Overview
Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica (Bremek.) Verdc. is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly known as Tarambasca and is endemic to Tanzania and Zambia.
Description
The plant has a woody habit and can grow up to 5 meters in height. The leaves are elliptical in shape and have pointed tips. They can grow up to 22 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide. The flowers are small and grow in clusters of up to 12. They are tubular in shape and have a white to pale green color. The fruit is a berry that is red when ripe.
Uses
Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica has medicinal properties and is used by traditional healers in Tanzania and Zambia to treat a variety of ailments. The plant contains alkaloids that have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat stomach pains, headaches, and joint pains. In addition, it has been used as a substitute for coffee in some areas.
The plant is also used in spiritual practices by some indigenous communities. The leaves are smoked or infused in water and used to induce visions during rituals.
Cultivation
Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C. It can be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or parks.
Growth Conditions for Psychotria Kirkii Hiern var. Tarambassica
Light: This species prefers bright to partial sunlight. The plant needs around 4 - 5 hours of indirect light per day. However, too much direct sunlight can harm the leaves causing them to turn yellow or brown.
Temperature: The ideal temperature for Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica ranges from 18°C to 26°C throughout the year. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can be harmful to the plant.
Soil: This species grows best in well-draining soil such as sandy loams, with a pH ranging from 4.5 - 5.5. The soil should have good water retention and high organic matter. The plant is sensitive to changes in pH and soil moisture content, which can lead to wilting or root rot.
Watering: This plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done once a week, and the frequency can be adjusted based on the weather and growth cycle of the plant.
Fertilization: Fertilizer should be applied only during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer or one that’s high in potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month, starting from the onset of the growing season and stopping at the end of it.
Humidity: Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica requires moderate humidity levels, and should not be exposed to extremely dry conditions. A regular misting can help increase humidity levels around the plant.
Propagation: Propagation through stem cuttings is the most effective method of cultivation for this plant. The cuttings can be taken from the softwood of the plant, dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Ensure that the cutting has enough light and moisture, but not too much direct sunlight.
Pruning: Regular maintenance pruning can be done to keep the plant healthy, promote new growth and avoid overcrowding. Pruning is best done in the spring before the rainy season, after which fertilization can be started.
Understanding these growth conditions for Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica can help in its successful growth and maintenance.
Cultivation of Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica (Bremek.) Verdc.
Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica (Bremek.) Verdc. is a plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. For indoor cultivation, a bright location with some direct sunlight is necessary, whereas outdoor cultivation requires a partially shaded area.
Watering Needs
This plant requires regular watering. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
To ensure the healthy growth of the plant, it is important to provide it with regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks from spring to fall. Reduce the frequency during the winter months.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of the plant. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and trim back any overgrown branches.
Propagation of Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. Tarambassica (Bremek.) Verdc.
Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. Tarambassica (Bremek.) Verdc. can be propagated through several methods, including seed sowing, stem cuttings, layering, and grafting. Each method has specific requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure successful propagation.
Seed sowing
To propagate Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. Tarambassica (Bremek.) Verdc. through seed sowing, ripe and healthy fruits should be collected from the plant. The seeds should be extracted, cleaned, and dried in the shade. Once dry, they should be planted in a well-draining soil mix with good water retention and placed in a warm, humid environment to encourage germination.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy and mature stems of the plant. The cuttings should be about 6-8 cm long and free from any disease or damage. The leaves should be trimmed from the bottom and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The cutting can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm, humid environment until roots appear.
Layering
Layering involves bending a healthy and mature stem of the plant to the ground and making a small wound on the underside of the stem. The wounded area should be covered with soil, leaving the tip of the stem above ground. The soil should be kept moist until roots appear. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and replanted in a pot or directly in the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is a method where a section of the plant (scion) is joined with another plant (rootstock) to create a new plant with desirable characteristics. To propagate Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. Tarambassica (Bremek.) Verdc. through grafting, a stem cutting should be taken from a mature plant and grafted onto the rootstock of another plant in the same family.
Disease Management
Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases include:
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew can affect the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. It appears as a powdery white coating on the affected parts. To manage this disease, you can use a fungicide treatment.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose often affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It appears as small dark spots or lesions that may enlarge and cause the plant tissue to die. You can use fungicide treatments to manage this disease.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Management strategies include improving drainage, reducing watering frequency, and using fungicide treatments.
Regular monitoring of the plant's health is crucial in identifying and managing diseases early. Remove and dispose of any infected plant material to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Psychotria kirkii Hiern var. tarambassica can also be affected by pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common pests include:
- Aphids: Aphids feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to curl and distort. You can manage these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects suck the plant's sap, causing it to weaken and become stunted. Management strategies include using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol to remove the pests.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs also feed on plant sap, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage these pests.
Regular inspection of the plant's foliage and the use of beneficial insects such as ladybugs can also help manage pest infestations. Avoid over-fertilization, which can attract pest insects to the plant.
