Overview of Oxystigma Dewevrei De Wild.
Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. is a plant that belongs to the family Olacaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Cameroon and Gabon. This species is commonly known as 'Bois de Grève', 'Bois de Gaulette' or 'Siete vidas'.
Appearance of Oxystigma Dewevrei De Wild.
The plant is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing up to 10-15 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark and a dense crown of leaves. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elongated with a dark-glossy green color. The flowers are small, and the fruit is spherical in shape, about 1-2 cm in diameter.
Uses of Oxystigma Dewevrei De Wild.
The bark of Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. has traditionally been used by indigenous people for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal effects. The leaves and fruits are also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, fever, and malaria.
Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. is also an excellent source of timber due to its durability and strength. In addition, it is used in the construction of canoes, baskets, and other handicrafts. The plant is also grown as an ornamental tree in botanical gardens and urban landscapes.
Growth conditions for Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild.
Light requirements: Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. prefers bright, filtered light. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause stunted growth and poor flowering. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature requirements: The plant is native to tropical regions of Africa, and hence it requires a warm and humid environment. It thrives well in temperatures between 18°C to 25°C. The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperatures, and it should be kept away from cold drafts.
Soil requirements: Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be moderately acidic with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot. A good potting mix for Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. can be prepared by mixing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal proportions.
Water requirements: The plant requires regular and consistent watering to keep the soil moist. However, waterlogging should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. It is essential to allow the soil to dry moderately before watering again. During winters, the plant should be watered less frequently as it goes into a dormancy phase.
Fertilizer requirements: Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. requires regular feeding to maintain healthy growth. During the growing season, the plant should be fertilized every two to three weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Fertilization should be reduced during winters when the plant is dormant.
Humidity requirements: As a tropical plant, Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. thrives in a humid environment. It is essential to keep the humidity level around the plant between 50% to 60%. The humidity can be increased by placing a humidifier nearby or using a pebble tray underneath the pot.
Cultivation Methods for Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild.
Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. is a small shrub that is native to tropical Africa. It can be grown in pots indoors or in outdoor gardens. The ideal soil for this plant is well-draining and slightly acidic. When planting, add some organic material to the soil. In regions with harsh winters, it is best to grow this plant in containers and move it indoors during the cold season.
Watering Needs for Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild.
Proper watering is essential for the optimal growth of Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. During the growing season, this plant requires regular watering, about once a week. In winter, allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. It is important to keep the leaves dry because the plant is prone to leaf spot disease.
Fertilization of Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild.
To keep your Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. plant healthy and vigorous, it is necessary to fertilize it regularly. Fertilize your plant with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning of Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild.
Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but it can be done to maintain a desired shape or size. Prune after blooming to remove any dead or diseased branches. Remove any weak or crossing branches to promote healthy growth. Cut back any stems that have become too long to promote bushier growth. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild.
Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild., also known as the African walnut, is a popular plant because of its nuts. Propagating this plant can be done through different methods:
Propagation through Seeds
One of the propagation methods for Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. is through seeds. This method requires harvested seeds from the mother plant. The seedlings must be sowed in a well-draining medium and kept moist at all times. Germination can take place within 6-8 weeks. Once the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, they can be transferred into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. can also be propagated through stem cuttings from the mother plant. The stem cuttings must be taken during the plant's active growth period and must have at least one node. The nodes must be buried in a well-draining medium, and the cuttings must be kept moist at all times. Roots can start growing within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through Air Layering
Another way to propagate Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. is through air layering. This method requires making a wound on the branch of the mother plant and adding a rooting hormone to improve the chances of roots forming. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. is generally a sturdy plant, but it may be susceptible to fungal infections such as leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. These diseases can be managed by improving the plant's growing conditions. To prevent leaf spots, avoid overhead watering and make sure there is good air circulation around the plant. Powdery mildew can be managed by reducing humidity levels and ensuring adequate sunlight. Root rot can be prevented by not overwatering the plant and making sure the soil is well-draining. Fungicides can be used if the infections are severe.
Pest Management
The most common pests that may affect Oxystigma dewevrei De Wild. are spider mites, scales, and mealybugs. Spider mites can be prevented by keeping the plant well-hydrated, washing the leaves regularly, and using insecticidal soap. Scales and mealybugs can be controlled by manually removing them from the plant. If the infestation is severe, insecticides can be used. Neem oil is an effective and natural pesticide that can also be used to manage pests on the plant.
