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The flowers are solitary, axillary, and have white petals that open up to 4-5 cm in diameter. The fruit is an ovoid to oblong capsule that can reach up to 5 cm in length.
Uses
Melodorum gracile subspecies englerianum has several uses in traditional medicine. Its bark and roots are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and malaria. The leaves are used as a remedy for stomach pain, while the fruit is used to treat coughs and bronchitis. In addition, the wood is used as timber for building and furniture making.
Growth conditions for Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum
Light: Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum thrives in partial shade to full sunlight. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of larger trees, where it receives dappled sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause its leaves to burn, so it’s best to place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
Temperature: This plant is native to tropical regions of Africa and can grow in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F (16°C to 32°C). It prefers warmer temperatures and does not tolerate cold temperatures or frost.
Soil: Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum grows best in well-draining, fertile soil. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. It can also adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.
Water: This plant enjoys moderate watering, and it’s important to allow the soil to dry slightly in between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases, which can be detrimental to its growth. It’s best to water it deeply once a week and adjust the frequency based on the environmental conditions.
Fertilizer: It’s recommended to fertilize Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage healthy growth. Be cautious not to over-fertilize to avoid fertilizer burn.
By following these growth conditions, Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum can thrive and produce healthy foliage.
Cultivation Methods
Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum thrives best in warm, humid conditions with ample air circulation. It is well suited for tropical and subtropical regions and can be grown in both containers and the ground. The plant prefers a slightly acidic, well-draining, and fertile soil.
Watering Needs
The Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum plant prefers consistently moist soil but can suffer if overwatered or left in standing water. It is crucial to check the soil frequently and water it when it begins to dry out. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases from developing.
Fertilization
The Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. To ensure optimal growth, feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Refrain from fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning the Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum plant is essential to maintain its size and shape. It is best to prune the plant at the end of the growing season when it is dormant. Cut back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and remove any crossed or crowded stems to increase airflow and encourage new growth.
Propagation of Melodorum gracile (Engl. & Diels) Verdc. subsp. englerianum (Exell & Mendonça) Verdc.
Melodorum gracile (Engl. & Diels) Verdc. subsp. englerianum (Exell & Mendonça) Verdc., commonly known as 'knobwood', is a tropical evergreen plant with attractive flowers. Propagation is an essential aspect of cultivating this plant, and it can be achieved through different techniques, which include:
Seed propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Melodorum gracile is seed propagation. To do this, seeds should be sowed as soon as they are ripe, and they should be placed in a well-drained potting soil. The best time to sow the seeds is during spring, and they should be kept moist until they germinate, which can take anywhere from two to six weeks. Once the seedlings have produced two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or in the garden.
Cutting propagation
Another propagation method for Melodorum gracile is through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from healthy parent plants during the growing season to produce new plants. Cuttings should be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood, and they should be around four to six inches long. The leaves on the lower part of the cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings should be placed in moist potting soil. They should be kept in a protected area with consistent humidity until roots develop.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Melodorum gracile. This method involves making a cut about one-third of the way around the stem of a healthy parent plant, and then packing the cut area with moist sphagnum moss. The cut area should be wrapped in plastic or foil to retain moisture, and roots should start developing in about six to eight weeks. Once the roots are robust, the plant can be cut off and planted.
Overall, Melodorum gracile is a beautiful, tropical plant that can be propagated through seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air layering methods. By following these methods, gardeners can produce healthy new plants that will add a touch of natural beauty to any garden or indoor space.
Disease and Pest Management for Melodorum gracile (Engl. & Diels) Verdc. subsp. englerianum (Exell & Mendonça) Verdc.
Melodorum gracile subsp. englerianum is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but some common diseases and pests may affect it. Here are some possible issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Phytophthora root rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and the plant to wilt and eventually die. The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure good soil drainage. Fungicides containing mefenoxam and metalaxyl-m can also help to control the disease.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown to black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. Severe cases may cause defoliation or fruit drop. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply fungicides containing azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, or trifloxystrobin.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a grayish-white powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. The leaves may also become yellow and curl up. To control powdery mildew, apply fungicides containing myclobutanil, propiconazole, or trifloxystrobin.
Pests
Scale insects: These tiny, oval-shaped insects form hard scales on the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck sap from the plant and cause stunted growth, yellowing, and leaf drop. To control scale insects, remove them from the plant using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: These pests are not actual insects but are related to spiders. They cause yellow stippling on the leaves of the plant, and severe infestations can cause leaf drop. To control spider mites, wash the leaves of the plant with a strong spray of water, or apply insecticides containing abamectin, bifenthrin, or spinosad.
Regular monitoring and good cultural practices, such as keeping the plant healthy and well-watered, can go a long way in preventing and managing plant diseases and pests.
