Origin of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. is a species of flowering plant in the Pittosporaceae family that is native to West and Central Africa. It is found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Nigeria. It grows naturally in the lowland rainforests and swampy areas of these regions.
Common Names and Appearance of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. is commonly known as the African pittosporum or the Cameroonian cheese wood. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The leaves of the tree are leathery and shiny, with a dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter, brownish color on the lower surface. The flowers are small, yellow, and very fragrant. The fruit is a round capsule that contains many seeds.
Uses of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
The African pittosporum has several traditional medicinal uses, especially in the treatment of malaria, fever, and coughs. The extracts of the bark and leaves are used to make herbal remedies. The tree is also used for timber, as it produces strong and durable wood that is used in building and furniture making. The fragrant flowers of the tree are also used in the perfume industry, particularly in the production of soaps, creams, and perfumes.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. prefers to grow in full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but it may lead to the plant becoming leggy and less compact. Therefore, it is best to plant it in areas with bright indirect light or partial shade so the plant can thrive.
Temperature Requirements
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. grows well in warm, humid environments. It prefers a temperature range between 60-80°F (15-27°C). However, mature plants can tolerate short periods of cold and frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can also tolerate poor soils but will grow better with regular fertilization. The pH range of the soil should be between 5.5 - 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant once it is established but needs regular watering until then. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Cultivation of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. is a low-maintenance plant that can grow in various soil types and climates. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires little attention once established. The plant can tolerate mild frosts and does not require any special soil preparation when planting.
Watering Needs of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. prefers moist, well-draining soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing the frequency during periods of rain or cooler weather.
Fertilization of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Provide regular feedings of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming. Follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer package and apply it around the base of the plant. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Pruning is not necessary for Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. as it grows in a naturally neat and tidy shape. However, if required, prune after flowering in late spring or early summer. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and trim back any straggly or overgrown parts of the plant to maintain its shape.
Propagation of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild., commonly known as the African Cheesewood or Smooth-leaved Kahuhu, is a plant species endemic to Africa. It is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 6 meters in height with a dense, bushy crown and glossy leaves.
Propagation methods
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. can be propagated by various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. need to be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with seedling mix or directly in the ground in a well-prepared seedbed. The seedlings will emerge within 4-6 weeks, and they can be transplanted to individual pots or to their final position in the garden when they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by cuttings
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. can be propagated by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in early spring or early summer, while semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid place until they root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by layering
Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. can also be propagated by layering. This method involves bending a low branch of the plant to the ground and burying a section of it in the soil. The buried section should be wounded and treated with rooting hormone to encourage rooting. The stem should be watered regularly, and after a few months, roots should develop. Once the new plant has rooted, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its final position in the garden.
Disease Management for Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
Like most plants, Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves, which could eventually cause defoliation. To manage this disease, ensure good sanitation practices, remove, and destroy infected leaves regularly. Use a fungicide to treat severe cases.
- Anthracnose: This is also a fungal disease that causes yellowing and browning of leaves. You may also see sunken spots on the plants. Use a fungicide to manage this disease.
- Rust: Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. is susceptible to rust, which causes yellow spots on the leaves that could eventually lead to defoliation. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to manage this disease.
- Phytophthora root rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the plant's roots to rot, and it could lead to plant death. Manage this disease by avoiding overwatering and waterlogging the plants. Remove and destroy infected plants and soil, and use a fungicide to manage severe cases.
Pest Management for Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild.
There are several pests that may affect Pittosporum spathicalyx De Wild. The most common pests include:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from leaves, causing damage to the plant. Use an insecticidal soap to manage spider mites.
- Caterpillars: These pests are voracious eaters and could cause defoliation if not managed promptly. Remove and destroy infected leaves and use a biological control agent or insecticide to manage severe cases.
- Mealybugs: These white insects with a cotton-like appearance feed by sucking sap from the plant. Use a neem oil solution to manage mealybugs.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the plant and suck sap, causing damage. Use a horticultural oil to manage scale insects.
