Origin and Common Names
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard, commonly known as "Ngong," belongs to the Rubiaceae family of flowering plants. The plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda. It grows best in shaded woodlands and moist mid-elevation forests. The plant is also commonly known as "Baobab coffee" due to its ability to grow under Baobab trees.Uses
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard has a lot of medicinal properties that are utilized by many traditional healers. The root extract from the plant is used to treat malaria, fever, and urinary tract infections. The plant is also effective in treating dysentery, diarrhea, and constipation. Apart from its medicinal use, the plant is used as a food source, the seeds, and the fleshy pulp are consumed. In addition, the plant is used in cultural festivals and ceremonies.General Appearance
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard is a small tree that grows up to eight meters high. The plant produces fleshy red-colored fruits that are up to 3cm long. The fruit has a sweet-sour taste and is edible. The leaves of the tree are arranged in opposite pairs, and their shape is elliptic. They are dark green and glossy, with a smooth texture. The tree's bark is grey-brown and has a rough texture. Overall, Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard has a distinct appearance with a lot of benefits to offer.Light Requirements
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard is a shade-loving plant and requires partial to full shade for optimal growth. Exposure to direct sunlight can damage the plant, and it is best to grow it under the filtered light environment provided by a canopy or other shade-giving structure.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard is between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Temperature fluctuation beyond this range can negatively affect the growth and development of the plant. Therefore, it's advisable to grow this plant in a location with a stable, moderate temperature to ensure its optimal growth.
Soil Requirement
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard prefers well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The soil should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged; therefore, a well-draining potting mix is recommended for growing this plant in containers.
It's essential to ensure that the soil PH range is between 6.0 and 7.5 to support the plant's healthy growth. Adding organic matter or a balanced fertilizer to the soil can help maintain the soil's fertility and nutrient balance.
Cultivation
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard is native to tropical regions of Africa and requires a warm climate to thrive. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers a well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it is recommended to keep it in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight.
Watering needs
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard does not require excessive watering and can tolerate periods of drought. Watering should be done sparingly during the cooler months and increased during the warmer months. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used every 4-6 weeks. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application.
Pruning
Pruning is recommended to promote bushier growth and maintain a compact shape. It is best to prune in the early spring before new growth appears. Dead or damaged branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Oldfieldia Macrocarpa J.Léonard
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard, also known as the African Olive, is a plant that is native to tropical Central and West Africa. It is a shrub or small tree that can reach up to 5 meters in height. The plant produces small yellow flowers and edible fruits that resemble olives. Propagation of Oldfieldia macrocarpa can be done through two methods: seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is a straightforward process. The seeds of Oldfieldia macrocarpa are easily collected from ripe fruits that have fallen to the ground. The seeds should be cleaned and then sown immediately in pots or seed trays. It is recommended to sow them in a well-draining soil mixture that is high in organic matter. The pots or seed trays should be placed in a warm and bright location, but not exposed to direct sunlight. The seeds should germinate within 3-4 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method for propagating Oldfieldia macrocarpa. This method involves taking cuttings from an existing plant and propagating them in a suitable growing medium. It is recommended to take cuttings from young and healthy plants in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be taken from the current season's growth. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture that is kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be placed in a bright and warm location, but not exposed to direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation of Oldfieldia macrocarpa can be a rewarding experience for gardeners and horticulturists. By following the above methods, you can maintain and propagate this beautiful plant in your garden.
Disease Management
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard is normally resistant to most diseases. However, favorable conditions can cause some diseases to develop. The following are common diseases that might affect the plant with suggested management strategies:
Leaf spots
Leaf spots are common in moist conditions, and they can cause premature leaf fall. The management strategy for Leaf spots is to prune all affected leaves and maintain good hygiene to prevent further spreading.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes defoliation of young plants. The best way to manage it is by spraying the plant with fungicide. Also, remove and destroy all affected plant parts.
Pest Management
Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard is generally resistant to most pests, but the following pests can occasionally become problematic:
Spider mites
Spider mites suck plant juices, causing yellowing and dropping of leaves. Regularly watering the plant and maintaining a high level of humidity can help manage spider mites. You can also spray insecticidal soap on the plant to get rid of them.
Scale insects
Scale insects usually present as small, round, and immobile bumps on the leaves. These pests feed on plant sap, leading to discoloration and dropping of leaves. Pruning is the most effective strategy for managing scale insects. You can also wash the plant with insecticidal soap to remove and kill any remaining insects.
By following these pest and disease management strategies, you can ensure a healthy and thriving Oldfieldia macrocarpa J.Léonard plant in your garden or landscape.