Overview
Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Ochnaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of Eastern Africa, including Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Common Names
Common names for Ouratea scheffleri include "African tea", "Kapchemuso", "Msambu", and "Mti wa chai".
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used in African countries as a medicinal herb. It is known for its digestive and antipyretic properties, and has been used to treat ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The leaves and stems of the plant are also used to make a tea, which is said to have a slightly bitter taste and a mild stimulating effect.
Ouratea scheffleri is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, thanks to its attractive and glossy leaves.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 2 meters tall. It has shiny, oval-shaped leaves that are around 5-10 cm long. The green foliage is accompanied by small, yellow flowers that bloom from December to March. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Light Requirements
Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg typically grows in shaded areas in the wild. In cultivation, it requires bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg thrives in warm and humid conditions. Ideally, it should be kept at temperatures between 68°F and 82°F (20°C and 28°C). It cannot tolerate temperature extremes, especially cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a soil mix that provides good drainage while retaining moisture. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It does not do well in soils that are too alkaline.
Cultivation
The Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg is a tropical evergreen plant that thrives in partial sunlight. It is essential to grow it in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Planting in pots is also an alternative option, as it will make it easier to transport the plant indoors when temperatures drop below 60°F.
Watering
This plant prefers a humid environment, and watering should be scheduled once every two days during the growing season. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once a week.
Fertilization
Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg requires regular fertilization to achieve lush green foliage. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 once every two weeks during the growing season. Reduce fertilization to once a month during the dormant season.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is best to prune the plant after the dormant season when new growth appears. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the foliage in a single session as it can weaken the plant.
Propagation of Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg
Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg, commonly known as the African umbrella tree, is a beautiful evergreen tree that is native to tropical Africa. The plant is favored for its large, glossy leaves that provide excellent shade, making it an ideal plant to grow in hot climates. Propagation of Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg can be done by seeds or stem cuttings. Here are some details on how to propagate the African umbrella tree.
Propagation from seeds
The easiest method of propagating Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg is through seeds. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix in late winter or early spring. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Water the pot thoroughly, and cover it with plastic wrap to create a humid environment. Place the pot in a warm, shaded area, and keep the soil moist. The seeds will usually germinate within one to two months.
Propagation from stem cuttings
Propagation of Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg can also be done through stem cuttings. Take a 6-inch cutting from a healthy African umbrella tree, making sure it has at least two healthy leaves. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil and put the pot in a bright, shaded area. Keep the soil moist and protect the cutting from direct sunlight until it develops roots. This will take around one to two months.
With the right care, Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg can grow into a magnificent tree that provides shade, beauty, and fresh air.
Disease and Pest Management for Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg Plant
Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg plant can be affected by various diseases and pests that can cause notable damage to the plant if left untreated. Proper management of these diseases and pests is essential to ensure healthy growth and development of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the Ouratea scheffleri Engl. & Gilg plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris and can cause leaf spots, stem cankers and dieback in the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and maintain proper sanitation practices. Also, avoid over-fertilization and limit water application to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum and can cause a powdery white substance on the surface of leaves and stems. To prevent and manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding of plants. Also, avoid water stress and remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora spp. and can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. Ensure proper spacing between plants and avoid overhead irrigation to prevent and manage this disease. Also, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply appropriate fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Spider Mites: Infestation of spider mites can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and eventually die. To manage spider mites, ensure proper sanitation practices and avoid overcrowding of plants. Also, increase humidity and regularly spray water on the leaves to reduce the population of the mites.
Aphids: Aphids can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation of leaves. To prevent and manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil on the leaves or introduce predators such as ladybugs.
Scale Insects: Scale insects can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves and can lead to stunted growth. To manage scale insects, avoid over-fertilization and over-watering, and remove and destroy infected plant parts. Also, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the population of insects.
