Introduction
Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod., commonly known as Engler's Cheesewood, is an evergreen shrub species that belongs to the Pittosporum family. It is native to Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique in East Africa. This plant has various uses, including medicinal, ornamental, and commercial.Appearance
Engler's Cheesewood is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 8 meters tall. The plant has a dense, bushy growth habit and produces oblong, hairy leaves that measure up to 10 centimeters in length. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and bloom in clusters. The fruit is a woody capsule that releases small seeds when it splits open.Common Names
Engler's Cheesewood is commonly known as Kariati in Swahili, and it is also called the African Cheesewood.Uses
Engler's Cheesewood has various medicinal properties, and it is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach pains, fever, and diarrhea. The plant is also used commercially as a source of timber and charcoal production. In landscaping, Engler's Cheesewood is popularly utilized as a shrub or hedge plant due to its dense foliage, attractive leaves, and flowering clusters that add aesthetic value to outdoor spaces. In conclusion, Engler's Cheesewood is a valuable plant that serves various purposes, from medicinal to commercial and ornamental, and its unique appearance and growth habit also make it a popular choice for landscapers.Light Requirement
Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. prefers full to partial sunlight exposure. The plant requires at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well and maintain its foliage color. When grown in low light conditions, the leaves tend to become dull and may experience stunted growth.
Temperature Requirement
The plant requires a warm, humid climate to thrive. It can grow in a wide range of temperatures but prefers average to warm temperatures between 20 and 30°C. The plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. So, it is better to avoid planting this species in areas with severe winter temperatures.
Soil Requirement
Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. grows well in well-drained, moist, and fertile soils. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and needs good drainage. Additionally, incorporating organic matter into the soil can improve its fertility, structure, and moisture holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. thrives well in well-draining soil and under partial shade. This plant is also suitable for coastal areas as it tolerates salty and windy conditions that are common in these regions. It can be propagated from cuttings and seeds, and it is advisable to plant it during spring and autumn.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of this variety of Pittosporum lanatum are moderate, and it is advisable to water it deeply but infrequently. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged to avoid the risk of root rot. During the hot and dry seasons, it is advisable to water the plant more frequently to prevent it from drying out.
Fertilization
To enhance the growth of Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod., it is advisable to fertilize it once every three months. A balanced slow-release fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphates, and potassium is suitable for this type of pittosporum. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential maintenance practice for Pittosporum lanatum Hutch & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. This plant requires regular pruning to enhance its aesthetic appeal and promote its health. Prune the plant during the winter or early spring to avoid interfering with its growth cycle. Remove the dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It is also advisable to thin out the interior branches to create more space for air circulation, thus combating pests and diseases.
Propagation of Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod.
Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod., commonly known as Engler's Cheesewood, is a shrub or small tree that is native to eastern Africa. It can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method for propagating Pittosporum lanatum var. engleri. The seeds can be collected from the plant when they are mature and have turned brown. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours to soften the seed coat. The seeds can then be sown in a mixture of soil and sand or perlite, and kept moist at a temperature of around 20°C. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another effective method for propagating Pittosporum lanatum var. engleri. Cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season, from new growth that has not yet hardened. The cuttings should be about 15 to 20 cm long, with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a mixture of soil and sand or perlite. Keeping the soil moist and the cuttings in a high humidity environment will help them root. Rooting typically occurs within 4 to 6 weeks.
Layering propagation
Layering propagation is a method that involves bending a low-growing branch of the plant to the ground and burying a portion of it in the soil. The branch should be wounded or notched where it comes into contact with the soil to encourage rooting. The branch should be anchored to the ground with a bent wire or a stone to keep it in place. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum lanatum Hutch. & E.A.Bruce var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod.
Like any other plant, Pittosporum lanatum var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Leaf spot: This is a disease caused by the fungus Cercospora pittospori. Symptoms include small spots on the leaves that appear yellowish-brown or reddish-brown. In severe cases, the spots merge to form large patches that can cause defoliation. To manage the disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy the infected leaves, ensure proper sanitation, and improve air circulation by pruning the plant regularly.
2. Root rot: This is a disease caused by the fungi Phytophthora and Pythium, which thrive in waterlogged soils. Symptoms include stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To manage the disease, it is advisable to avoid overwatering and plant Pittosporum lanatum var. engleri (Cufod.) Cufod. in well-drained soils. Fungicides can also be used preventatively.
Pests
1. Scale insects: These are sap-sucking pests that can weaken and kill the plant if not controlled. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and honeydew secretion. To manage the pests, it is advisable to prune and destroy heavily infested parts of the plant, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and encourage the growth of natural enemies such as ladybugs.
2. Mealybugs: These are soft-bodied pests that also suck sap from the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage the pests, it is advisable to apply insecticides, prune heavily infested parts of the plant, and encourage the growth of natural enemies such as lacewings.
3. Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause leaf discoloration, wilting, and defoliation. To manage the pests, it is advisable to prune heavily infested parts of the plant, increase humidity levels, and apply insecticides such as neem oil.
4. Caterpillars: These are common pests that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage the pests, it is advisable to pick and destroy the caterpillars by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a natural pesticide.
