Origin
Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa and is commonly found in woodlands and savannas.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known by various names such as African green-fruit, bushveld tassel-berry, and in the local languages as "Munu" in Cameroon, "Ako" in Nigeria, "Mutewa" in Zambia, and "Umkat'amnyama" in South Africa.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine, including the treatment of stomach disorders, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The roots are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and are used in treating rheumatism and arthritis. In addition, the bark is used to produce a black dye, and the fruit is edible and is used to make a local drink.
General Appearance
The Ormocarpum guineense Hutchinson & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 m in height. It has a dense crown with spiny branches which are covered with rough hairs. The leaves are compound and consist of 3 to 7 leaflets, which are oblong in shape. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and the fruit is a green, spiny capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Growth Conditions of Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard
Light: Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard prefers to grow in areas with full sunlight. It requires around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and development. Partial shade may also be tolerated, but it can hinder the plant's growth and flowering.
Temperature: Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard thrives in warm and humid environments with a temperature range of 25-35°C (77-95°F). It cannot tolerate frost or prolonged exposure to extreme cold.
Soil: Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. It requires soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal for this plant. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Water: Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may cause root rot and ultimately lead to the plant's death. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilizer: Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard benefits from occasional fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Excessive use of fertilizer can lead to overgrowth and reduced flowering.
Cultivation methods
Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard is a tropical plant that thrives in well-draining soil. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The seeds can be germinated in a warm and moist environment. For cuttings, use a rooting hormone and place them in a well-draining potting mix. The plant prefers a partially shaded to shady environment. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves.
Watering needs
Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist. Inadequate watering can negatively impact the growth of the plant. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, which may cause wilting and death of the plant. Water the plant when the topsoil has become slightly dry.
Fertilization
Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard requires regular feeding during the growing season to maintain healthy growth. Use a balanced and slow-release fertilizer to promote the growth of the plant. Apply the fertilizer half-strength to avoid burning the roots of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the proper growth and shape of the plant. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dormant season when the growth is slow. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote new growth. Cut back the old woody stems to encourage new young stems to grow. Pruning can also help control the size of the plant and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard
Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the most common ways to propagate the plant.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard is through seeds. Collect the seeds from mature fruits and soak them in water for a day or two. Plant them in well-draining soil and keep them moist. Germination usually takes 4-6 weeks, and the plant will start to develop roots and grow into a small seedling.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation technique that works for Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard is through cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch-long stem cutting from a mature plant and plant it into well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area to protect it from direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and start to grow.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a useful method to propagate Ormocarpum guineense Hutch. & Dalziel ex Baker f. subsp. hispidum (Willd.) Brenan & J.Léonard. It involves separating the plant's root system into two or more parts, each of which can be planted separately to grow into a new plant. Divide the plant when it is dormant and has no active growth. Replant the separated parts into new pots or soil, and keep them moist to ensure successful growth.
Disease Management
The sub-tropical climate in which Ormocarpum guineense thrives provides ideal conditions for the development and spread of various diseases. Therefore, it is essential to manage these diseases to ensure that plants remain healthy and productive.
Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes leaf spot, blight, and stem canker. This disease can cause extensive damage and reduce yields if not controlled. Appropriate management measures include the use of resistant seed varieties and the application of fungicides to affected plants.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens that infect the roots of the plant, causing wilting and stunting. Preventive measures include improving soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and reducing plant stress through proper fertilization.
Powdery Mildew: A fungal infection commonly found in warm, humid environments. It affects the foliage with white, powdery patches. Treatment involves the application of fungicides. Proper air circulation and spacing of plants can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Insects and other pests can also pose serious threats to the well-being of Ormocarpum guineense plants. Managing these pests is essential to prevent damage and maintain plant health.
Mealybugs: These soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the foliage. Control measures include the use of insecticides and removing infested plant parts.
Aphids: Another sap-sucking pest, aphids can cause stunted growth, leaf distortion, and wilting of the plant. Control measures include the use of insecticides that target aphids specifically and the release of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Caterpillars: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by eating through the leaves and flowers. The use of insecticidal sprays or traps can be effective. Handpicking caterpillars from the plant is also a useful management practice.
