Overview
Periploca preussii K.Schum. is a plant species belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is a woody, twining climber that is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, and Congo.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the 'False ipecac' or 'Climbing ipecac' due to its medicinal properties.
Appearance
The plant has a tough, woody stem that can grow up to 10 meters long, and it produces oval-shaped leaves that are about ten centimeters in length, with smooth, shiny surfaces. The plant also produces attractive, purplish-red flowers with five petals and a distinctive, yellow-colored center. Furthermore, the plant produces green fruit pods that are elongated and contain numerous seeds.
Uses
The plant is widely used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments, including dysentery, diarrhea, fever, and snake bites. The plant contains several alkaloids, such as periplocin and preussin, that possess potent medicinal properties. Additionally, the plant's bark is used to make a powder that is used as an emetic, a substance that induces vomiting, and can help to reduce the symptoms of poisoning. Periploca preussii K.Schum has also been studied for its potential use in cancer treatment, as the periplocin alkaloid has been found to exhibit anti-cancer properties, specifically in colon cancer.
Growth Conditions of Periploca preussii K.Schum.
Light: Periploca preussii K.Schum. prefers bright sunlight or partial shade. Therefore, it should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight may cause the plant to become weak and leggy.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 45°F to 80°F (7°C to 27°C). However, it prefers warmer climates and may not survive in extreme cold. The ideal temperature for the plant is around 70°F (21°C).
Soil: Periploca preussii K.Schum. grows well in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0-7.8. It can thrive in a variety of soil types such as sandy, loamy or clay. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires good drainage.
Water: The plant has average water needs and should be watered once or twice a week. Over-watering can cause root rot, and inconsistent watering may lead to a weak plant. Therefore, the plant should be checked regularly to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer: Fertilization should be done every two to three months using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season to ensure that the plant receives all the necessary nutrients it needs to grow successfully.
Humidity: Periploca preussii K.Schum. can tolerate moderate levels of humidity. Therefore, there is no need to worry about providing extra moisture to the plant unless the area is extremely dry.
Cultivation
Periploca preussii K.Schum. is a heat-loving plant and is best grown in warm climates with a lot of sunshine. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soils. The plant is drought-tolerant but does not do well in waterlogged soils. Prior to planting, the soil should be loosened and enriched with organic matter like compost or manure. Four to five plants per meter spacing is recommended.
Watering needs
Periploca preussii K.Schum. is a drought-tolerant plant, but consistent watering allows it to produce more lush foliage and healthier plants. Watering should be done deeply once every week during the growing season and reduced during the winter months. Watering should be stopped during the rainy season to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
The plant's roots should be well-established before fertilization that should be done once a year in the spring. Compost or slow-release fertilizers should be applied around the base of the plant, followed by watering to allow for proper absorption. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to reduced flowering and plant growth.
Pruning
Prune Periploca preussii K.Schum. as needed to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage, and any growth that appears unruly or out of place. This should be done after the plant's flowering period and before new growth appears. Prune by cutting back the stems to just above a healthy leaf.
Propagation of Periploca preussii K.Schum.
Periploca preussii K.Schum., also known as the "Climbing Milkweed," is a hardy plant that is easy to propagate. There are several methods of propagation that can be used to grow new plants.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Periploca preussii K.Schum. Seeds can be collected from mature plants by allowing the seed pods to dry on the plant before harvesting them. To increase the success rate of germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them. After soaking, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist while they germinate. Seedlings can be transplanted after two to three sets of true leaves have developed.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagating Periploca preussii K.Schum. is by stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with several nodes, and cut a 6- to 8-inch section using sterilized pruning shears. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist while it develops roots. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting to a larger pot or to the ground.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is a propagation method that involves encouraging a stem to form roots while still attached to the parent plant. To propagate Periploca preussii K.Schum. by layering, select a healthy stem close to the ground and make a small cut on the underside of the stem. Place the cut section in contact with the soil, and secure it in place with a small rock or stake. Water the area regularly, and roots will develop where the cut was made. After several months, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Periploca preussii K.Schum.
Periploca preussii K.Schum., also known as the Guinea rubber vine, is a plant that is commonly found in West Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage the plant's health and productivity. As a result, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and the ways to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Periploca preussii K.Schum is the leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Cercospora apii. This disease manifests as small, dark-colored spots on the plant's leaves, eventually causing the leaves to defoliate. Another common disease is Powdery Mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, which results in a powdery white coating on the plant's leaves.
To manage these diseases, employing a combination of cultural practices and chemical treatments is essential. The infected plant parts must be pruned and removed, the plant must receive adequate light and air circulation, and the use of fungicides like copper fungicide, potassium bicarbonate, and neem oil can also help to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Tripes are one of the most common pests that affect Periploca preussii K.Schum. These tiny insects can damage the plant by feeding on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. Another pest that can harm the plant is the Mealybug; these pests suck on the sap of the plant and secrete honeydew, which attracts other pests like ants and can lead to the growth of black sooty mold.
To manage these pests, employing a combination of cultural and chemical methods is essential. Pruning and removing the infected plant parts, providing proper soil drainage, and keeping the plant's humidity and temperature levels balanced can prevent pest infestation. The use of insecticidal soap, neem oil, and pyrethrin-based insecticides can also help to control the populations of these pests.
By knowing the common diseases and pests that affect Periploca preussii K.Schum. and employing effective management techniques, you can ensure the plant's health and productivity, maximizing its potential yield, and longevity.
