Olinia macrophylla Gilg
Olinia macrophylla Gilg is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Oleaceae.
Origin
Olinia macrophylla Gilg is native to sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Olinia macrophylla Gilg is known by several common names which include the large-leaved olinia, umVuma, Mohlakataoa, Mutala, and Moporu.
Uses
The bark of Olinia macrophylla Gilg has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever, malaria, and stomach aches. It has also been used as a pain reliever and as a treatment for respiratory infections.
The wood of Olinia macrophylla Gilg is hard, heavy, and durable, making it a popular choice for making furniture, construction, and as fuelwood.
General Appearance
Olinia macrophylla Gilg is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a single trunk with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are alternate, simple, and large, measuring up to 25 cm long and 18 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and clustered together in axillary panicles. The fruit is a small, flattened, and winged samara that measures 2-3 cm long and is brown or yellow when mature.
Growth Conditions for Olinia Macrophylla Gilg
Olinia Macrophylla Gilg is a deciduous plant species that typically grows in woodlands or forests. It is native to the African continent, particularly in Zimbabwe. It is also known as the Large-leaved Olinia or the River-olive.
Light Requirements
The Large-leaved Olinia thrives best in partial shade to full sun exposure. However, in naturally occurring habitats, it is mostly found in wooded areas that provide filtered light. As a result, for optimal growth, the plant should be grown under bright but indirect light conditions.
Temperature Conditions
Olinia Macrophylla Gilg grows well in a range of temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. At lower temperatures, growth is slower, and the plant goes into dormancy. The ideal temperature required for the plant to thrive is between 18°C to 24°C.
Soil Requirements
The River-olive prefers deep, fertile, and well-draining soils. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant thrives best in loamy soils with high organic matter content.
The growth of Olinia Macrophylla Gilg is also improved by the addition of organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure. In addition, the plant is sensitive to soil moisture, and care should be taken to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Olinia macrophylla Gilg is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10-15 meters tall. It is commonly found in humid and moist forests, often growing on riverbanks, and can be grown in full sun to partial shade in the garden.
The propagation of this plant is done by seeds or cuttings. If propagating through seeds, soak them overnight in warm water and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. For cuttings, choose healthy stems from the plant and plant them in soil that is kept moist but not wet. Ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil mix, with regular water supply and good drainage.
Watering Needs
Olinia macrophylla Gilg requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it is ideal to water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. However, it is essential to avoid over-watering by ensuring good drainage in the soil and not leaving standing water around the roots of the plant.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized once every six months with slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and ensure that it is well mixed with the soil. This plant does not require high levels of fertilization, as excessive fertilization can cause weak growth and poor flowering.
Pruning
Olinia macrophylla Gilg requires light pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done in winter or early spring, just before new growth emerges. The practice involves removing any weak or dead branches, cutting back the plant by one-third to one-half of its height and trimming any overcrowded growth.
It is important to note that this plant is naturally bushy and should not be heavily pruned, as this could cause damage to its natural shape and lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Olinia macrophylla Gilg
Olinia macrophylla Gilg can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds require proper handling to ensure high germination rates. The seeds must first be collected from mature fruit and should be cleaned to eliminate any pulp or tissue. The cleaned seeds should be soaked in room temperature water for a day or two to soften the seed coat. Stratification may be necessary to hasten and encourage germination. This stratification process can take several months to complete.
The recommended medium for seed germination is a mixture of compost and sand at a ratio of 1:1. The seeds should be sown in pots or seed trays and covered lightly with the compost mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the trays in a warm, bright area. Germination can take anywhere from two to six weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another propagation method is through cuttings. Semi-matured cuttings are recommended as they are easier to root. Cuttings should be taken from young growth and should be at least 5 to 10 cm in length. It is also crucial to ensure that the cutting has at least two nodes, as these nodes are where the roots will form.
The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium such as sand or a mixture of compost and sand. It is important to keep the soil moist during the rooting process. The cutting can be grown indoors and should be placed in a bright area but protected from direct sunlight. The rooted cutting can be transplanted into pots or directly into the garden once the roots have established.
Disease and Pest Management for Olinia macrophylla Gilg
Olinia macrophylla Gilg, commonly known as the large-leaved plane, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to southern Africa. While it is generally hardy and easy to grow, this plant can still be affected by a range of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to manage these problems:
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white or gray powdery coating to appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers of Olinia macrophylla Gilg. To manage this disease, prune any infected parts of the plant, apply a fungicide spray to the remaining plant, and increase air circulation by trimming some of the surrounding vegetation or by not overcrowding the plants.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots to appear on the leaves of Olinia macrophylla Gilg. These spots may be yellow, brown, or black. To control this disease, remove any infected leaves from the plant, dispose of them, and increase air circulation by thinning out the plant.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of Olinia macrophylla Gilg, causing them to turn brown and mushy. To prevent this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. If you suspect your plant has root rot, try to remove the infected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can infest Olinia macrophylla Gilg, sucking sap from the leaves and causing them to turn yellow or brown. To manage an infestation, remove any severely infested leaves and treat the remaining plant with an insecticidal soap or a miticide. Keep the environment dry and reduce humidity to prevent future infestations.
2. Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, hard-shelled bugs that can latch onto the leaves and stems of Olinia macrophylla Gilg, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To get rid of these insects, apply a horticultural oil spray to the affected parts of the plant. prune off any branches that have large infestations and dispose of them - the bugs may still be present here.
3. Thrips: Thrips are small insects that can infest Olinia macrophylla Gilg and cause damage to the leaves and flowers. To manage this pest, spray a pesticide made for thrips and, if possible, reduce the humidity level by providing proper air circulation to the plant.
Be sure to keep an eye on your plant and take early action against any diseases or pests. A healthy and well-maintained Olinia macrophylla Gilg will reward you with its beautiful foliage and flowers for years to come.
