Overview:
Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall is a flowering plant that belongs to the Ochnaceae family. It is commonly known as "Cuiarana" or "Cuiarana touro" and is native to Brazil's Amazon region. This shrub is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments and diseases.
Description:
The Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall plant is a evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has a dense and bushy growth habit, with branches that are covered with green or reddish-brown bark. Its leaves are simple, elliptical, and glossy green, with a reticulated venation pattern underneath. It produces small, yellow flowers that are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
Uses:
Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall has several medicinal uses, and different parts of the plant are used to treat various health conditions. The leaves, bark, and roots of the plant are used to treat respiratory problems, digestive problems, and skin conditions. The plant also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes for its beautiful foliage.
Cultivation:
The Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It grows well in well-drained soil and requires a lot of sunlight. The plant is tolerant of drought and can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is best suited for a tropical climate and can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. The plant requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size.
Light Requirements
Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall requires moderate to bright light to grow well. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it should not be placed in an area with low light intensity as this can cause stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C but can survive in temperatures as low as 15°C. Temperatures below this may cause damage to the plant, leading to yellowing and dropping of leaves.
Soil Requirements
Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be allowed to dry out completely. The plant should be watered regularly, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall thrives well in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant prefers partial shade to full shade, and it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Ideally, it should be planted in well-draining soils with ample organic matter content, as it is susceptible to root rot when subjected to excessively wet soils.
Watering Needs
It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged when watering Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall. It is recommended to water the plant once per week, depending on the climate and temperature, and increase watering during periods of drought and high temperatures. However, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall responds well to regular fertilizer application, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used. Fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks, depending on the plant's growth and soil fertility levels.
Pruning
Pruning Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall is not necessary but can be done to control its growth and shape. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant period to avoid damaging or stressing the plant. Dead and yellowing leaves and branches should be removed using clean pruning tools, ensuring the cuts are made at a 45-degree angle to prevent fungal infections.
Propagation of Ouratea reticulata var. turnerae
Ouratea reticulata var. turnerae can be propagated by two different methods: by seed or by cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed is the easiest method to propagate Ouratea reticulata var. turnerae. Collect the matured seed from the plant during the flowering season. Soak the seed in lukewarm water for 24 hours to improve germination. Sow the seed in well-draining soil, at a depth of 1-2 cm. Cover the seed lightly with soil and keep it moist. Germination should take place in 2-3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted once they have grown to a suitable size, in about 3-4 months.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method to propagate Ouratea reticulata var. turnerae. Take a 6-inch long cutting from the healthy and mature part of the plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Water it thoroughly. Keep the pot in a partially shaded place. Rooting should take place in about 3-4 weeks. Once the cutting has taken root, it can be transplanted to a bigger pot or directly planted in the ground.
Disease Management
Several diseases can affect Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall. Here are some common ones:
- Leaf spots: The fungus Cercospora sp. causes leaf spots, which appear as brown to gray areas with a yellow margin. The spots can coalesce, causing premature defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and prune branches to improve air circulation. Fungicides may also be used.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the upper surface of leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation by pruning and spacing plants properly, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and use fungicides.
- Root rot: The soil-borne fungus Phytophthora sp. causes root rot, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid waterlogging the soil, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests can also attack Ouratea reticulata (P.Beauv.) Engl. ex Gilg var. turnerae (Hook.f.) J.B.Hall. Here are some common ones:
- Scale insects: These pests attach to the leaves and stems and suck sap. They appear as small bumps on the plant. To manage scale insects, prune and remove heavily infested plant parts, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Mites: These tiny pests cause stippling and discoloration on the leaves. They are difficult to see without a magnifying lens. To manage mites, wash the leaves with soapy water, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and introduce natural enemies such as predatory mites.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of moths and butterflies, caterpillars can defoliate the plant and cause significant damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.
