Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea
Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea is a flowering plant that is a part of the Olacaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Congo. The plant is commonly known as the African bird cherry, and in some regions, it is referred to as the wild custard apple tree.
The African bird cherry has numerous uses in traditional African medicine. The bark of the tree is used as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, it is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, respiratory infections, and stomach ailments. The leaves and bark of the tree are also used to make a tea that is believed to have healing properties.
The African bird cherry is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 10-15 meters high. The trunk of the tree is usually straight with a dense crown. The leaves of the tree are alternate, simple, and elliptical-shaped, measuring about 4-10 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The flowers of the tree are small and greenish-yellow in color, while the fruit is a small, round, and red berry that is edible but sour in taste. The African bird cherry tree generally thrives in moist, well-drained soils in tropical rainforests and woodlands.
Light Requirements
Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea is a shade-loving plant. It requires low to partial shade to grow. Direct sunlight can be harmful to this plant and may cause leaf scorching. The plant can be grown indoors near windows with filtered light or outdoors under the canopy of trees.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and may die if exposed to extreme cold. The plant's growth rate is also influenced by temperature. High temperatures usually result in faster growth, while low temperatures cause slower growth.
Soil Requirements
Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea grows best in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as this may cause root rot. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure can improve the soil structure and increase its water-holding capacity.
Cultivation methods:
O. subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to thrive. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in warm climates. It prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic compost. The plant requires full to partial sunlight but must be protected from the scorching afternoon sun.
Watering:
Watering is crucial for the Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea plant. The soil must always be kept moist but not waterlogged as the roots can rot. Water the plant regularly but ensure that the soil does not dry out completely between watering. During the dry months, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization:
The Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea plant benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Do not fertilize the plant during the dormant season.
Pruning:
Pruning the Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea plant helps to keep it in shape and encourage healthy growth. Prune the plant in the dormant season, cutting back any damaged or dead stems. During the growing season, prune back any overly long shoots to encourage bushy growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea
Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea is propagated both through seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation through seed
The seeds of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea are small, black, and shiny. The seeds are collected as soon as they start falling from the plant in autumn. The collected seeds are then cleaned and sown immediately on a prepared bed or in pots.
Germination of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea is erratic, and it could take up to 9 months for the seeds to germinate. Therefore, the planted pots or beds need to be kept in a semi-shaded area and watered on a regular basis.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea can be achieved through cuttings, layering, and division.
Cuttings are particularly easy to propagate and can be collected from the softwood or semi-hardwood of the plant. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and suckers or shoots from the plant's base can be transplanted in poly bags or pots.
Layering is done by selecting a healthy stem and making a shallow cut in the bark. The stem is then covered in soil, and once roots start growing, the plant can be severed from the mother plant and potted separately.
Division is done by separating the mature plants at the roots. Once separated, the plants can be potted in suitable soil and watered thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea
Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. var. subscorpioidea is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to most diseases and pests. However, certain conditions can make it susceptible to common garden pests and diseases. Here are some tips for managing these issues:
Common Pests:
One of the common pests that can affect Olax subscorpioidea is the mealybug. These insects have a white cottony appearance and are usually found in the leaf axils or on the underside of the leaves. The best way to manage mealybugs is to wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Another effective method is to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the spider mite. These tiny pests can cause the leaves to become yellow and stippled. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. Alternatively, a miticide can be used to control the infestation.
Common Diseases:
One of the most common diseases that can affect Olax subscorpioidea is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. It is caused by fungal spores and can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant and spraying it with a fungicide.
Another disease that can affect the plant is leaf spot. This disease presents as brown or black spots on the leaves. Leaf spot is caused by bacteria or fungal pathogens, and the best way to manage this disease is to remove the infected leaves and keep the plant's environment dry.
Overall, the best way to manage diseases and pests on Olax subscorpioidea is to keep the plant healthy and stress-free. Providing the plant with proper sunlight, soil, and water will help it resist diseases and pests. Regularly monitoring the plant for signs of infestation and disease will also help to catch and manage these issues early on.
