Origin
Myrianthus laurentii De Wild. is a species belonging to the family of Moraceae that is native to tropical Africa. It is commonly found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Uganda, where it grows in humid forest areas.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the African rubber tree, more commonly in French-speaking countries as "Caoutchouc du Congo" and also as the Mubai in the Lingala language.
Uses
The African rubber tree is a valuable plant that is widely used by the local communities for various purposes. The plant's latex is used to make rubber, which is then used to manufacture tires, shoe soles, hoses, and other rubber products. The plant's bark is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including headaches, asthma, and fever. The wood of the African rubber tree is also used for carving and making furniture.
General Appearance
The African rubber tree is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with grey, rough, and fissured bark. The leaves are large, glossy, and ovate-shaped, measuring about 8-20 cm in length. The flowers are small and unisexual, and the fruit is a large, green, and fleshy syncarp that resembles a jackfruit and can grow up to 30 cm in diameter. The tree has large, fleshy, and lenticellate roots that are capable of producing latex.
Light Requirements
Myrianthus laurentii De Wild. is a tropical plant that prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it is best to place it in a location that receives filtered or dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires warm temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 30°C). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and must be protected from cold drafts. Keep it away from air conditioning units or cold windows during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial for Myrianthus laurentii De Wild. to grow properly. It needs soil that is rich in organic matter and has an acidic to neutral pH level between 5.5 and 7.0. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid root rot.
Cultivation methods
Myrianthus laurentii, also known as the African rubber tree, is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid conditions. It is recommended to plant the young seedlings in a rich, well-drained soil and with a spacing of about 10 by 10 meters for adequate growth. The plant can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Watering needs
Watering should be done regularly but in moderation. The plant should be kept moist but not too wet as that can lead to root rot. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering, and during the rainy season, one may reduce watering to avoid waterlogging. Appropriate irrigation systems can ensure consistent and adequate moisture supply.
Fertilization
Initially, one may fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the planting stage. Later on, the plant requires little to no fertilization as it can thrive well in nutrient-rich soils. Excessive fertilizer application may cause the plant to produce fewer latex materials, which happen to be its economically valuable parts. Careful application and timing of fertilization can help in balancing the desired yield.
Pruning
Pruning is not a common practice on the Myrianthus laurentii because it has a single central stem leading up to several branches that do not compete with each other in terms of dominance. However, dead and diseased branches can be cut off to maintain healthy plant growth.
Propagation of Myrianthus laurentii De Wild.
Myrianthus laurentii De Wild., also known as the African rubber tree or the pincushion tree, is a tropical plant that can be propagated through various methods. It is commonly found in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Myrianthus laurentii is through seeds. To propagate through seeds, it is best to use fresh seeds that have just been collected. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to help soften the seed coat and to increase germination rates. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining compost mix, and kept moist and warm until they germinate. Germination usually occurs within three to six weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Myrianthus laurentii can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings are usually taken during the early part of the rainy season, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the plant and should be about 20-25 cm long, with two or three sets of leaves on them. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to help stimulate root growth, and then placed in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root within four to six weeks, and once rooted they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the ground.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagation that can be used to propagate Myrianthus laurentii. This method involves inducing roots to form on a stem that is still attached to the parent plant. To do this, a section of bark is removed from the stem and the exposed area is covered with a rooting hormone. The area is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic to keep the moisture in. Roots should form within four to six weeks. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut off and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Overall, Myrianthus laurentii De Wild. is a relatively easy plant to propagate through different methods, so even beginners can successfully grow this plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Myrianthus laurentii De Wild.
Myrianthus laurentii De Wild., commonly known as the African rubber fig or more commonly, the Candelabra Tree, is a ornamental tree in the mulberry family Moraceae. It is native to Cameroon, and a popular ornamental tree in tropical regions.
Common Pests
The candelabra tree is susceptible to infestations by several types of pests:
- Whiteflies: These sap-sucking insects cause leaves to yellow, dry out and die. They also excrete honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold.
- Scale insects: These insects are found on the twigs and leaves of the tree and appear as small bumps. They secrete honeydew and cause leaves to yellow and drop.
- Spider mites: They suck sap and spin webs on the leaves of the plant. They cause leaves to discolor and eventually fall off.
Common Diseases
The candelabra tree is also susceptible to several types of diseases:
- Leaf spot: Caused by a fungus, leaf spot appears as dark brown spots on the leaves of the plant. These spots can grow and cause leaves to drop.
- Root rot: This is caused by over-watering and poor drainage. The roots become waterlogged and begin to rot, causing the plant to wilt.
- Powdery mildew: This is another fungal disease that appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely.
Pest Management
To manage the pests, you can:
- Prune: Prune and dispose of affected leaves and stems to limit the spread of pest infestation.
- Insecticidal soap: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate and prevent the infestation of pests.
- Ladybugs: Release ladybugs, which are natural predators of whiteflies, to help control their population in your garden.
Disease Management
To manage diseases:
- Sanitation: Remove and dispose of infected plant parts away from the plant to reduce the spread of the disease.
- Fungicides: Apply fungicides to deal with fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
- Avoid over-watering: Ensure the plant is not over-watered and the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
