Overview
Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard, also known as "rat eye" or "Oga" in Nigeria, is a perennial climbers shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is native to West Africa and is widely distributed in countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Togo. It is popularly known for its medicinal uses such as treating a wide range of ailments such as fever, cough, gonorrhea, dysentery, and stomach ache.
Description
The plant can grow up to 5-7m tall and has a cylindrical stem that is woody and brown in color. The leaves are opposite, simple, and oval-shaped, with a smooth margin, dark green, and shiny. The flowers, which are small and white or cream-colored, are arranged in axillary or terminal clusters and have a fragrant scent. The fruits are small, rounded, and greenish-brown in color, and when ripe, they turn black and release a single seed.
Traditional Uses
The plant has been used traditionally for various medicinal purposes. The boiled root bark is used as an antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent. The leaf decoction is used for treating coughs and as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. In some communities, the leaf extract is applied to wounds and cuts to enhance healing. The fruit is used for treating fever and gonorrhea.
Moreover, the plant has also been used as a source of food, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria, where it is cooked as a vegetable soup. The leaves and stem are boiled and eaten as a side dish or can be mixed with other vegetables.
Cultivation
The plant is easy to cultivate and grow in the tropics. It can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sunlight. It requires regular watering and fertilization to thrive.
In conclusion, Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard is a valuable plant in traditional medicine and food. Its easy cultivation and medicinal properties make it an important plant for livelihood and health in West Africa.
Growth Conditions of Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard
Necepsia Afzelii Prain var. Sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard, commonly known as the Cameroon Necepsia, is a rare perennial shrub that is endemic to Cameroon. The plant typically grows in the understorey of submontane forests at altitudes between 800 and 1600 meters. It prefers moist and well-drained soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Light Requirements
The Cameroon Necepsia prefers partial to full shade. While the plant can tolerate some direct sunlight, it will thrive best under the dappled light of trees in submontane forests. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and lead to stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature for the growth of Cameroon Necepsia is between 22°C to 28°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and extremely low temperatures. Therefore, it's essential to keep the plant in a relatively warm environment to maintain its growth and keep it healthy.
Soil Requirements
Necepsia Afzelii Prain var. Sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard grows best in fertile, well-drained, and moist soils. The plant can survive in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, but requires a soil pH ranging between 6.5 to 7.5. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and stunted growth.
In conclusion, Necepsia Afzelii Prain var. Sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard requires partial to full shade, temperatures between 22°C to 28°C, and a well-drained and moist soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 to thrive. By providing these ideal conditions, gardeners or enthusiasts can grow and maintain a healthy Cameroon Necepsia.
Cultivation Methods for Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard
Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard requires a warm and humid environment to grow. It thrives in partial shade to full shade with well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5, but it can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. When planting seeds, sow them in a potting mix and keep the soil constantly moist until germination. For stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem and remove the leaves from the bottom. Dip the end in rooting hormone and plant it in the soil. Keep the soil moist until the cutting roots.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential for the growth of Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard. It requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that there is proper drainage in the soil. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Fertilization can help to promote healthier growth of Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard. Use a balanced fertilizer, applied at half strength, every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning can help to shape Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard and remove any dead or damaged foliage. It is best to prune during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. Use clean, sharp shears and make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant. Pruning can also help to promote bushier growth and encourage the development of more flowers.
Propagation of Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard
Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae Bouchat & J.Léonard can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seeds
The most common and easiest way to propagate N. afzelii var. sitae is through seeds. Mature fruits containing seeds should be collected from the parent plant and left to dry in a cool, shaded area. Once the fruits have fully dried, remove the seeds and soak in water for 24 hours to soften their hard outer coat. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and keep moist. Germination usually takes between 2-4 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.
Cuttings
Cuttings are a popular method of propagation for N. afzelii var. sitae due to the ease and quickness of propagation. Softwood cuttings should be collected during the growing season from healthy parent plants. Cut 6-8 inch stems from the plant and remove any lower leaves or flowers. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant into a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and provide high humidity around the cutting until it has rooted and new growth appears, usually within 4-6 weeks.
Layering
Layering is another simple method of propagating N. afzelii var. sitae. Select a low-growing branch of the plant and make a shallow cut in the bark where the node touches the ground. Bend the branch down and secure it in place with a U-shaped wire or by covering the cut with soil. The branch will produce roots at the point of contact with the soil, and once a strong root system has developed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae
Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae is a hardy plant that is susceptible to certain pests and diseases which, if not properly managed, can result in significant damage to the plant and a decrease in its productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and some suggestions on how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot are common in Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae. These diseases manifest through different symptoms such as yellow leaves, leaf spots, white powdery coating, and stunted growth. To manage these diseases, use fungicides, remove and dispose of infected leaves and stems, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases like wilts and blights are caused by bacteria that infect the plant through wounds. These diseases cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and black spots on stems. To manage bacterial diseases, use copper-based fungicides, remove and destroy infected plants or parts, and maintain good sanitation practices like proper cleaning tools used in handling the plant.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects like Mealybugs and soft scales are known to attack the plant. These insects suck sap from the plant and weaken it. They also secrete honeydew that attracts ants and sooty mold. To manage scale insects, use insecticides, or physically remove them by scraping them off the plant.
Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that are hard to spot, but their presence is indicated by speckled leaves and fine webbing on the plant. They suck sap from the plant, causing chlorosis, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To manage spider mites, use insecticides or regularly spray the plant with water to raise the humidity levels.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are known to attack the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation and reduced productivity. To manage caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis based insecticides, or physical removal by picking them off the plant.
By following these simple disease and pest management strategies, you can keep your Necepsia afzelii Prain var. sitae plant healthy, productive and free of pests and diseases.
