Overview of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is commonly known as the African coffee cherry or Shinini tree and is native to Africa, particularly in West and Central tropical Africa.
Appearance of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
The African coffee cherry is a small shrub that grows up to 5 meters in height. The shrub has a rounded and compact shape and is adorned with glossy, smooth, and dark green leaves that are simple and opposite. The leaves are about 10 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide.
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. produces small white flowers that are funnel-shaped and grow in clusters. These flowers are followed by fruit that resembles cherries. The fruits are initially green, but they turn yellow as they mature and become red when they are fully ripe. The fruit is spiky and has a powdery outer surface, which encases two small shiny black seeds.
Traditional Uses of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
In traditional African medicine, different parts of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. have been used to treat various ailments. The root and bark extracts are used to cure stomach ulcers, dysentery, fever, and diarrhea. The fruit pulp has been used to treat skin rashes and eye infections. The bark and root are also known to have analgesic properties.
Modern Uses of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. is becoming popular in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The fruits of the plant are used in the production of skin care products due to their antioxidant properties. The plant is also used in preparing tinctures, which act as an astringent and are effective in reducing swelling and inflammation.
In the food industry, the fruits of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. are used to prepare jams and jellies. The fruit pulp is also used as food for livestock and the seeds to produce oil.
Conclusion
The African coffee cherry or Shinini tree has several uses, from traditional medicine to modern cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The plant's antioxidant and analgesic properties make it a valuable resource, especially in the treatment of various ailments. The fruit, which resembles cherries, is also used to make jams and jellies, and the seeds produce oil.
Growth conditions of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. is a plant species that is native to the tropical regions of Africa. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive under different growth conditions.
Light requirements
The plant requires moderate to high light conditions. It grows well in full or partial sunlight. However, it should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch.
Temperature requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow well. Its ideal temperature range is between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate higher temperatures but may require more water to prevent the soil from drying out. The plant can also tolerate cooler temperatures, but growth may slow down during the winter months.
Soil requirements
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. can grow in a range of soil types but requires well-draining soil. Sandy loam soil is ideal as it allows for good water retention and aeration. The soil should also be rich in nutrients as the plant requires regular feeding to promote healthy growth. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is optimal for this plant species.
Overall, providing adequate light, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil will promote healthy growth of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
Cultivation Methods
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. is a tropical plant that is native to Madagascar and is grown worldwide as an ornamental plant. To cultivate this plant, you should plant it in a location that receives bright indirect light. The plant prefers a well-draining potting mix, and the soil should never be allowed to completely dry out. You can propagate the plant from stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. requires moderate watering, and you should water the plant when the top half-inch of soil becomes dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to wilt. However, do not let the plant sit in standing water for an extended period as it can be harmful to the roots.
Fertilization
You should fertilize Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. every two weeks during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer that is diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of the plant, and it should be done in the spring or fall when new growth appears. You can prune the plant back by cutting off the top portion of the stem, and you can also remove the side branches to encourage bushier growth. If you notice any diseased or dead branches, remove them immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as the Spiny Fruit, is a popular ornamental plant that can be propagated vegetatively and by seeds. This plant usually thrives well in subtropical and tropical regions. Propagating the plant is easy and can be done through various methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The Spiny Fruit can be propagated by seeds which can be obtained by harvesting the fruit when mature and ripe. After harvesting the fruit, the seeds should be extracted and dried for a week to break its dormancy. Soaking seeds in cool, clean water for 24 hours can help at this stage. After breaking dormancy, the seeds should be sown in a pre-prepared seedbed in well-drained soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3cm and spaced at 10cm apart. The seedbed should be watered regularly and kept under shade to avoid excessive sunlight.
Propagation by Cuttings
The Spiny Fruit can be propagated vegetatively by using cuttings. Cuttings can be obtained from young, healthy stems or branches. After obtaining the cutting, remove the lower leaves and gently scrape the lower part of the stem to expose the cambium. Dip the scraped part of the stem in rooting hormone powder and place the stem in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept under shade, providing enough humidity and water regularly. Rooting usually occurs within four to six weeks and can be transferred to bigger pots or planted in the garden.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Spiny Fruit. It involves making a shallow cut around the stem or branch, where the roots are desired. Pack some moist sphagnum moss or peat moss around the cut, covering it with polythene or plastic wrap. After some weeks, roots will sprout from the cut part of the stem. Cut the stem below the newly formed roots and plant it in a new pot or in the garden.
Disease Management for Phallaria Spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant. The following are the common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease can spread quickly and cause the plant to wither and die. To manage the disease, prune the infected areas and dispose of them immediately. Do not water the plant from above and avoid overcrowding the plants.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves. The spots can enlarge and cause defoliation. To manage the disease, prune the infected areas and dispose of the leaves immediately. Keep the plant dry and avoid overcrowding.
Pest Management for Phallaria Spinosa Schumach. & Thonn.
Phallaria spinosa Schumach. & Thonn. is also relatively resistant to pests. However, the following are the common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that create webbing on the plant. They feed on the plant, causing it to look pale and weak. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, keep the plant well-watered as spider mites thrive in dry conditions.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small white insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to look weak and wilted. They also excrete a sticky substance that attracts other pests. To manage the pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, remove the infected areas and dispose of them immediately.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap out of it. They secrete a waxy substance that covers their body and makes them hard to remove. To manage the pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and remove the infected areas.
