Overview
Pausinystalia lane-poolei (Hutch.) Hutch. ex Lane-Poole subsp. ituriense (De Wild.) Stoff. & Robbr. is a plant species that is widely found in the tropical regions of Africa. It is a slow-growing tree of the Rubiaceae family, which is commonly known as the Ituriensis. It is an important plant due to its medicinal and commercial value.
Origin
Pausinystalia lane-poolei (Hutch.) Hutch. ex Lane-Poole subsp. ituriense (De Wild.) Stoff. & Robbr. is native to the Congo Basin, particularly in the Ituri forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is also found in other tropical regions of Africa, such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The common names for Pausinystalia lane-poolei (Hutch.) Hutch. ex Lane-Poole subsp. ituriense (De Wild.) Stoff. & Robbr. include Ituriensis, Pygeum, African Cherry, and African Plum.
Uses
Pausinystalia lane-poolei (Hutch.) Hutch. ex Lane-Poole subsp. ituriense (De Wild.) Stoff. & Robbr. is known for its medicinal properties and commercial value. The bark of the plant is used as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including prostate problems, malaria, fever, and gastrointestinal diseases. The extract from the bark is also used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other urinary problems.
The plant's wood is highly valued commercially and is widely used for furniture making, flooring, and carving. The plant's leaves are used for fodder and as a herbal remedy for some ailments.
General Appearance
Pausinystalia lane-poolei (Hutch.) Hutch. ex Lane-Poole subsp. ituriense (De Wild.) Stoff. & Robbr. is a slow-growing evergreen tree that grows up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 1 meter. The bark is dark brown to black and scaly. The leaves are elliptic and shiny, measuring between 5-10 cm in length and 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are small and white, clustered in groups of 2 to 5. The fruit is a fleshy drupe that is oblong in shape, measuring between 1.5-2.5 cm in length.
Light Requirements
Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense prefers partial to full shade conditions and cannot tolerate direct sunlight for prolonged periods. It prefers shady, moist locations and thrives well under the shade of trees in the forest canopy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm, humid conditions and thrives in temperatures of 23–27°C (73–81°F). It does not do well in dry, hot environments or those with significant temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5–6.5, which is acidic to slightly acidic. It prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged and does not tolerate soils with a high salt content.
Cultivation Method
The Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense plant can be grown as a houseplant or outdoors in warm climates. It prefers well-drained soil, and planting in a pot with drainage holes is recommended. The plant should be placed in a spot that receives partial shade, as direct sunlight may harm the leaves.
Watering Needs
The Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense plant prefers moist soil but can be sensitive to overwatering. Watering the plant once a week is usually sufficient, but it's important to check the top layer of soil for dryness before watering. If the soil feels dry, water the plant until excess water flows out the drainage holes. It's recommended to avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Fertilization
Adding fertilizer to the Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense plant during the growing season can encourage healthy growth and blooming. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every four to six weeks is recommended. It's important to follow the product's instructions and avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning can help maintain the shape and size of the Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense plant, but it's not necessary for its overall health. Dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed as soon as possible to prevent disease from spreading. When pruning, use clean and sharp gardening tools to avoid injuring the plant. It's recommended to prune during the plant's dormant season.
Propagation of Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense
Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Seeds
The plant produces viable seeds that can be collected and sown in well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown immediately after harvesting to increase the chances of successful germination. The soil should be kept moist and the seeds should be kept in a humid environment until they sprout.
Cuttings
Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense can be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be approximately 15-20 cm in length. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a humid environment until they root.
Air-Layering
Air-layering involves making a cut in the stem and creating a rooting chamber that will encourage roots to grow. To air-layer Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense, select a healthy stem and make a cut approximately 1/3 of the way through the stem. Pack the cut area with moist sphagnum moss, wrap it in plastic wrap, and secure it with a tie. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut and planted in well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense
Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense is a tree species that is commonly affected by pests and diseases. Timely and accurate identification and management of these pests and diseases can minimize the damage and enhance the growth and productivity of this plant.
Common diseases and pests
Fungi: Fungal diseases like leaf spots and anthracnose are common in Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense. These diseases cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown or black, and eventually fall off. Contact your local agricultural extension office for appropriate fungicides to control these fungal diseases.
Bacteria: Bacterial infections like leaf blight and bacterial canker can also affect the plant. These diseases cause dark spots on the leaves, wilting, and dieback. The infected plant parts should be immediately removed and destroyed to minimize the spread. Use copper-based bactericides to control bacterial infections.
Viral diseases: Viral diseases like chlorotic spots and ringspots can lead to stunted growth and distorted leaves. These diseases are difficult to manage once the plant is infected. Prevention is the best way to manage viral diseases by maintaining healthy plant growth and avoiding contact with infected plants.
Insects: Scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids are common pests that affect Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense. These pests suck the plant sap causing wilting, yellowing, and eventually falling off of leaves. Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and horticultural oils are effective against these pests.
Managing pests and diseases
Prevention: Prevention is the best method of managing pests and diseases. Ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and that there is proper air circulation. Avoid overwatering and fertilizing the plant as they may induce stress which can make the plant more susceptible to diseases and pest infections.
Maintenance: Regular monitoring and maintenance practices are essential for the management of pests and diseases. Prune the plant regularly to remove diseased or damaged parts and to enhance air circulation. Regularly remove any weeds or debris around the plant which can harbor pests and diseases.
Chemical control: Use of chemicals should be the last option in managing pests and diseases. Always go for eco-friendly and non-toxic products. Consult with your local agricultural extension office for recommendations for the appropriate pesticides to use. Follow the instructions provided on the label for proper application.
With proper management practices, Pausinystalia lane-poolei subsp. ituriense can thrive and lead to better productivity.
