Origin
Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan, commonly known as the African oak, is a tropical tree found in the western part of Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria. It belongs to the Polysphaeria family, which is popular for its multi-branched leaves and delicate flowers.
Common Names
This species is commonly known by several names such as African oak, false loupe tree, and black oak in English, "wiridu" in Ghana, "okwe" in Cameroon, and "ukwu na isi" in Nigeria. The tree’s striking foliage and bark have become popular globally, and it is now being used for landscaping and as an ornamental plant.
Uses
Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan tree has different uses in the areas where it is grown. In some communities, the bark and leaves have been used as traditional medicine to treat various ailments like wounds, fever, and diarrhea. The wood is usually hard and durable, making it suitable for construction purposes like building frames for houses, making furniture and panels, and also as fuelwood. Additionally, the leaves and seeds are edible and can be used for human food or animal feed.
General Appearance
The tree has a small to medium-sized stature, growing up to 28 meters tall, with a single trunk that is almost horizontal at a young age, making it diverge into several branches. Its bark is textured and rough, with a light brown color that darkens with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, layered, and multi-branched, making them look similar to an oak's foliage, hence the name. The flowers are tiny and not showy, and grow in clusters at the ends of the branches, with a range of colors such as yellow and green. The fruit is also tiny containing seedlings with the ability to germinate quickly, making it possible for natural seeding without requiring prior planting.
Light Requirements
Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan is a plant that requires bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but not complete darkness, as this can weaken the plant and lead to poor growth. Keeping the plant near a bright window with filtered sunlight is ideal for its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, with the ideal range being between 20°C to 28°C. It does not do well in temperatures below 15°C and can be damaged if exposed to temperatures below 10°C. It is important to maintain a stable temperature for the plant, as sudden temperature changes can shock the plant and cause it to drop leaves.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that is a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well for the plant. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5 to 7.0. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be done only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Cultivation Methods
Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan is a shrub that is best grown in tropical climates. It can be cultivated from seeds or by stem cuttings. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Plant in a spot that receives bright but indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal health. Regularly check for pests and diseases and take appropriate steps to control them.
Watering Needs
The Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering may lead to root rot, so it is essential to monitor the moisture levels carefully. In dry weather, water the plant every two to three days, and reduce watering during the rainy season.
Fertilization
Feed the Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer that will release the nutrients gradually over several months. Apply fertilizer every two to three months on the soil surface, away from the plant's base.
Pruning
Pruning the Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan encourages healthy growth and allows the plant to produce more flowers. Prune away any dead or damaged branches regularly, and cut back any overgrown branches to encourage bushier growth. This pruning should be done just before the starting of the growing season. All pruning tools should be sterilized before use to prevent the transmission of diseases between plants.
Propagation of Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan
Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan is an evergreen shrub that can be propagated through various techniques.
Propagation via Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan is through seeds. The plant produces small berries that contain seeds which can be collected and sown in a suitable propagation environment.
To sow seeds, prepare a seedbed with well-draining soil mixed with a balanced fertilizer. Sow the seeds and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seedbed regularly and ensure that it is kept moist until the plants are established.
After a few weeks, the seeds will germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they start to develop their second set of true leaves.
Propagation via Cuttings
Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan can also be propagated through cuttings. Take stem cuttings of about 6 inches in length, making sure that each cutting has at least two nodes. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist, and after a few weeks, roots will start to develop. Once the cutting has formed an established root system, it can then be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation via Layering
Layering is another effective way to propagate Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan. This method involves making a small wound in a stem, then burying it in the soil so that it can develop roots.
To propagate via layering, choose a healthy stem that is close to the ground. Make a small wound on the stem by removing a small section of bark. Bury the wounded section of the stem in the soil, making sure that the wound is covered. Keep the soil moist, and after a few weeks, the buried stem will develop roots.
When the stem has established enough roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to its own pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Polysphaeria Lanceolata Hiern var. Pedata Brenan
Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan is generally a robust and disease-resistant plant, but it can still suffer from some diseases and pests. Preventive measures should be taken to keep the plant healthy, and prompt action should be undertaken if there are signs of disease or pest infestation.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan is leaf spot. Leaf spot symptoms include small, brown, or black spots on leaves. These spots gradually increase in size and coalesce, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Other fungal diseases that affect the plant include root rot, powdery mildew, and canker disease.
Pest Management
The most common pests that attack Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan include scales, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can cause the leaves to curl, distort, and yellow. They also leave a sticky substance on the plants, which is known as honeydew, attracting ants and bees.
To manage pest infestations, it is essential to identify the pests correctly. Once you know which pests are affecting the plant, you can use appropriate measures to control them. Some effective pest management techniques include insecticidal soaps and oils, neem oil, and horticultural oils. You can also use a strong spray of water to dislodge the pests.
Disease Management
To prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases in the plant, it is critical to keep the plant clean and dry. Watering should be done in the morning, and the soil should be allowed to dry before watering again. Pruning infected parts of the plant, disposing of infected debris, and keeping the plant clean can all help prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides are also available to control fungal diseases in the plant.
Overall, the best way to manage disease and pest infestations in Polysphaeria lanceolata Hiern var. pedata Brenan is to maintain a healthy growing condition. A well-watered, fertilized, and pruned plant is less susceptible to diseases and pests.
