Overview
Opilia celtidifolia (Guill. & Perr.) Endl. ex Walp. var. sphaerocarpa Chiov. is a flowering plant found in parts of Africa. It belongs to the Opiliaceae family and is commonly known as "gobirnahia" in Hausa language. The plant is valued for its medicinal properties and other uses.
Appearance
Opilia celtidifolia is a small tree that grows up to 10 meters in height. It has a slender trunk with a rough, fissured bark and a compact, rounded crown. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a glossy, dark green color. The plant produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are pink in color.
Origin
Opilia celtidifolia is native to the African countries of Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It can be found in savannah woodlands and other open areas.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The roots and bark of the plant are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other digestive problems. The leaves and bark are also used to treat skin conditions such as rashes and sores. In addition to its medicinal uses, Opilia celtidifolia is also used for firewood and as a source of timber.
Light Requirements
Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. The plant should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and cause damage. A location near a north- or east-facing window is ideal, as it provides bright light without the intensity of direct sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm, tropical temperatures for healthy growth. The ideal daytime temperature range for this plant is between 18°C and 29°C. Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 15°C, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant. It is important to keep the plant away from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can also harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa prefers a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A soil mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts is ideal. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. The plant should be planted with the crown above the soil level, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Cultivation Methods
Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa is a hardy shrub that requires little maintenance. The best time to plant this shrub is in the wet season to ensure the roots get enough moisture to establish themselves. The plant needs a well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0-7.5, and should be placed in a sunny or partial shady area. If planting in pots, ensure that they are of adequate size to allow root growth, and the drainage holes are not blocked.
Watering Needs
Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season, to maintain healthy growth. The plant should be watered twice a week, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During extreme heat, it might be necessary to increase the frequency of watering, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa is a light feeder, so it does not require a lot of fertilizer. The plant can benefit from a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring, before the growing season starts. It is recommended to use fertilizers with a high percentage of nitrogen as it promotes leaf growth. However, overfertilizing should be avoided as it can lead to excess vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa is not necessary, but it can help maintain its shape, remove any diseased or damaged branches and encourage fruit production. The best time to prune is after the fruit harvest, but avoid pruning during the rainy season. When pruning, use sharp tools and make clean cuts to avoid injuring the branches. If neglected, the shrub can grow up to 8 meters tall, and it might not be suitable for some gardens. Regular pruning can help in keeping it in check and within the desired height range.
Propagation of Opilia Celtidifolia var. Sphaerocarpa Chiov.
Opilia Celtidifolia var. Sphaerocarpa Chiov. is a plant species that can be propagated through various methods. These methods are as follows:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Opilia Celtidifolia var. Sphaerocarpa Chiov. is through seeds. The seeds should be well-matured and collected during the fruiting season. They should be cleaned, dried, and stored in cool and dry conditions before sowing. Sow the seeds in well-drained soils mixed with compost. The seedlings will germinate within 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted when they are about 3-4 months old.
Vegetative Propagation
Opilia Celtidifolia var. Sphaerocarpa Chiov. can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings. Select healthy, disease-free branches from the parent plant, about 10-12 cm long, and remove all the leaves except the top two. Plant the cutting in a rooting hormone solution for 12-24 hours before planting in a well-drained soil mixture. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity, and water it regularly. The roots will start to develop within 2-3 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted in 2-3 months.
Air Layering
Another method of propagating Opilia Celtidifolia var. Sphaerocarpa Chiov. is through air layering. Select a healthy branch from the parent plant, make a cut halfway through the stem, apply rooting hormone to the cut, and wrap the cut with sphagnum moss. The moss should be kept moist, and the new root system will start to develop within 2-3 months. Once the new plant has developed roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted in a new pot or location.
Disease Management
Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa Chiov is susceptible to different diseases that can affect its growth and production. One common disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune off the infected parts of the plants and providing good air circulation and humidity control. Another disease that affects Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa Chiov is leaf spot disease, which causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. This disease can be managed through proper plant spacing, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected leaves regularly.
Additionally, root rot disease caused by fungi-like Phytophthora can also affect Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa Chiov. This disease causes wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plants, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides to the affected plants. Furthermore, bacterial leaf spot disease can also be a problem, causing leaf spots, wilting, and leaf blight. To manage this disease, apply copper-based fungicides, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Several insects can also infest Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa Chiov, affecting its growth and yield. Thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites are common pests that can infest this plant. Thrips cause leaf discoloration and distortion, while mealybugs cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Spider mites cause yellow spotting on the leaves and a fine web substance. You can manage these pests by applying insecticides that are labeled safe for use on ornamental plants and following the instructions carefully.
In conclusion, Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa Chiov is a highly valued ornamental plant that can be susceptible to different diseases and pest infestations. To manage these problems, it is essential to pay attention to hygiene standards, proper spacing, humidity control, and applying pesticides. By adopting effective pest and disease management strategies, you will be able to grow Opilia celtidifolia var. sphaerocarpa Chiov successfully and obtain high yields of quality plants.
