Overview
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. is a member of the Malvaceae family, commonly known as the hibiscus family. It is a medicinal plant found in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. The plant is known for its traditional medicinal uses, and its extracts have been used to manage various ailments.
Common Names
Some of the common names of Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. include Ndelle, ndelé, akan, oréta, waka, or ndellé-waka.
Appearance
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. is a shrub or small tree with a height of up to six meters and a trunk diameter of 20 cm. The plant has a shallow root system that makes it susceptible to drought. The leaves are alternate, and the flowers are yellow with red veins. The fruit is a capsule containing five to eight seeds.
Uses
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. has various medicinal uses. Its roots, leaves, and bark are used in traditional medicine to manage a variety of ailments such as fever, headache, rheumatism, and coughs. The plant has also demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for bacterial and fungal infections. Additionally, the plant is believed to have analgesic and immune-boosting effects.
Besides its medicinal uses, the plant's bark is also known to be a source of fiber, which can be used to make ropes and cords. The plant is also used as a shade tree due to its dense foliage, making it an ideal plant for agroforestry systems.
Light Requirements
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. prefers to grow in partially shaded areas. It can tolerate low light conditions but does not thrive in extreme shade. Direct sunlight can cause dehydration and leaf burn, so it is best to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. grows best in temperatures ranging from 18-28°C (64-82°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but does not do well in extreme heat or cold. Frost can be detrimental to the plant, so it is best to protect it during colder months.
Soil Requirements
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It can grow in a variety of soil textures, from sandy to loamy, but does best in nutrient-rich soil. Regular fertilization can help promote healthy growth and blooming.
Cultivation methods for Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh.
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. is a semi-aquatic plant that is native to Cameroon and Nigeria. It grows in swamps, marshes, and along rivers and streams. To grow this plant, you need to create an environment that mimics its natural habitat.
This plant thrives in moist soils that are rich in organic matter. You can grow it in a pot or on the ground. If you are growing Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. in a pot, ensure that the pot has good drainage holes.
When planting this plant, make sure you do not bury the rhizomes. The rhizomes should be at the soil surface.
Watering needs of Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh.
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. thrives in moist soils. You need to water this plant regularly to keep the soil moist. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot.
When watering, pour water directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves. The leaves can rot if they stay wet for too long.
Fertilization of Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh.
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. requires regular fertilization to grow and thrive. You can use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure. These fertilizers not only provide the necessary nutrients for the plant but also improve the soil's structure and water retention abilities.
Pruning of Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh.
Pruning is not necessary for Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. This plant has no major pest or disease problems. However, you can prune the leaves if they are damaged or if you want to keep the plant looking tidy.
Prune the leaves near the base of the plant, leaving a small stub. This will prevent the plant from developing any rot or fungal diseases.
Propagation of Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh.
There are several methods that can be used for propagating Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. These methods include:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds must be sown at a depth of 1 cm and watered regularly. Germination can take up to 6 weeks, and the seedlings must be kept in a warm and bright location. Once the seedlings reach a height of 5 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cutting propagation
Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer from the tips of the stems. Cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves, dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting regularly, and keep it in a warm and brightly lit area. Rooting can take up to 8 weeks, and once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into individual pots.
Air layering propagation
This method of propagation involves making a cut in the stem of the parent plant and wrapping a moist moss around it. The moss should be kept moist until roots start to grow, which can take up to several months. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut off from the parent plant and planted into an individual pot. This method can result in a new plant that is identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. is susceptible to different types of diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. To prevent and manage diseases, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
Some common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot Disease: This disease is caused by different types of fungi that infect the leaves, resulting in small spots that turn yellow or brown. To manage leaf spot disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation around the plants.
- Canker Disease: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the bark and cambium layer of the plant, resulting in sunken areas or cankers on the stem. To prevent canker disease, prune infected branches, avoid wounding the plant, and apply fungicides as a protective measure.
- Rust Disease: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the leaves, resulting in yellow or orange raised spots on the underside of leaves. To prevent rust disease, maintain good sanitation by removing fallen leaves and debris, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
Ochnella ndellensis Tiegh. is also vulnerable to pest infestations, which can affect plant growth and productivity. Proper pest management practices are essential to prevent and manage pest problems.
Some common pests that affect the plant include:
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny, sucking insects that cause leaves to turn yellow or brown and appear stippled. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to wash off the pests, apply insecticidal soap, or use predatory mites as a biological control measure.
- Caterpillars: These pests are the larvae of butterflies and moths that eat the leaves and can damage the plant. To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) as a biological control.
- Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage aphids, release ladybugs or lacewings as biological controls, apply insecticidal soap, or spray the plant with water.
