Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc.
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. is a flowering plant commonly known as "dewevrei" or "wengé" and is a subspecies of the Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc.
Origin
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. is native to West Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. It can be found growing in forests or wooded areas at elevations ranging from 200 to 600 meters above sea level.
Appearance
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. Its bark is gray or brown, and its leaves are dark green and elongated, with a length of 23 to 30 cm and a width of 6 to 10 cm. The plant produces small yellow flowers and red to orange berries that are about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. has been traditionally used in West African medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its bark and roots have been used to treat various conditions such as dysentery, diarrhea, and bronchitis. The plant is also used for its wood, which is durable and can be used in construction and furniture making. Additionally, its leaves are used as fodder for livestock.
Light requirements
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. typically grows well in a partially shaded environment. It requires an adequate amount of light for photosynthesis, but too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
Temperature requirements
The plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extremely low temperatures below 5°C. Therefore, the plant is suitable for growing in tropical regions.
Soil requirements
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. prefers well-draining soils with high organic matter content. A pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 to 7.5 is optimal. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot or other diseases. Fertilizer application can be beneficial for its growth, but excessive use should be avoided.
Cultivation Methods
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. To ensure successful cultivation, it is recommended to grow it indoors or in a greenhouse where temperature and humidity levels can be controlled.
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A growing medium that drains well while holding enough moisture for good growth is the best choice. Provide good air circulation to prevent the onset of fungal diseases. This plant requires high levels of humidity, so it is essential to maintain a humid environment.
Watering Needs
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. requires consistent moisture to grow, but does not tolerate excessive waterlogging. Water the plant deeply and regularly, but ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. One effective method to evaluate the plant's moisture level is to poke your finger into the soil. If the soil feels damp, then it is moist enough, but if it feels dry, then it is time to water.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant regularly with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This can be done during the growing season, starting in spring and continuing until the fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can cause the plant to become stunted or damaged.
It is also important to consider the soil's pH level when fertilizing. Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. prefers a soil pH level at around 6.0 to 7.0. Using a soil test kit can help you determine if the soil needs adjusting to fit the pH requirements.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to promote optimal growth and bushiness in Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. When pruning, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and branches. In addition, trimming the plant regularly helps to maintain its shape and size within a manageable limit.
If the plant experiences significant growth, it can be pruned back by removing some of the stems and branches or by cutting it back to its original size. After pruning, it is advisable to water the plant thoroughly and apply a balanced fertilizer to promote regrowth.
Propagation of Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc.
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc., also known as Dewevrea's Polysphaeria, can be propagated through different methods. Some of these methods include seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately the choice of propagation method depends on factors such as the availability of plant material and the desired outcome.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is a common method for Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. Seeds can be obtained from ripe fruits. The seeds are usually small and enclosed in a fleshy pulp. To propagate using seeds, first, the pulp should be removed, and the seeds washed and dried. The seeds can be directly planted in a suitable potting mix, and kept moist and warm. Germination can take several weeks, and proper care should be taken to prevent damping off, which can be a common problem with seedlings.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves taking a stem cutting from a parent plant and rooting it in a suitable potting mix. The stem cutting should be taken from a healthy, disease-free parent plant, and should be at least 10-15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The stem cutting can be planted in a suitable potting mix and kept moist and warm until roots develop.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and involves joining a scion (the desired plant) to a rootstock (a separate plant with an established root system). Grafting is often used to propagate Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. for its desirable characteristics such as disease resistance and faster growth. To graft, first, a suitable rootstock should be selected, and a scion from a desirable parent plant should be chosen. The two parts are then joined together and held in place until the graft heals and the scion starts growing.
Disease Management
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. is susceptible to a few fungal diseases, including anthracnose and leaf spots. To manage these diseases:
- Practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of infected leaves and other plant debris.
- Avoid overhead watering, which can promote the growth and spread of fungal spores. Instead, water at the base of the plant.
- Apply a fungicide labeled for use on the specific disease. Be sure to follow all instructions on the label, including the application rate, timing, and safety precautions.
In addition to fungal diseases, this plant may also be susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for these diseases. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Polysphaeria subnudifaux Verdc. subsp. dewevrei Verdc. can be affected by a variety of pests, including:
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
To manage these pests:
- Monitor regularly for signs of infestation, such as sticky honeydew, distorted leaves, or visible insects.
- For light infestations, try removing the insects by hand or spraying them off with a strong jet of water.
- For heavier infestations, apply an insecticide labeled for use on the specific pest. Be sure to follow all instructions on the label, including the application rate, timing, and safety precautions.
