Psychotria Schnellii (aké Assi) Verdc.

Overview

Psychotria schnellii, commonly known as Aké Assi, is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is a tropical plant found mainly in West Africa.

Appearance

Aké Assi is a shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a pointed oval shape. The plant produces clusters of small white flowers that bloom in summer, giving way to red or black berries in the fall.

Uses

Aké Assi has a long history of use in traditional medicine across West Africa. The plant has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac and to alleviate anxiety.

The leaves and stem of the plant contain several alkaloids, including tryptamine and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Some studies suggest that these compounds may play a role in its medicinal properties.

Additionally, Aké Assi's berries are edible and have been used as a food source in some communities. The plant's wood is also used to make tools, carvings and other objects.

Growth Conditions for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc.

Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. is a tropical plant that is native to West Africa. This plant requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Below are some of the growth conditions that are necessary for this plant to flourish.

Light

Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. requires partial shade to full sunlight to grow properly. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, so it should be grown in an area where it will receive some shade during the day. If the plant doesn't receive enough sunlight, it may develop weaker stems and smaller leaves.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. is between 60°F and 80°F. This plant cannot thrive in temperatures that are below 50°F. It is important to keep the plant warm, but also make sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

Soil

The soil for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic, with a range between 5.5 and 6.5. Adding organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to the soil will improve its quality and provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow.

Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. needs to be watered regularly, but make sure that the soil is not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to provide necessary nutrients.

By following these growth conditions, Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. can grow and flourish into a healthy and beautiful tropical plant.

Cultivation methods for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc.

The Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. is a species of plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It requires a well-drained and loamy soil mixture. A good mix is a combination of peat, sand, and vermiculite. The ratio can be 1:1:1. It prefers an acidic soil with pH ranging from 5.5 - 6.5.

It is recommended to plant the seedlings in a potting mixture that includes peat as one of the components. The seedlings should be transferred to bigger pots as they grow. It is essential to ensure that the roots do not become cramped in smaller pots. The pots should have sufficient drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

Watering needs for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc.

Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. requires moderately moist soil but not wet soil. Watering should be done when the top inch of the soil is dry. Water should be applied until it drains out of drainage holes. Over-watering leads to root rot, while under-watering causes the leaves to droop and wilt.

The frequency of watering depends on the environmental conditions and the pot's size. During winter, the watering frequency should be reduced since the plant grows slowly. During summer, the watering frequency should be increased due to high evaporation rates.

Fertilization for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc.

Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. requires fertilization to thrive. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, which is from spring to summer. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.

The fertilizer should have a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio of 10:10:10. During the winter season, fertilizer application should be discontinued since the plant is dormant.

Pruning for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc.

The Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc. requires pruning to maintain its shape, improve air circulation, and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is winter.

It is recommended to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid the transfer of diseases from one plant to another. Pruning should not exceed one-third of the plant's total height to avoid over-pruning, which can damage it.

Propagation of Psychotria schnellii

Psychotria schnellii, commonly known as Aké Assi, can be propagated using both vegetative and seed methods. The following are the propagation methods:

Vegetative Propagation

The vegetative propagation method involves using stem cuttings from the parent plant to create new plants. The steps involved in this method are as follows:

1. Choose a healthy plant with strong stems and leaves.
2. Cut a stem approximately 10 to 15 cm long from the parent plant.
3. Remove the lower leaves from the stem.
4. Apply a rooting hormone on the cut end of the stem to encourage root growth.
5. Plant the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm and humid environment.
6. Water the cutting regularly and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
7. Once the cutting develops roots, it can be transplanted into a bigger pot or outside in a suitable location.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is another method used to propagate Psychotria schnellii. The steps involved in this method are:

1. Collect the seeds from the parent plant.
2. Clean the seeds and soak them in room temperature water for approximately 24 hours.
3. Plant the seeds in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds about 1 centimeter below the soil surface.
4. Lightly water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain moisture.
5. Place the pot in a warm and bright location but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
6. Germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks.
7. Once the seedlings reach around 10 centimeters in height, they can be moved into individual pots or outside in a suitable location.

Disease and Pest Management for Psychotria schnellii (Aké Assi) Verdc.

Psychotria schnellii, commonly known as Aké Assi, is a shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is an evergreen plant that is native to tropical Africa, and it grows up to 1-2 meters high. Like other plants, Aké Assi is susceptible to several pests and diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them.

Common diseases

Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs due to overwatering or poor drainage. It affects the roots, causing them to turn brown and mushy. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and the soil is well-draining. If the plant already has root rot, remove the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.

Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms white or grey powdery patches on the leaves. It occurs in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and increase air circulation around the plant. If the infection persists, apply a fungicide.

Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes black or brown spots on the leaves. It occurs in areas with high humidity or dampness. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Applying a fungicide can also help control the disease.

Common pests

Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. They also produce webs on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and mild soap or insecticidal soap. Repeat the process several times until the infestation is under control.

Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and wilt. To manage scale insects, prune the affected leaves and stems and use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to wipe off the scales. You can also use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.

Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They also produce a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.

Managing diseases and pests is important for the proper growth and development of Psychotria schnellii. Regular inspection of the plant and early detection of any disease or pest infestation can help prevent significant damage to the plant.