Overview
Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis, also known as Salix-leaf waxberry, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Myricaceae. The plant is native to the sub-Saharan region of Africa and is commonly found growing in areas with moderate rainfall and a tropical climate.
General Appearance
This plant can grow up to 5 meters in height and width with a dense and bushy growth habit. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and resemble those of the willow tree, hence the common name Salix-leaf waxberry. The leaves are a dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green color on the under surface, with a smooth and shiny texture. The flowers are small and yellow and are produced in late winter to early spring, followed by dark purple to black fruits that mature in late spring to mid-summer.
Uses
The plant has a variety of traditional medicinal uses by local communities in Africa. The leaves and bark are crushed and boiled to treat dysentery, fever, and stomach problems. The fruits are edible but have a sour taste and are used to make a tart jam. The plant is also used as an ornamental in gardens due to its attractive foliage and berry-like fruit.
Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis is a versatile plant that has important traditional uses and ornamental value, making it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.
Typical Growth Conditions for Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis
Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis is a shrub that is native to Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. It thrives in subtropical to tropical regions with a semi-arid climate. Understanding the growth conditions is essential in cultivating this plant successfully.
Light Requirements
Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. The plant can withstand full sun but may require more water during this time. Partial shade is ideal, especially during the hottest part of the day, to protect the plant from extreme heat. East-facing locations are perfect for this plant as they receive the morning sun and are shaded from the afternoon heat.
Temperature Requirements
The subsp. meyeri-johannis variety of Morella salicifolia is well-adapted to hot and dry growing conditions and is tolerant of high temperatures. It prefers a temperature range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. This plant can tolerate temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius but will require more water to thrive in such conditions. It is essential to protect the plant from extreme cold conditions, and it will not survive frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining, loam soil that is slightly acidic with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is also tolerant of salty soil conditions, which makes it a perfect plant for coastal landscaping. Sandy soil is also suitable for the plant as long as it is well-draining. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and moisture retention capacity.
In conclusion, Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis is an easy plant to grow, provided that the necessary growth conditions such as light, temperature, and soil requirements, are met.
Cultivation methods
Morella salicifolia (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Verdc. & Polhill subsp. meyeri-johannis (Engl.) Verdc. & Polhill is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that requires little attention in cultivation. It can be grown in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant also prefers full to partial sunlight, and it can tolerate some shade.
The plant can be propagated through seed or cuttings. However, seed propagation may be slow and unreliable, and cuttings may be difficult to root. Therefore, it is recommended to propagate the plant through suckers or by layering the stems.
Watering needs
The plant has a moderate water requirement and needs to be watered regularly, especially during the dry season. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is recommended to water the plant deeply and less frequently rather than light and frequent watering.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized regularly during the growing season, which is from spring to early autumn. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is recommended. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter as it may lead to soft, leggy growth that is susceptible to fungal infections.
Pruning
Morella salicifolia (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Verdc. & Polhill subsp. meyeri-johannis (Engl.) Verdc. & Polhill requires minimal pruning. However, occasional pruning may be necessary to maintain the plant's shape and to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is in late winter to early spring, before the new growth appears. It is recommended to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation methods for Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis
Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis can be propagated via seed, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation via seed:
The seeds of Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis require stratification before germination. Sow the seeds thinly onto a seed tray filled with a mixture of 2 parts loam, 2 parts sand, and 1 part peat moss. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the same mixture and water gently. Place the tray in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse and allow the seed to stratify for 3-4 months. After stratification, move the tray to a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist. The seeds will take 6-8 weeks to germinate. Once they have grown large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are mature enough to plant.
Propagation via cuttings:
Take 6-inch semi-ripe cuttings from the current year's growth of Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis plant in late summer. Strip away the lower leaves and dip the cuttings' base into rooting hormone powder. Then insert the cuttings into a mixture of 50% loam and 50% perlite. Water the cuttings well and cover the pot or tray with a clear plastic bag to create a humid atmosphere. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location, out of direct sunlight. After 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should be rooted and can be transplanted individually into pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation via layering:
In early spring, select a low branch of Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis plant and make a 2-inch long cut at the underside of the branch. Bend the branch down and pin it to the soil with a U-shaped pin or a wire hoop. Cover the branch with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Water frequently to keep the soil moist. By fall, the branch will have grown roots, and the new plant can be severed from the mother plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
The Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis plant is relatively resistant to diseases, but like any other plant, it can still suffer from certain diseases. Some common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal infection that presents as small spots on the leaves. It can weaken the plant and cause defoliation. To prevent this, ensure to water the plant from the base, avoid overhead watering, prune dead or diseased branches, and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the crown of the plant to rot. It can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, improve drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove the affected part of the plant with a sterile cutting tool.
- Root rot: This is also a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is also caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this, remove the affected plant from the soil, cut off the affected roots, and replant it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pest Management
The Morella salicifolia subsp. meyeri-johannis plant is also relatively resistant to pests, but they can still infest the plant. Some common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow. To prevent infestation, ensure to regularly spray the plant with water and insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These are small pests that attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems, sucking out the sap. They can be removed manually by rubbing them off the plant with a cloth dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl. To manage an infestation, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
