Origin
Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense is a plant species that is native to central and western Africa. It is commonly found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "Gabonese Pinacopodium" or "Gabonese African orchid". It is also known by its local African names, such as "Njnang" in Cameroon and "Ogono" in Gabon.
Uses
The Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense is known for its medicinal properties. The indigenous people of Gabon and Cameroon have been using the plant for generations to treat various ailments, such as fever, malaria, and coughs. It has also been used as a natural remedy for stomach ulcers, as its extracts have shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the plant is also cultivated for its ornamental value. It produces beautiful racemes of greenish-yellow to cream-colored flowers that are distinctively shaped like a shuttlecock. The flowers emit a lovely fragrance that is similar to the scent of vanilla. It is a popular plant among orchid enthusiasts and is often grown as a potted plant or used in floral arrangements.
General Appearance
The Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense is an epiphytic orchid that grows up to about 30-40 cm tall. It has numerous, elongated, and thick roots that are used to anchor itself onto tree bark or other substrates. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and oblong-shaped, measuring around 6-7 cm in length.
The flowers of the plant are the most striking features. The racemes can grow up to 30 cm long and produce up to 20 flowers. The flowers themselves have a unique shape, with a frilly structure that looks like a shuttlecock. The petals are greenish-yellow with white margins and a small purple spot at the base. The lip of the flower is white with a yellow center and frilly edges. The plant blooms annually in the fall, lasting for approximately 3-4 weeks.
Light Requirements
Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense thrives in full to partial sunlight. As an understory plant, it prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade rather than direct sunlight, which could harm its leaves. It is essential to provide adequate shade during hot summer months to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense is between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It can tolerate higher temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F) but for shorter periods. It is a tropical plant that cannot tolerate frost and thrives in temperatures above 15°C (59°F).
Soil Requirements
Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense requires well-draining, moist, and fertile soil. The soil pH should range between 6.0 to 7.0. It grows best in rich loamy or sandy soil that is rich in organic matter and is tolerant of different soil textures, including clay, sand, and loam. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation methods
Pinacopodium gabonense (Cavaco & Normand) Normand & Cavaco var. gabonense, commonly known as the African orchid, is a plant indigenous to Central and West Africa. It is a terrestrial orchid that grows in both moist and dry habitats. The plant is grown through the use of seedlings and can be propagated through division. It is essential to select healthy plants for cultivation.Watering needs
Watering is crucial for the growth and development of Pinacopodium gabonense. The plant requires frequent irrigation to maintain moist soil. However, it is vital to ensure that the plant's soil does not become waterlogged, as this may lead to root rot. It is essential to water the plant in the morning to allow enough time for the foliage to dry before sunset.Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of the cultivation of Pinacopodium gabonense. The plant requires regular feeding to promote healthy growth and bloom. A balanced fertilizer with a high nitrogen content should be applied to the soil every four weeks during the growing season. It is essential to reduce the frequency of fertilization during the dormant season to prevent overfeeding.Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the health and shape of Pinacopodium gabonense. Dead, damaged, and diseased foliage should be trimmed off to prevent the spread of infection. If the plant's growth becomes too dense, pruning helps in shaping and managing the plant's growth. It is advisable to use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the healthy plant tissue.Propagation of Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense
Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense can be propagated through vegetative and generative methods. It is important to note that propagation through seeds is extremely difficult due to their low germination rates and irregularity in development.
Vegetative propagation
The most common method for propagating Pinacopodium gabonense var. gabonense is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant. The cuttings should be between 8-10cm in length and have 2-3 nodes.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix with good aeration. It is recommended to apply a rooting hormone to the cut end of the stem to promote root growth. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment with indirect light until roots have developed.
Another vegetative propagation method is through division of the plant. This method involves removing clumps of the plant and separating them into smaller sections. The small sections can then be planted in individual pots with well-draining potting mix.
Generative propagation
As mentioned previously, propagation through seeds is rare due to low germination rates. However, if seeds are to be used, they should be collected from mature and healthy plants. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid environment with indirect light. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Germination can take 1-3 months and may require additional interventions, such as scarification or stratification. Once germinated, the seedlings can be potted in individual pots with well-draining potting mix.
Disease Management
Pinacopodium gabonense is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but several diseases can still affect it. One of the most common diseases is Phytophthora root rot, caused by a water mold pathogen that thrives in soggy soil conditions. The disease begins in the roots and eventually spreads to the stems, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Additionally, planting disease-resistant cultivars and maintaining good cultural practices can help prevent this disease from occurring.
Another disease that can affect Pinacopodium gabonense is powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungal pathogen that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. This can lead to stunted growth and leaves dropping off the plant. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity. Applying fungicides can also be effective in controlling powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Pinacopodium gabonense can be affected by several insect pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause wilting and stunted growth. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause significant damage by sucking the sap from the plant. Thrips are small, slender insects that feed primarily on the flowers of the plant. They can cause discoloration and distort the flowers.
To manage these pests, monitor the plants regularly for signs of infestation and remove any affected plant parts immediately. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control pest populations. Applying insecticides can be a last resort if the infestation is severe, but it is essential to follow the label instructions carefully and avoid using chemical sprays during the flowering season to prevent harming pollinators.
