Origin
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is a flowering plant species that is native to tropical Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as "Nnadai" in Nigeria, "Mondok" in Gabon, and "Mueteh" in Cameroon.
Uses
The bark of Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is traditionally used in African medicine for treating various ailments such as malaria, yellow fever, and fevers. It is also believed to have antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties.
The leaves of the plant are used as a vegetable, cooked and eaten like spinach.
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is also used in reforestation projects to restore degraded lands in Africa. The plant's fast-growing nature makes it an ideal species for planting in degraded soils and to combat erosion.
General appearance
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20m tall. It has a cylindrical trunk which can grow up to 60cm in diameter. The bark is grayish-brown, thick, and rough, often with deep vertical fissures.
The leaves are large, lobed, and alternate. They are soft and hairy to the touch, dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. The leaves can grow up to 40cm in length and 20cm in width.
The plant bears small, brownish-red flowers which are usually clustered in groups of two or three.
The fruit of Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is an oval-shaped berry which turns from green to red when ripe. It contains a sticky pulp that is eaten by birds and other small animals.
Growth Conditions for Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is a plant species that is indigenous to West and Central Africa. This plant can thrive in a variety of growing conditions, but it has specific requirements for optimal growth. Below are some of the essential growth conditions for this species.
Light Requirements
Myrianthus preussii should be grown in a location that receives full sunlight or partial shade, as the plant requires a lot of light to grow. The plant can grow in partial shade, but its growth rate will be slower than the plants that receive full sunlight. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not placed in deep shade, as this will limit its growth and inhibit flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Myrianthus preussii is a tropical plant that thrives in warm environments. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 32°C. The plant may survive in areas with lower temperatures, but its growth rate will be slowed down drastically. It is crucial to note that high humidity is essential to the plant's survival, and the plant may wilt when the humidity is too low.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Myrianthus preussii growth should be well-drained, slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant thrives in soil that is rich in organic matter, and its ideal soil type is sandy soil or loam. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, and drainage should be a priority when planting it. Regular application of fertilizers is also necessary to provide the plant with essential nutrients for growth.
Overall, growing Myrianthus preussii successfully requires attention to detail and a willingness to provide the necessary growing conditions. With proper light, temperature, and soil requirements, the plant will thrive and produce beautiful flowers, leaves, and fruits.
Cultivation methods
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is a fast-growing tree that thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. For best results, the plant should be grown in full sun to partial shade and protected from strong winds.
Propagation of Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter can be done through seeds or cuttings. However, seeds are the best option as the plant can be difficult to propagate through cuttings. Sow seeds in a well-drained potting mix and keep the soil evenly moist.
Watering needs
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant once or twice a week during the dry season. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Check the soil daily and water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
Fertilization
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. However, avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is not necessary unless the plant is grown as a hedge. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches. However, avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's canopy at once as this can lead to stress and reduced growth.
Propagation of Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter, commonly known as the African rubber fig, is a fast-growing tree belonging to the family Moraceae. Propagation of Myrianthus preussii can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Myrianthus preussii can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be washed in clean water and dried in the shade for a few days. Once they are fully dry, they can be planted in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist, and seedlings should appear within two to three weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is a popular method for Myrianthus preussii propagation. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy branches in the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 20cm in length and should be free from any disease or pests. After removing the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, it can be planted in sandy soil and kept moist. After a month, the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted to a bigger pot.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another effective method for Myrianthus preussii propagation. This method involves cutting a small part of the stem, removing the bark, and covering it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. After a few weeks, roots will develop at the point where the bark was removed. Once the roots are well-developed, the new plant can be cut off and planted in well-draining soil.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a professional method that can be difficult for beginners. It involves joining a stem piece from a Myrianthus preussii tree to a rootstock of another tree. This method is usually used in nurseries or for commercial production since it requires experience and exceptional care to prevent tissue rejection.
Overall, Myrianthus preussii can be propagated by seed, cuttings, air layering, or grafting. The method chosen will depend on the grower's experience, the resources available, and the desired outcome.
Disease management
Myrianthus preussii Engl. subsp. seretii (De Wild.) Ruiter is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly affect plant growth and productivity. The most common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects leaves and stems causing lesions that later become sunken, dark spots. Anthracnose can cause defoliation and death of the plant if not controlled. Cultural controls such as proper sanitation and timely pruning of infected branches can help to manage the disease. Chemical treatments are also available.
- Leaf spot: Myrianthus preussii can suffer from bacterial or fungal leaf spot diseases that cause water-soaked spots on the leaves. The spots later turn brown or black from the center, leading to defoliation of infected foliage. Cultural management practices such as ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead irrigation can help reduce the spread of the disease. Also, fungicides may be used to control the disease.
- Root rot: The plant is susceptible to root rot caused by fungi such as Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia spp. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted plant growth. Cultural practices such as proper drainage, avoiding overwatering of the plant, and planting in well-drained soil can help prevent root rot. Additionally, the use of fungicides can also help manage the disease.
Pest management
Several pests can infest the Myrianthus preussii plant. Some common pests include:
- Scales: The plant can be affected by different scale insects such as the brown scale, soft scale, and armored scales. The pests attack leaves and stems by sucking plant sap, leading to the yellowing and weakening of the plant. Physical controls such as handpicking, pruning affected plant parts, and using sticky traps can be used to manage the pests. Also, the use of insecticides can be effective in controlling scales.
- Mealybugs: These pests attack leaves and stems of the plant by feeding on plant sap. Mealybugs cause yellowing and stunted growth of the affected plant parts. Cultural practices such as pruning affected plant parts, washing the plant with soap, and water can help manage mealybugs. Additionally, the use of insecticides can be effective in controlling the pests.
- Caterpillars: Several species of caterpillars can infest the plant causing significant damage. The pests mostly attack leaves causing them to wilt, turn yellow, and fall off. Cultural controls such as handpicking and pruning affected plant parts can be used to manage caterpillars. Also, the use of insecticides can be effective in controlling the pests.
