Description
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. It is native to Africa and can be found in various regions, including Nigeria, Central African Republic, Sudan, Chad, and Cameroon. The plant grows in areas with moist soils and thrives well in both shady and sunny locations.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names, depending on the region and language. Some of its common names include needle spurge, false nettle, tassel bush, and long-stamen spurge.
Uses
The plant has a long history of medicinal use in various cultures, especially in Africa. It is known to have several pharmacological properties, including anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic. The plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, ulcer, cough, and fever. In some communities, the sap of the plant is used as a purgative and to induce vomiting.
The plant is also used for various non-medicinal purposes. For instance, in some regions, the plant is used as fodder for livestock. The plant is also used for fencing and as a source of firewood.
General Appearance
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The stem is usually green and thick, and it branches out from the base. The leaves are alternate and simple, with a length of about 1-2 cm. The leaves are ovate to elliptic in shape and have a smooth texture.
The flowers of the plant are small and usually have greenish-yellow color. The flowers have no petals but have five sepals and five stamens. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that splits open at maturity to reveal three seeds. The seeds are dark brown and glossy.
Growth Conditions for Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus
Light: The plant thrives best in partial shade or full sun, receiving at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, excessive sunlight may lead to leaf scorching and stunted growth.
Temperature: The plant is a tropical plant and requires temperatures between 20°C to 40°C for optimal growth. Temperatures below 15°C and above 45°C are not suitable for its growth and may lead to plant death.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in sandy or loamy soils, but the soil must have a high organic matter content to enhance nutrient absorption and retain moisture.
Water: The plant requires moderate water levels. Overwatering may lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause stunted growth and leaf drop. The growth rate, flowering, and fruiting of the plant are directly dependent on the frequency and amount of water received.
Fertilizer: The plant requires regular application of fertilizers to achieve optimum growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with N:P:K ratio of 4:3:2 or 3:1:2 is recommended, and it should be applied every 3 to 4 months.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Seedlings can be transplanted once they have grown their first two leaves. Stem cuttings should be healthy and have at least one node that is below the soil line for successful propagation.
Pruning: Pruning is essential for shape control, fruit production, and disease management. It is best to prune during winter or early spring before the onset of the rainy season. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be pruned immediately to prevent their spread to healthy parts of the plant.
Pests and Diseases: The plant is susceptible to attacks by insects like mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and mites, which can be controlled by insecticides. Common diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot, which can be managed by fungicides or proper cultural practices.
Cultivation methods for Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus is a small herbaceous plant that thrives well in tropical and semi-tropical climates. This plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Propagate seeds in well-draining soil in vegetable gardens or nurseries. Plant the seeds approximately 4-6 inches apart and cover them with a thin layer of soil. The seeds will take 7-21 days to germinate.
The cuttings can be propagated in the rainy season. Select undamaged stems with at least two nodes. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil in a shaded area. Water the cuttings daily until roots begin to form.
Watering needs for Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus
The plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Overwatering leads to waterlogging of the soil, which may result in root rot. The plant prefers a humid environment, so you may use a spray bottle to mist the plant leaves for added humidity.
Fertilization for Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus
The plant prefers organic manure and slow-release fertilizers. Mix the slow-release fertilizer with the soil during planting or add to the soil surface every three months.
The organic manure can be applied once per month. Spread the manure around the plant base and gently work it into the soil.
Pruning for Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus requires little to no pruning. Prune only to remove damaged or diseased leaves. Cut at the base of the stem, approximately 1/4 inch above the leaf node.
Propagation of Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus
Propagation of Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus can be done using various methods. Some of the methods used for the propagation of Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus are:
Seed Propagation
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus can be propagated by seeds. Seeds are collected from mature plants and sown in a well-prepared seedbed. The seeds germinate in less than two weeks, and the seedlings grow fast, reaching a height of about 30 cm within three months.
Cuttings Propagation
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus can be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from healthy stems, preferably during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10 cm in length, with 2-3 nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium and kept moist until roots and buds develop.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method in which a branch of the plant is wounded and covered with moist soil or moss. Roots develop at the wounded area, and the new plant is cut off from the parent plant and potted. Air layering is a slow process, taking several months for roots to develop. It is a useful propagation method when a plant's stem is too woody to take cuttings, or the plant is difficult to root from cuttings.
Disease Management
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus is susceptible to various types of diseases that can lead to reduced yield. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing brown or black lesions. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides or pesticides that contain copper compounds. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and dosage.
- Leaf spot: It is a fungal disease that causes circular or angular spots on the leaves, which may turn yellow or brown. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected leaves or use fungicides. Make sure to maintain good air circulation in the plant by reducing the plant density and pruning of excess branches.
- Root rot: It is a disease caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens that affect the roots, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, plant in well-drained soils and avoid planting in flooded areas.
- Mosaic Virus: It is a viral disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing yellow or green mottling. There is no cure for this disease, but you can manage it by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and avoiding planting the plant in areas with infected soil.
Pest Management
Phyllanthus sublanatus Schumach. & Thonn. subsp. sublanatus is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl. To manage these pests, you can use insecticides or introduce biological control measures such as beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing extensive damage. To manage these pests, you can use insecticides or introduce biological control measures such as beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and insect-eating birds.
- Whiteflies: These are small white insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to wilt. To manage these pests, you can use insecticides or introduce biological control measures such as beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Thrips: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to wilt. To manage these pests, you can use insecticides or introduce biological control measures such as beneficial insects like predatory mites and lacewings.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing webbing and yellowing of the leaves. To manage these pests, you can use insecticides or introduce biological control measures such as beneficial insects like predatory mites and ladybugs.
