Overview
Pachypodanthium staudtii, also known as Englerina staudtii, is a tall, slender tree native to tropical Africa. It belongs to the family of flowering plants, Rubiaceae, and is commonly found in the rainforests of Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Appearance
The Pachypodanthium staudtii tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a narrow trunk up to 60cm thick. The leaves are simple, dark green, and arranged opposite to each other. The flowers are small, creamy white, and are formed in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small capsule that releases small, black seeds.
Common Names
The tree is commonly known as Staudt's Englerina, named after the German botanist Franz Staudt. In Cameroon, it is also referred to as "Essessang"
Uses
The bark, leaves, and roots of Pachypodanthium staudtii have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes such as treating fever, headache, and stomach disorders. The tree's wood is highly prized for its durability and is used for construction, furniture making, and carving. Additionally, the tree has potential value in reforestation and as a source of income for communities in the area.
Light Requirements
Pachypodanthium staudtii thrives in bright but indirect light conditions. They require at least six hours of light each day for optimal growth. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as this can scorch their leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. They can tolerate lower temperatures as long as they are not exposed to frost. Ensure that the temperature is consistent, and avoid placing them in a drafty location.
Soil Requirements
Pachypodanthium staudtii thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level. A soil mix that is rich in peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal. When repotting, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, but ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before rewatering. Reduce watering during the dormant season to prevent the roots from rotting.
Fertilizer Requirements
During the growing season, fertilize the plant every month with a balanced fertilizer. Reduce the frequency of fertilization during the dormant season. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause more harm than good.
Cultivation
Pachypodanthium staudtii is a slow-growing plant that requires well-draining soil with good aeration. The plant prefers a bright location, preferably with indirect sunlight. It is best to plant Pachypodanthium staudtii during the early spring season to encourage growth. The plant can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Pachypodanthium staudtii, it is important to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the summer season, it is crucial to water the plant regularly, once or twice a week. During wintertime, reduce the watering frequency to once every two weeks to prevent overwatering and promote healthy plant growth.
Fertilization
Providing suitable fertilizers can immensely benefit the growth and development of Pachypodanthium staudtii. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month during wintertime to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning Pachypodanthium staudtii is not usually necessary as the plant is slow-growing. However, you may want to remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance. In case the plant gets too big, you can prune it in the early spring season by cutting back the branches to prevent the plant from becoming too tall or top-heavy.
Propagation of Pachypodanthium staudtii (Engl. & Diels) Engl. & Diels
There are two primary methods used for propagating Pachypodanthium staudtii - seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is the standard method commonly used for Pachypodanthium staudtii. Sowing of seeds indoors or outside should be done at least three months before the last frost of the year. The seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours before planting to increase germination success.
Before planting, create a suitable potting mix with ingredients like peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Afterward, place two to three seeds per pot and cover the seeds loosely with a thin layer of soil. Water them regularly, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. It takes between 15-30 days for the seeds to germinate.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin out the weaker plants to allow the strongest seedling per pot. After a few weeks of growth, transplant each seedling to individual pots using the same potting mix used during the sowing.
Vegetative Propagation
Another propagation method involves vegetative propagation. The method entails taking cuttings from already established Pachypodanthium staudtii plants rather than growing from seeds.
It’s advisable to undertake this method in the plant's dormant season, typically in late autumn or early winter. Select a healthy parent plant and take cuttings of about 6-8 inches from the tips of the stem. Cut below the node, remove all leaves except the top two leaves and dip the cutting in root hormone.
Insert the cutting into a container filled with damp potting soil with perlite or vermiculite for better drainage. Cover the container with a clear plastic bag to maintain moisture and create a humid environment. After about two to four weeks, check to see if the cutting is rooted by gently tugging at it. If it is resistant, the roots have developed, and it's time to remove the bag.
Once the cutting has rooted, transplant to a pot with soil, water regularly, and ensure that it stays moist. The newly propagated plant may take three to six months to grow to full size.
Disease Management
There are not many known diseases that affect Pachypodanthium staudtii. However, the plant may be susceptible to fungal infections, which can be caused by overwatering or poor soil drainage. If you notice any signs of fungal disease, such as wilting or discoloration of the leaves, it is important to act quickly. Remove any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead watering and improve soil drainage to prevent the further spreading of the disease. Fungicidal treatments may also be effective in controlling the disease.
Pest Management
The most common pests that may affect Pachypodanthium staudtii are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and stunting of growth. Spider mites are tiny, hard-to-see pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing stippling and discoloration of leaves. Scale insects may also feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and death of leaves.
To manage these pests, it is important to inspect your plant regularly and act quickly if you notice any signs of infestation. You can remove mealybugs and scale insects manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spider mites can be controlled by misting the plant with water and applying insecticidal soap. In severe cases, neem oil or other insecticides may have to be used. It is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully when applying any chemical treatment to avoid damaging the plant.
