Origin and Common Names
Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand is a plant species that originates from the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. This plant is commonly known as the African leafy vegetable or in Gabon specifically, as ébilonga.
General Appearance
Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand is a tall and slender plant that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The plant has a narrow trunk, a dense canopy of leaves at the top, and a broad base at the bottom. The leaves of this plant are large, dark green, and shiny, and can reach up to 60 cm in length and 30 cm in width.
Uses
The African leafy vegetable has been traditionally used in various African countries as food and medicine. The leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C and are commonly cooked as a vegetable dish. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the plant has been used for its insecticidal properties and as a natural dye for clothing.
Light Requirements
The Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand needs bright, indirect sunlight to grow successfully. It can tolerate some direct sunlight during the morning or late afternoon, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand is between 18°C to 26°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C or above 30°C. This plant also requires a humid environment to thrive, so it's essential to keep the air around the plant moist.
Soil Requirements
The soil of the Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand needs to be well-draining and fertile. It should consist of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as the plant cannot tolerate stagnant water. It's essential to fertilize this plant regularly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer to keep it healthy and thriving.
Cultivation methods for Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand
Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand is native to Gabon and is found in the dense forest areas. This plant is relatively easy to grow and will do well in full to partial shade. It is a small understory tree and can grow up to 5 meters.
The plant thrives in subtropical and tropical climates and can grow in a variety of soils, including well-draining sandy loam or clay soils. The best time to plant it is in early spring or late summer when the soil is moist and warm.
When planting, it is essential to dig a hole twice as deep as the pot but not wider than the pot. The hole should be enriched with compost and well-rotted manure to provide the plant with rich nutrients. Then, at the bottom of the hole, add a layer of small stones or gravel to assist with drainage.
Watering needs for Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand
The watering requirements for this plant are quite easy, and it needs to be watered regularly once a week during the growing season. Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. This plant does not tolerate drought very well, and it is essential to keep it hydrated.
It is important to water the plant at the base and water it less frequently, especially during colder months when growth slows down.
Fertilization for Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand
Fertilizing this plant should be done during the growing season, preferably in late winter to early spring. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nutrients and apply it generously around the base of the plant.
Compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to fertilize the plant instead of commercial fertilizers. Do not fertilize the plant during winter because the plant growth slows down during cold weather.
Pruning Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand
Pruning the plant should be carried out during the growing season to encourage it to produce new growth. Ideally, prune the plant's damaged or diseased branches or those branches growing out of shape.
Deadheading is essential when the flowers and old leaves start to fade. Deadheading will encourage the plant to produce new flowers and leaves.
Pruning should be done just above the leaf node, and pruning cuts should be clean. Do not over-prune the plant or do it during the colder months, as it might damage the plant.
Propagation of Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand
Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand can be propagated through two primary methods: seeds and stem cuttings. Both methods require specific techniques to ensure successful propagation, and the appropriate method often depends on the resources and tools available.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Morelodendron gabonense. Fresh seeds are the best for propagation purposes. After the fruit has ripened, the pulpy covering of the fruit is removed by washing in water. The seeds are laid out to dry in the shade for a few days to reduce the moisture content of the seed to 10% or less.
Once the seeds are dry, they can be sown into a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and warm, with a temperature range of 25 to 30°C. Germination can occur in three to six weeks with ideal conditions. Once the seedlings reach a size of two to three inches, they should be transplanted to their permanent container or location. It must be noted that the plant is slow-growing and actively growing for only a few months of the year.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is an alternative method for those who have access to adult plants. Stem cuttings should be taken in the growing season only, i.e., from March to October.
For this method, take cuttings that are at least 2 to 3 feet long with at least 3-4 nodes. The cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a mixture of peat moss and sand. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and place it in a warm location with bright but indirect light. Ensure that the growing medium is neither too dry nor too damp. After several weeks, the plant will develop roots.
Once a callus has formed on the cuttings, they can be transplanted into their final location or container that is filled with fast-draining soil mix. Care must be taken to ensure that the young plants are kept moist, but not too wet, in their first few months to avoid stress or rotting. Additionally, it may take up to two years for the transplanted Morelodendron gabonense to establish and develop into a full plant.
Disease Management
Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand is prone to some common diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are a few diseases that might attack this plant and how to manage them.
Fungal diseases
Fungal diseases that might affect Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand include Anthracnose, Root rot, and leaf spot. To manage fungal diseases, prune and dispose of infected plant parts and apply fungicides to prevent further spread.
Viral diseases
Viral diseases that might affect Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand include mosaic viruses. To manage viral diseases, remove infected plant parts, disinfect tools, and prevent the transmission of the virus by insects.
Pest Management
The pests that commonly attack Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs suck sap and release honeydew that promotes the growth of sooty mold. Spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap to dislodge them. You could also use a systemic insecticide sprayed on the leaves to kill the bugs.
Spider mites
Spider mites suck plant sap that causes leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Use insecticidal soap or oil to smother them and reduce their numbers. You might also try introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Aphis
Aphids suck plant sap and excrete honeydew that also encourages the growth of sooty mold. Spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap to wash off the aphids. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control their population.
Regular monitoring of Morelodendron gabonense Cavaco & Normand var. alombiense Cavaco & Normand for signs of diseases and pests can help you take early action to manage them. Introduce preventive control measures like using disease-resistant varieties, planting cultivars adapted to local conditions, and practicing proper sanitation.
