Overview
Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to the south of Tanzania and the north of Mozambique, where it grows in the coastal sand forests and on rocky hillsides.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the African Milk Barrel or Milk Spurge, due to the milky sap that oozes out when the plant is cut or damaged. Its Swahili name is mtrumbai.
Appearance
The African Milk Barrel is a shrubby succulent that grows up to 2 meters in height. It has thick, grey-green or pale-green stems that are covered in smooth, waxy skin. The stems are upright or slightly curved, with several branches emerging from the base. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and grow in pairs along the stem, but they usually fall after the plant matures.
The flowers are small, yellow-green, and have a five-lobed cup. They grow in clusters on the tips of the branches and appear in late summer or early fall. The plant blooms between January and March.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Monadenium invenustum var. angustum Bally is used to treat various ailments, including earaches, skin infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Despite its milky sap that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, the plant is used to cure skin diseases such as warts, eczema, and scabies.
The African Milk Barrel is also used as an ornamental plant, grown indoors or outdoors as a potted plant. Due to its drought tolerance and air-purifying properties, it may also be used in xeriscape landscapes.
Light Requirements
The Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally requires moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too little sunlight can cause its growth to stagnate. Ideally, the plant needs about six hours of indirect sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally prefers warm climates and can be grown in temperatures between 18-30°C (65-86°F). It is important to maintain a consistent temperature range because abrupt changes can cause the plant to go into shock and die. During winter, the plant needs to be kept away from cold drafts and in a location that has stable temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH range of 6.0-7.0. It grows best in sandy soil with good aeration that allows the roots to breathe. The plant requires regular watering, but it is crucial not to overwater as excessive water can cause root rot and lead to the plant's death. Ideally, the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between each watering.
Cultivation:
Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally is a succulent plant that grows well in warm and dry conditions. It is best grown in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in nutrients. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-80°F (15.5-26.5°C). It is important to avoid planting it in areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity levels.
Watering Needs:
Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally does not require regular watering as it is a drought-tolerant plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant. It is recommended to let the soil dry out completely before watering. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the climate and growth stage of the plant.
Fertilization:
Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally requires little fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer that is low in nitrogen can be added to the soil mix during the growing season. It is essential to avoid overfeeding the plant, as this can lead to burning of the foliage and roots.
Pruning:
Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally does not require regular pruning. Pruning is only necessary to remove dead or damaged leaves or stems. The plant's sap can be toxic, so it is recommended to wear gloves when handling it.
Propagation of Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally
Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally is a succulent shrub that is native to East Africa. This plant is relatively easy to propagate and can be propagated through various techniques such as stem cuttings and leaf cuttings.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a popular way to propagate Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally. It is best to take cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cutting, follow these steps:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least two leaves.
- Cut the stem 5-10cm below the leaves using a clean, sharp blade.
- Allow the cutting to dry for a day or two until a callus forms over the cut end.
- Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and water sparingly.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, well-lit spot, and avoid direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, the cutting should start developing roots.
- Once the roots have developed, you can transplant the new plant into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
You can also propagate Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally by leaf cuttings. Here's how to do it:
- Choose a healthy leaf and remove it from the plant by gently twisting it from the stem.
- Allow the leaf cutting to dry for a day or two until a callus forms over the cut end.
- Plant the leaf cutting in a well-draining soil mix, burying about half the leaf in the soil.
- Water sparingly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, well-lit spot, and avoid direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, the leaf cutting should start developing roots.
- Once the roots have developed, you can transplant the new plant into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation of Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally can be done year-round, but it is best to do so during the active growing season. With proper care, your new plants will grow into healthy, mature plants in no time.
Disease and Pest Management for Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally
Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally is generally a hardy plant that doesn't suffer from too many diseases or pests, but there are a few things that you should be aware of in order to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally is root rot. This can be caused by over-watering, poorly-draining soil, or a fungal infection. To prevent root rot, be sure to plant your Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally in well-draining soil and only water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. If you suspect your plant has root rot, remove it from the soil, cut off any affected roots, and replant in fresh soil.
Another disease that can affect Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally is leaf spot. This is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection and can cause brown or black spots to appear on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, avoid getting water on the leaves when you water your plant and make sure it has good air circulation. If your plant does develop leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Common Pests
The most common pest that can affect Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally is the spider mite. These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. To prevent spider mites, keep your plant's humidity level high and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. If your plant does develop spider mites, spray it with water to remove as many as possible, then treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs can also be a problem for Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally. These pests are white and fuzzy and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To prevent mealybugs, inspect your plant regularly and remove any that you find. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the infestation.
By being aware of these common diseases and pests and taking steps to prevent and manage them, you can keep your Monadenium invenustum N.E.Br. var. angustum Bally happy and healthy for years to come.
