Origin
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. is a perennial, evergreen shrub native to Africa, specifically found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Hairy fruited chequers, Hairy fruited pittosporum, and the East African pittosporum.
Uses
The Hairy fruited chequers has medicinal and ornamental uses. In traditional African medicine, the roots and bark of the plant are used to treat stomach aches, constipation, and rheumatism. The leaves and stem are used to treat coughs, sore throats, and pneumonia.
As an ornamental plant, it is grown for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It is ideal for hedges, screening, and windbreaks. The plant grows in full sunlight and partial shade, and it prefers fertile, well-draining soils.
General Appearance
The Hairy fruited chequers is a dense, bushy shrub that can grow up to 8 meters tall in its natural habitat and up to 2 meters tall in cultivation. It has a spread of up to 1.5 meters, with a rounded or irregular shape. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, and they are between 6-12 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are small, cream, or white, and they have a sweet, spicy scent. The fruit is a capsule that is covered in fine hairs, and it splits open to release many seeds.
Light Requirements
The Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. plant typically requires full sunlight or partial shade to thrive. In areas with hot summers, partial shade is recommended to prevent leaf scorching. An optimal light level is crucial for photosynthesis and plant growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. plant grows well in a warm and temperate climate. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) to grow successfully. Frost is not tolerated by the plant, and temperatures below -3°C (26°F) can cause damage to the foliage.
Soil Requirements
The Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. plant grows best in well-drained soils with high organic matter. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant also needs adequate soil moisture to grow optimally, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial for the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. is a shrub that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with moderate to high rainfall. It prefers well-draining, loamy soils but can grow in a wide range of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. The plant is usually propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Watering needs for Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. In general, the plant should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season, to encourage healthy growth. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure proper drainage. During periods of drought, the plant should be watered deeply but infrequently.
Fertilization
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A general-purpose fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause the plant to become weak and susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. The plant can be pruned at any time of the year, but the best time is during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done selectively, removing only dead, damaged, or diseased branches. The plant can also be pruned to control its size and shape, but care should be taken not to remove too much foliage, as this can harm the plant's health.
Propagation of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The first step in propagating Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum through seeds is to obtain fresh seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits that have turned brown and have started to split open. The seeds should be cleaned and any debris removed before planting.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist and in a warm location until germination occurs, which can take several weeks. Once germination occurs, the seedlings should be moved to a bright location but protected from direct sunlight.
After a few months, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum through cuttings is an alternative method to seed propagation. The cuttings can be obtained from healthy, mature plants at any time during the growing season.
The cuttings should be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood growth and should be approximately 10-15 cm long. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped into a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix.
The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm location until roots start to form, which can take several weeks. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod.
Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. is a plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, like any other plant, it can be affected by some diseases and pests that can reduce its vigor, growth rate, and overall productivity. Proper disease and pest management practices can help control and prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that can affect Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. The infected leaves typically yellow and fall off. The disease can be prevented by removing and discarding infected leaves and practicing good sanitation practices.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The infected plants usually exhibit stunted growth and may eventually die. The disease can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and by avoiding overwatering.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to form on the leaves and other parts of the plant. The disease can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is properly spaced and has adequate air circulation. Infected leaves should be removed and discarded.
Common Pests
The common pests that can affect Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod. include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves and stems to distort and curl. The pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a stream of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be controlled by removing and discarding infected plant parts and by using a systemic insecticide.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn pale or silver and deformed. The pests can be controlled by using sticky traps or applying insecticidal soap.
To ensure the health of Pittosporum abyssinicum Delile subsp. lanatum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Cufod., it is important to inspect the plant regularly for signs of diseases or pests and treat them immediately. Always follow the recommended guidelines for using pesticides to prevent damage to the plant and the environment.
