Origin:
Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis (S.Moore) Bridson belongs to the family Rubiaceae and is native to Eastern and Central Africa.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Mhinzi in Swahili and is also referred to as the African yellowwood.
Uses:
The bark and leaves of the African yellowwood are used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant also has a high concentration of alkaloids that are believed to have an analgesic effect. The wood of the plant is highly valued for its hardness and durability and is used for carpentry and making musical instruments.
General Appearance:
The Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 15m tall. The tree has a straight and cylindrical trunk with a diameter of up to 70cm. The bark is smooth, gray-green, and exfoliates in small flakes. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptic in shape, measuring up to 7cm long and 2.5cm wide. The flowers are small, yellow, and appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, black, and fleshy drupe.
Growth Conditions for Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis (S.Moore) Bridson
Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis (S.Moore) Bridson is a tree that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Here are the growth conditions:
Light
This tree requires full sun to partial shade exposure. The shade level should not exceed 50-60%. Therefore, you can plant this tree in areas where it can access sufficient sunlight to grow.
Temperature
The tree can tolerate temperatures between 15 - 30 °C (59 - 86 °F). However, the tree can withstand cooler temperatures near 10 °C (50 °F), for short periods.
Soil Requirements
The tree prefers fertile soils that are acidic to slightly alkaline. It can also grow in well-drained, sandy soils. A mixture of organic and inorganic substances such as manure and fertilizers, can go a long way in improving soil quality.
The soil pH should be between 5.0 - 7.5. The tree is tolerant of soils with low to moderate fertility levels. It is, however, sensitive to high soil salinity levels. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid planting this tree in areas with saline soil.
Planting Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis (S.Moore) Bridson is an excellent way of adding aesthetic value to any garden. However, the correct growth conditions must be considered to ensure optimal growth and development of this tree.
Cultivation methods
Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis (S.Moore) Bridson, commonly referred to as the Himalayan rock jasmine, is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 1m tall. It is native to the Himalayan region in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic pH, and temperatures above 60°F (15°C). It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 7-10 or in a greenhouse environment.
Watering needs
The Himalayan rock jasmine prefers a moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. During the growing season, water the plant once a week, and reduce watering frequency during the winter dormancy period. It is essential to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust accordingly.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and flowering, fertilize the Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer to promote long-term growth, but avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leaf burn and other nutrient-related plant problems.
Pruning
Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis needs regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth period begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back overgrown branches to encourage new growth. Trim the top of the plant to promote lateral branching and a compact shape.
Propagation of Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis
Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis is typically propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The following information provides more details about each propagation method:
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis can be collected when the fruits are mature. The seeds are then cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until the planting season. In the wild, the seeds may be dispersed by birds or other animals that eat the fruits.
When planting the seeds, it is important to provide a suitable growing medium, adequate moisture, and proper temperature. The growing medium should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced at least 5 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings will emerge within 2-3 weeks under suitable conditions.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis can be taken from healthy and mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and have 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to enhance their rooting ability.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining growing medium, such as a mixture of sand and peat moss. The soil should be kept lightly moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds. Rooting will occur within 2-4 weeks under suitable conditions. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Oxyanthus lepidus S.Moore var. unyorensis (S.Moore) Bridson is generally resistant to most diseases, but sometimes it may get affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that generally occurs due to the presence of high humidity and poor air circulation. It can be controlled by spraying a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap, and 1 gallon of water solution on the affected plants at least once a week.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that results in the formation of dark spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing the infected leaves and spraying a fungicide solution on the infected plants.
Pest Management
The plant is also susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites generally appear as tiny red or brown mites on the undersides of leaves. They can be controlled by dusting the affected plants with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, and 1 gallon of water. Mealybugs, on the other hand, can be identified as small, white, cotton-like masses on the leaves or stems. They can be removed by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
In cases of severe infestations, chemical pesticides can be used to manage the pests. However, it is important to ensure that the pesticides used are safe for the plant and do not harm beneficial insects.
