Overview of Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg
Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg, commonly referred to as simply Ouratea mannii or Mann's duckweed, is a perennial plant from the family of Ochnaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and is predominantly found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Description and Appearance
Ouratea mannii is a small shrub that typically grows up to 1-3 meters in height. Its stem and branches are covered in hair. The leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 10cm in length and 5cm in width. Their color ranges from dark green to a pale greenish-yellow color. The flowers are unique and consist of four bright yellow petals that are around 2cm in length. Its fruits are small capsules that hold seeds contained in a single layer.
Common Names
In various regions, Ouratea mannii is known by different common names. In Nigeria, it is known as Owelle, Owere, or Ububo, and in Cameroon, it is referred to as Eboti, Otia, or N’tinyong. In Gabon, it is known as Otie or Ilogoum.
Uses
Ouratea mannii has several medicinal properties and is a vital plant in traditional African medicine. The plant is used in concoctions for treating ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and wounds. It has also been used as a laxative, purgative, and emmenagogue. The plant's extracts have been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and, as such, has been used to combat various infections.
Aside from its medicinal value, Ouratea mannii has little commercial use, but its fruits and seeds are consumed locally.
Overall, Ouratea mannii is an important plant in the African traditional medicine practice, and research has shown immense potential in the plant's wide range of applications.
Growth Conditions for Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg
Light: Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg grows best in filtered or partial sunlight. It can tolerate moderate shading, but direct sunlight may damage the plant's leaves.
Temperature: Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg prefers warm temperatures between 23-27°C (73-81°F). The minimum temperature required for growth is 18°C (64°F), and the maximum temperature is 32°C (90°F).
Soil: Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg grows well in well-drained, fertile soil with high organic content. It requires a mildly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5-7.0. The plant can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but the ideal soil texture is loamy.
Water: Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg requires moderate watering, and its soil should be kept evenly moist. Overwatering and waterlogging should be avoided, as they can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer: Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg is a light feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. However, a balanced fertilizer with equal N-P-K ratios can be applied during the growing season to enhance growth and flowering.
Humidity: Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg prefers moderate to high humidity levels between 60-80%. To increase humidity levels, the plant can be grown in a humid location or placed on a pebble tray filled with water.
Cultivation Methods
Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, and acidic in pH. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. It can be grown either outdoors or indoors, depending on the climatic conditions and environmental factors.
Watering Needs
The plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out. The frequency of watering depends on the climatic conditions, soil type, and size of the pot. A good practice is to water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch, and to ensure that the water drains freely from the drainage holes.
Fertilization
Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, typically from spring to early fall.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning, except to remove dead or damaged leaves or to control its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season or when the plant is not actively growing. It is advisable to use a clean and sharp pruning tool to avoid damaging the plant. This will stimulate new growth and help to maintain its health and vigor.
Propagation of Ouratea Mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. Brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg
Ouratea Mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. Brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg is a forest tree that grows up to 10 to 25 meters high. It is native to West and Central Africa, where it is used for its medicinal values and as a source of timber. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method to propagate Ouratea Mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. Brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg is through seeds. The seeds of this plant are relatively large and brown. They should be collected when mature, cleaned and stored in a dry and cool place until sowing time. To enhance its germination, the seeds should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours before planting into a good seedbed. Germination will usually start within two to three weeks.
Cuttings
Asexual propagation of Ouratea Mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. Brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg is also possible through stem cuttings taken from mature trees. Select cuttings that are about 30 cm long, with a diameter of about 3 cm. The basal end of the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting in a potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept under a controlled environment, for the roots to grow.
Grafting
Grafting is another way to propagate Ouratea Mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. Brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg. Scions of the plant should be taken from mature trees of the same species or cultivar and grafted onto rootstock of a closely related Ouratea species. Grafting is generally not common in propagation of this species, since it requires expertise and may be difficult for most farmers.
Disease Management
Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg is susceptible to several diseases. The most common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is caused by fungi and is characterized by the appearance of small, circular, or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots may be brown, black, or yellow. To manage this disease, remove or prune the affected leaves and provide proper air circulation by spacing the plants appropriately.
- Canker: This is characterized by the appearance of sunken, discolored, or dead areas on stems and branches. Cankers can be caused by bacteria or fungi. To manage this disease, prune the infected branches and sterilize your pruning tools.
- Root Rot: This is caused by fungi that attack the roots, causing them to rot and decay. Signs include wilting and yellowing leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Ouratea mannii (Oliv.) Engl. var. brachypoda (Oliv.) Gilg can also be affected by several pests. These pests may cause significant damage to the plant, including defoliation, stunted growth, and poor yields. The most common pests that attack this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl or yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to repel or kill them.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on leaves, leaving large holes or skeletonized patterns. To manage caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad, which are effective biological control agents.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing discoloration and webbing. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to knock them off the leaves or use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a repellent.
