Plant Description:
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. is a beautiful shrub that belongs to the Pittosporum genus and the Pittosporaceae family. It is native to Ethiopia and commonly found in mountainous regions of the country. The shrub is evergreen and can grow up to 4 meters tall.
Common Names:
The plant has several common names depending on the region where it is found. In Ethiopia, it is commonly known as "Tsar" while in other African countries, it is known as "African Pittosporum" or "Ethiopian Pittosporum".
Uses:
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. has several uses both in traditional and modern medicine. Its bark is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever and stomach problems. The plant also has cultural significance and is used in Ethiopian traditional ceremonies. In landscaping, the shrub is used to beautify gardens and parks due to its attractive leaves and flowers. Additionally, the plant is utilized in erosion control projects due to its deep rooting system.
Appearance:
The plant has glossy green leaves that are oval in shape and about 10cm long. The flowers are usually small and arranged in clusters that are about 5cm in diameter. The flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance and can be either white or pink. The shrub's trunk is grey-brown in color with a rough texture, and the branches are slender and flexible.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Pittosporum abyssinicum subsp. gilletii thrives in full to partial sunlight, which means that it requires at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure per day. In terms of temperature, this plant requires moderate to warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 30°C (65 to 85°F). It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and frost, which can damage its foliage and hamper its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can adapt to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, as long as they are sufficiently fertile and well-draining. It is essential to note that this plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which can foster root rot and lead to wilted foliage.
Watering and Fertilizer Requirements
Pittosporum abyssinicum subsp. gilletii requires moderate watering levels, which means that the soil should be kept moderately moist during the growing season, and watering should be reduced during the dormant season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to wilt and shed leaves. It also requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with a formulation of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Fertilization should be reduced during the dormant season to avoid stressing the plant.
Cultivation of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod.
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. is a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters and is native to East Africa. It is a hardy plant that grows well in subtropical and tropical climates with moderate rainfall and full sun. It prefers well-drained, sandy soil but can grow in a range of soils, including rocky soils.
The plant is propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, with seeds being sown in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until germination. Stem cuttings of about 10 cm are taken from the plant and dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained, sandy soil. Cuttings should be watered regularly until roots are established.
Watering Needs of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod.
When grown in the appropriate conditions, Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. requires moderate watering. It should be watered regularly during the growing season, and watering should be reduced during the dormant season. The plant should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering.
Fertilization of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod.
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. requires moderate fertilization. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and the frequency of application will depend on the type of fertilizer used. Organic fertilizers such as compost can be applied once every three months, while chemical fertilizers can be applied monthly.
It is important to ensure that the fertilizer is applied appropriately to prevent root burn. Fertilizers should be applied at the base of the plant, and the soil should be watered well after application.
Pruning of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod.
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. does not require much pruning. Pruning can be done to maintain the shape of the plant or to remove damaged or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the early stages of growth.
When pruning, it is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant. The cut branches should be removed from the plant to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation Methods of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod.
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, layering, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. Seeds can be collected from the parent plant and sown immediately. The ideal time for sowing is during the warm seasons, especially in spring. The seeds can be sown in a well-drained soil mixture consisting of peat moss, perlite, and sand. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within 3-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. This method involves bending a low hanging branch and making a small cut below the node. The cut is then covered with soil, and the branch is held in place with a stake. The soil should be kept moist, and the roots will eventually grow from the cut area. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a separate pot or into the ground.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. Cuttings can be taken from the softwood tips of the parent plant and rooted in soil or water. If rooting in soil, the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a humid environment for a few weeks until roots have formed. If rooting in water, the cutting should be placed in a jar of water, and the water should be changed every few days. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into soil.
Disease and Pest Management of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod.
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. is a shrub that belongs to Pittosporaceae family and is native to Africa. As with any other plant, Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. can also be susceptible to various diseases and pests. A few of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and their management strategies are discussed below.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf spot disease: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Root rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots to become mushy and rot. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. If the disease has already spread, it is important to remove and discard the infected plant parts.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
2. Spider mites: These are tiny pests that are not easily seen with the naked eye. They suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or brown. To manage this pest, it is important to spray the plant with neem oil or use natural predators such as predatory mites.
By being vigilant about the health of the plant and taking appropriate measures, you can keep the Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. gilletii Cufod. healthy and free from various diseases and pests.
