Overview:
Psychotria mangenotii, commonly known as Aké Assi, is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is a small perennial shrub native to Côte d'Ivoire, a country located in West Africa. This plant has gained popularity over the years due to its medicinal properties.
Appearance:
Aké Assi typically grows to a height of 50 to 100 cm and spreads up to 50 cm. It has leathery, dark green leaves that are broadly elliptical. The plant's flowers are small, with a diameter of about 5 mm, and are pinkish-red in color. Its fruit is a small globular, fleshy, and red drupe.
Common Names:
Psychotria mangenotii is known by several common names, including Aké Assi, Akéassié, Abetadi, Voa Loko, and Zan Kpohi.
Uses:
This plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach aches, diarrhea, and headaches. Its leaves and roots have been used to prepare decoctions, infusions, and poultices that are taken internally or applied externally to the affected area. The plant also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in treating infections.
Besides its medicinal properties, the plant is also used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is commonly grown as a decorative shrub in gardens, parks, and public spaces.
Light
P. mangenotii typically grows in the understory of tropical forests, indicating they prefer lower levels of direct sunlight. They can, however, tolerate some periods of direct sunlight as long as they are not too prolonged.
Temperature
Being native to tropical forests, P. mangenotii grows best in warm temperatures between 20 and 30°C. They can tolerate some fluctuation in temperature as long as it does not fall below 15°C or rise above 40°C.
Soil
The plant thrives in well-draining soil that holds a significant amount of moisture. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. The ideal soil type is loamy, containing a mixture of sand, silt, and clay.
Cultivation Methods for Psychotria mangenotii
Psychotria mangenotii is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The plant can be propagated through seed germination or stem cuttings.
When propagating through seed germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in a seed-raising mix. It is important to keep the soil moist and warm, with temperatures around 25°C during the germination stage. Once the seedlings have reached a height of about 5cm, they can be transplanted into larger pots or the garden.
When propagating through stem cuttings, it is important to ensure that the cutting has at least two leaf nodes. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a potting mix of well-draining soil and perlite. The soil should be kept moist until the cutting has taken root and has begun to establish.
Watering Needs
Psychotria mangenotii requires consistent moisture in its soil but should not be overwatered. It is best to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During periods of hot weather, the plant may require additional watering as it prefers humid conditions. However, it is important not to let the soil become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Psychotria mangenotii benefits from regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. During the growing season, the plant can be fertilized once a month. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Psychotria mangenotii benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Pruning can be carried out at any time of the year, but it is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. It is important to use sharp, clean pruning shears and to cut just above a leaf node. The removed branches can be used for stem cuttings to propagate more plants.
Propagation of Psychotria mangenotii
Psychotria mangenotii can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of P. mangenotii are small and should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The seeds germinate best in warm, humid conditions and should be kept moist. The seedlings should be kept in a shaded area until they are mature enough to be moved to more sunlit areas.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings of P. mangenotii should be taken from the current season's growth, preferably in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 leaves. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss, and kept in a warm, humid environment. It is important to keep the cuttings moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to rotting. After several weeks, roots should begin to grow, and the new plant can be transplanted to a larger container or into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Psychotria mangenotii (Aké Assi) Verdc.
Psychotria mangenotii (Aké Assi) Verdc. is quite resistant to diseases and pests. However, in some cases, it might fall prey to certain maladies. Here are a few common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some suggested ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is caused by fungi that affect the leaves of the plant. It is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Use a copper-based fungicide on the remaining foliage to prevent further spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects the plant. It causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, prune the plant to improve air circulation, as powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, introduce ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps into the garden to prey on the aphids.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths, and they can munch their way through the leaves of the plant, leaving it defoliated. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant and either relocate or destroy them. Alternatively, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacterium that produces toxins fatal to caterpillars.
