Plant Description:
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson is a plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This sub-species is native to tropical East Africa and can be found in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. The plant is known for its pear-shaped fruits that give it its common name "Pear-leaved oxyanthus".
General Appearance:
The plant grows up to a height of 3-6 metres, with leaves that are shiny, dark green, and oval-shaped. The fruits are about 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, and have a fleshy texture when ripe. The plant has a bushy, dense growth habit and can be grown as a hedge or used as a shade plant in gardens and parks.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Pear-leaved oxyanthus, and in Swahili, it is called "Mnana Mwororo".
Uses:
The plant has several medicinal uses, including treating diarrhea, fever, and dysentery. The bark of the plant is used as a remedy for snake bites and is also used in the treatment of malaria. The wood of the plant is used in carpentry and in making furniture and utensils. The plant is also used as a source of shade and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
hereGrowth Conditions for Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson
Light: Oxyanthus pyriformis subsp. brevitubus requires bright but indirect light for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but too much shade may cause stunted growth and spindly stems.
Temperature: This plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C - 26°C (68°F - 79°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil: Oxyanthus pyriformis subsp. brevitubus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to root rot or drought stress, respectively. Water thoroughly but allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizer: Oxyanthus pyriformis subsp. brevitubus benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. However, avoid over-fertilization as it can damage the plant.
Humidity: This plant thrives in high humidity levels. It benefits from occasional misting or placement on a humidity tray, especially during dry seasons.
Cultivation
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson is a unique plant that is relatively easy to grow, provided that the right growing conditions are provided. When cultivating this plant, it is important to ensure that it is planted in well-draining soil, preferably one that is rich in nutrients. The plant requires a moderately acidic soil with an ideal pH range of 5.6 to 6.5.
This plant prefers a sunny location; however, it can also tolerate some partial shade. When growing indoors, it is important to ensure that it gets sufficient light. To ensure that the plant grows and thrives, it is advisable to provide it with protection from the wind, which can otherwise cause damage to the plant.
Watering Needs
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson has moderate watering needs. When watering the plant, it is essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can, in turn, compromise the health of the plant.
The frequency of watering this plant will vary, depending on the growing conditions. It is advisable to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. During the dormant season, when the plant is not actively growing, the watering frequency should be reduced.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and development, it is important to fertilize Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson regularly. The plant requires high-nitrogen fertilizer applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. During the dormant season, fertilizer application should be stopped.
It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil. This can, in turn, lead to root burn and plant damage.
Pruning
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and form. Pruning should be done in spring before the start of the growing season. The plant can be pruned to remove dead or diseased branches, and to promote bushier growth and better flowering.
When pruning the plant, it is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the branches. At the same time, it is essential to avoid over-pruning, as this can lead to a reduction in flowering and overall health of the plant.
Propagation methods for Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson is a semi-succulent plant species that belongs to the genus Oxyanthus. It is characterized by its fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation through seeds
The easiest method for propagating Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson is through seeds. The collected seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with perlite or sand to improve aeration and drainage. The seeds should not be buried deep in the soil as they require light for germination. Therefore, they should be pressed lightly into the surface of the soil and kept moist until they germinate. The germination period typically takes about 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a warm and bright location.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also a viable method for propagating Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 5-10 cm in length and should include at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone, planted in well-draining soil, and kept in a warm and bright location. The cutting should not be watered too often, as this may cause root rot.
Propagation through division
Propagation through division involves separating the plant into several smaller parts, each with its own root system. This method is best done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be carefully removed from the soil, and the root system should be gently teased apart into several smaller sections. Each section can then be planted in individual pots using well-draining soil and kept in a warm and bright location until established.
Overall, Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. Regardless of the method used, it is important to provide the plant with the appropriate growing conditions to ensure successful propagation.
Disease Management
Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson is generally tolerant to disease, but there are a few fungal infections that can affect the plant. Gray mold and leaf spot are two common diseases that can infect the plant, causing damage to leaves and flowers.
To manage gray mold, remove infected plant parts, increase air circulation, and avoid over watering. Applying a fungicide can also be helpful. Leaf spot can be managed through proper pruning practices and removal of infected plant parts. Fungicide application may also be useful.
Pest Management
Various pests can also affect Oxyanthus pyriformis (Hochst.) Skeels subsp. brevitubus Bridson. The most common pests are aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
To manage aphids and mealybugs, use a mild soapy solution to wash off pests or apply neem oil. Spider mites can be controlled by increasing humidity levels, removing infested plant parts, and applying a miticide. It's important to monitor closely for the presence of pests on the plant and take action promptly to prevent further damage.
