Overview
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the genus Pittosporum in the family Pittosporaceae. This plant species is native to Africa and is commonly found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant is commonly known as African pittosporum and is known for its medicinal properties.
Description
The African pittosporum is a small evergreen tree or shrub that grows up to about 4-10m in height. The leaves of the plant are glossy, dark green, alternate, and lance-shaped, with a length of about 7-14 cm. The tree also produces small, fragrant, green or yellow flowers that grow in clusters in the leaf axils. The flowers are followed by small seed capsules that contain many small seeds. The bark of the tree is smooth and grey in color and has vertical streaks or ridges.
Uses
The African pittosporum is a valuable plant species that has various medicinal uses. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as sore throat, cough, pneumonia, and asthma. The plant has also been used as a remedy for stomach ailments and as an antiseptic. In addition, the wood of the tree is used for carving and for making furniture.
Furthermore, the African pittosporum is also an ornamental plant that is grown in gardens and parks. Its attractive, glossy foliage and fragrant flowers make it an ideal plant for hedges and borders.
Cultivation
The African pittosporum is a hardy plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers well-drained soil and requires full sun to partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of drought and can be harvested for its medicinal properties once it reaches maturity.
In conclusion, Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. is a valuable plant species that has various medicinal uses. Its attractive appearance also makes it ideal for ornamental use in gardens and parks. The plant is easy to cultivate and requires minimal maintenance.
Growth Conditions for Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod.
Light: This plant species requires full sunlight to grow to its full potential. The ideal location for planting is in an area that receives an average of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. The plant can also tolerate partial shade, but it may not grow as vigorously in these conditions.
Temperature: Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. is a hardy species that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It prefers moderate temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) for optimal growth. The minimum temperature tolerated by the plant is around 10°C (50°F), while the maximum temperature does not exceed 40°C (104°F).
Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but it thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate mild soil salinity up to a level of 4 decisiemens/meter (dS/m). The recommended soil mixture should have good water-holding capacity to ensure adequate moisture for the plant's growth.
Water: Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. prefers regular watering but can tolerate mild drought conditions. The ideal soil moisture should be moderate, not too soggy or dry. Over-watering may lead to root rot, while under-watering will cause stunted growth and leaf drop.
Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer (NPK) is recommended to be applied at the onset of the growing season, about 2-3 times in the growing season. The first application should be in early spring, the second in mid-summer, and the third in early autumn. Be careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to excessive foliage growth, which detracts from flower formation.
Cultivation methods
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. is a hardy ornamental plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil and is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels. When planting, ensure that the site is cleared of weeds and debris, and the soil is loosened to provide adequate aeration. A layer of mulch can be added to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering needs
Watering needs for Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions and the stage of growth of the plant. During the growing season, the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In the dry season, the plant can be irrigated twice a week or more frequently if the soil dries out quickly.
Fertilization
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. is not a heavy feeder and only needs minimal fertilization to thrive. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied during planting, and a second application can be made during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as manure or compost can also be used. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is a critical process in the care of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. It should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. The purpose of pruning is to remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches and promote new growth. The plant can also be trimmed to maintain its shape and size. Care should be taken not to over-prune the plant, as this can lead to stunted growth and an unsightly appearance.
Propagation of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri
There are several methods that can be used to propagate Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri, including seeding, cuttings, and air layering.
Seeding
Seeding is a common method used to propagate Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri. Collect mature seeds from the plant, usually during autumn. Sow the seeds in a mixture of soil and sand in a seedling tray and cover with plastic. Keep the soil moist and place the tray in a warm, shaded area until they germinate, which may take up to six weeks. Seedlings should be transplanted after two years when they are large and healthy enough to survive outside.
Cuttings
Propagation through the use of cuttings is another viable option. Cuttings are usually taken either from the semi-hardwood or hardwood part of the plant during the growing season. Before planting, ensure disinfection of cutting tools. Cuttings should have at least 2 nodes with leaves trimmed by a third. Dip the cuttings in a hormone rooting powder before inserting them into moist soil with perlite and sand. Keep cuttings moist and in partial shade until roots develop, which may take up to 6-8 weeks.
Air Layering
Air Layering involves stripping a part of the stem or branch's bark and covering it up in plastic while still attached to the plant. Remove the branch's bark about 2 inches below the node, dust it with the hormone rooting powder, then wrap wet sphagnum around the branch. Cover the area with plastic and secure the layer around the stem or branch using a string. After a few weeks (6-8), cut the branch from the mother plant and plant it in a well-draining soil mix that contains perlite and sand.
Disease Management
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. is typically a healthy plant species, with few diseases affecting it. However, it may be susceptible to some common garden diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: A fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on leaves. It can be managed by keeping the area clean, avoiding overhead watering, and removing and destroying infected leaves.
- Canker: A fungal disease that causes sunken lesions on branches and stems. It can be managed by cutting and destroying infected branches, and ensuring that the tree is well-maintained and healthy overall.
- Root rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to yellowing and dropping leaves. It can be managed by allowing the soil to dry out between watering, providing good drainage, and avoiding overwatering.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. may also fall prey to pests such as:
- Aphids: Tiny insects that suck the sap from leaves and can cause leaf curling and yellowing. They can be managed using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: Tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They can be managed using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or by increasing humidity to discourage the pests.
- Mealybugs: Small, white, cottony insects that suck sap and excrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold and leaf drop. They can be managed using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or by removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Regular inspection and monitoring of the Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. plant can help prevent the spread of diseases and pest infestations. If a problem is discovered, take action immediately to avoid further damage.
