Origin:
Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is a plant species that is indigenous to West Africa. It is commonly found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Common Names:
Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is commonly known as "Akaka," "Boondo," "Chacate pondo," "Ebano," and "Woula" in different regions of Africa.
Uses:
Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is a highly valued plant in traditional African medicine. The plant's bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat a wide array of ailments such as stomachache, diarrhea, and fever. Additionally, the plant is also used to treat skin infections, wounds and other skin irritations.
The hardwood of Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is highly prized in the timber industry. The wood is strong, hard, and resistant to decay, making it ideal for use in bridge construction, shipbuilding, and furniture making. As a result, the plant is often subjected to illegal logging, which threatens the species' natural habitat and population.
General Appearance:
Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 30 meters. The tree generally has a straight, cylindrical trunk that can reach up to 80 cm in diameter, and a broad, spreading crown.
The leaves of the Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. are arranged alternately on the branches and are pinnately compound, with a length of 10-30 cm. The leaflets are ovate to oblong-ovate, hairy on the lower surface, and possess a rounded tip.
The flowers of Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. are usually small and greenish-yellow in color, growing in clusters of four or five. The fruit is a woody, green to brown drupe, measuring 2-3 cm in diameter, and containing one seed.
Overall, Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is a beautiful and useful plant, with a rich history of traditional, medicinal, and industrial uses in West Africa.
Light Requirements
As a tropical plant native to Cameroon, Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. thrives under bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, and it should be avoided. Since it is used to consistent light year-round, it is important to keep it in a well-lit area, preferably by a window, indoors. Outdoors, it should be placed in a shaded area.
Temperature Requirements
Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. needs warm temperatures to flourish, ideally between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It can handle temperatures as high as 95°F (35°C) if the air is humid. Cold drafts or sudden changes in temperature below 60°F (15°C) will harm the plant and should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. A recommended potting mix consists of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as it can cause root rot. Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
The Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is a tropical plant native to Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. The plant requires a warm and humid environment to grow well. When cultivating this plant, it is advisable to place it in a shaded location with indirect light. Direct sun can burn the leaves of the plant.
It is ideal to cultivate the Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. in well-drained soils that have a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. The plant requires adequate water supply; therefore, it is important to keep the soil moist at all times.
Watering Needs
The Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. requires regular watering to maintain its foliage and health. To prevent the plant's soil from drying out, it's important to water frequently. It is advisable to use warm water or rainwater, as the plant prefers slightly acidic water.
When watering the Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl., it's essential to ensure that there is proper drainage. This will prevent waterlogging, which can cause the roots to rot. You can also mist the leaves of the plant to add moisture and maintain humidity around the plant.
Fertilization
Like most plants, the Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. requires nutrients to grow and produce healthy foliage. Fertilizing the plant will help enhance its growth and make it more resistant to diseases. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10. This should be done twice a month during the growing season, which is typically from spring to summer.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer. Over-fertilization can burn the roots and cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is not necessary; however, it can help shape the plant and promote bushier growth. Trimming any yellow, brown or damaged leaves, or stems can also help maintain the appearance of the plant.
When pruning the plant, it is essential to use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Avoid pruning too much foliage at once, as this can stress the plant and lead to stunted growth. It is advisable to carry out pruning during the growing season.
Propagation of Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl.
Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is a rare and endangered plant that is found only in Tanzania. As a result, it is crucial that its propagation methods are understood and utilized to ensure the survival of the species.
Propagation by Seeds
The plant can be propagated by seeds. It produces a large number of seeds, which can be collected and sown directly into trays or pots. The soil mix should be well-draining, with good aeration. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1cm and covered with a fine layer of compost or sand. The trays or pots should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and should be placed in a warm and well-lit location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagating Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cutting should be around 10cm in length, with at least one or two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The cutting should be placed in a warm and well-lit location, with high humidity. The cuttings will root within a few weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Division
Finally, Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. can be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and at least one stem. The divisions should be planted in well-draining soil mix and kept moist, but not waterlogged. The newly planted divisions should be placed in a warm and well-lit location, with high humidity. They will establish roots within a few weeks.
Overall, propagation of Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. can be achieved through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. It is important to ensure that the soil mix, humidity, and light conditions are optimal for each method to maximize success.
Disease and Pest Management for Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl.
Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is a beautiful plant that requires proper care to flourish. However, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can damage its health and appearance. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential problems and take necessary measures to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
One of the major diseases that affect Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is root rot. It is caused by overwatering, high humidity, or poor drainage. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. Remove infected roots and repot the plant in a fresh potting mix.
Another common disease is leaf spot caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms include small brown spots on the leaves that eventually turn into larger spots with a yellow halo. To control leaf spot, remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Spray the plant with a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that attack Pedaliophyton busseanum Engl. is spider mites. These tiny arachnids suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a miticide and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth regularly.
Another common pest is mealybugs, which are small white insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts other pests and causes a sooty mold to develop. To manage mealybugs, wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply insecticidal soap to the plant.
It is important to inspect the plant regularly to detect the presence of any pests or diseases as early as possible. This will allow for timely management and minimize damage to the plant. Always follow the instructions on the label when using any pesticides or fungicides and wear protective clothing to prevent exposure to chemicals.
