Overview
Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. is a species of flowering plant in the family Hypericaceae. It is native to Africa and found mostly in countries like Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. It is a small to medium-sized tree that has been used for medicinal purposes by traditional healers in local communities. Its leaves, bark, and roots have been used to treat various ailments.
Common Names
Psorospermum microphyllum goes by various common names depending on the region. In Cameroon, it is known as Mongolo, Obang, and Elang. In Gabon, it is called Boao., while in Nigeria, it is referred to as Osisi Ewe, Ubar Ukong, and Siregok.
Appearance
Psorospermum microphyllum is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. Its bark is rough, grey-brown, and fissured with raised lenticels. The leaves are simple, alternate, obovate to elliptic, and up to 7.5 cm long. They are shiny, deep green on top, and paler underneath. The tree bears yellow flowers that are terminal and grouped in panicles. The fruit is a capsule that is green and turns brown when ripe. It contains small seeds that are covered with a bright orange aril.
Uses
Psorospermum microphyllum has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine. The bark, leaves, and roots have been used to treat malaria, skin diseases, and wounds. It has also been used as a purgative, to treat fevers and headache, and as an astringent. The orange arils on the seeds have been used to treat eye problems like conjunctivitis. Its bark and roots have also been used to make twine, ropes, and baskets due to their fibrous nature.
Light Requirements
Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. requires moderate to full sunlight to grow properly. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight for prolonged periods and may suffer from leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures, with the ideal range between 20°C to 30°C. The minimum temperature requirement is around 10°C, whereas maximum tolerance is up to 38°C. However, sudden temperature fluctuations may cause stress and affect growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with high organic matter content. It can grow in a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy loam, and clay loam. Soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5 for better growth. The plant requires consistent soil moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogging.
Cultivation
Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. is a tropical evergreen shrub that requires warm temperatures to grow properly. It prefers a warm and moist climate found in regions between the latitudes of 10 and 20 degrees. The plant grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter, well-draining, and slightly acidic. You can propagate the plant through stem cuttings or seedlings. When planting seedlings or cuttings, ensure that the soil is loose and porous to promote good root growth.
Watering Needs
The Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. plant requires a consistent supply of water. Water the plant once every three days during the summer months and once every six days in winter. However, if your region experiences heavy rainfall, you can reduce the frequency of watering. Note that the plant is sensitive to waterlogging as this may lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure good drainage.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and good quality flowers, feed your plant every month with a balanced fertilizer that has equal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this may lead to poor growth and weak branches. It's also essential to apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to promote moisture retention and control weed growth.
Pruning
Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. requires pruning to promote bushiness and increase flowering potential. Prune the plant during the late winter or early spring season before the new growth emerges. Remove the dead and diseased branches, then prune the tips of the new growth to encourage branching. Be careful not to over-prune as this may result in reduced flower production.
Propagation of Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev.
Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. can be propagated by using seeds or stem cuttings. As the plant is a slow grower, it is recommended to propagate it by stem cuttings for faster results.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. can be collected from the ripe fruits of the plant. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and light should be provided to promote germination. It is recommended to use bottom heat for the seeds as it can enhance the germination process and increase the chances of successful propagation. The seeds should be watered frequently, but care should be taken not to overwater them.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagating Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. by stem cuttings is the most common and easiest method. Choose healthy stems with a few leaves attached and make a clean cut below a node. Remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder to promote root growth. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it in a warm and humid place. After some time, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted to a bigger pot or garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev.
Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev., also known as the Gambian coffee tree, is a tropical evergreen plant that can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the common issues that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing and destroying the infected leaves and providing good air circulation around the plant.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as a white powder-like substance on the leaves. It can be controlled by applying fungicides and avoiding overwatering the plant.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage. They can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by applying insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that leave a cotton-like substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by removing them manually and applying insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be removed by manually scrubbing them off with a soft brush and applying insecticidal soap.
Overall, it's important to keep Psorospermum microphyllum A.Chev. healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Regular inspection and treatment can help prevent diseases and pests from causing significant damage to the plant.
