Origin
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson, commonly known as the African boxwood, is a species of flowering tree belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to several countries in Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, and Congo.
Common Names
African boxwood is commonly known by several other names, depending on the country or region. In Cameroon, it is called "kana." In Angola, it is known as "mutamba" or "mutambo." In Gabon, it is called "zensang." In Congo, it is known as "mpundu."
Uses
The African boxwood tree has several uses across Africa. The bark, leaves, and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The wood is also used for making furniture, carvings, and decorative items.
Appearance
The African boxwood tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk and a dense, rounded crown of foliage. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong-elliptical in shape. The flowers are small and white, and they are produced in dense clusters. The fruit is a small, fleshy, round berry that turns from green to dark purple when mature.
Light Requirements
Psydrax subcordata var. connata prefers bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy and weak growth. It is important to place the plant near a window or in a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C, and can tolerate minimum temperatures of 15°C. Be sure to keep it away from cold drafts and frosty windows during winter months.
Soil Requirements
Psydrax subcordata var. connata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is an excellent choice. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0 to 6.5. Regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season will ensure healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson is a tropical plant that is native to West and Central Africa. It can be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as a potted plant. The best way to cultivate this plant is to grow it in well-draining soil that is still able to retain moisture.
The plant requires partial shade and protection from the direct sun, which may cause leaf scorch and discoloration. The ideal temperature for growth is between 21°C and 27°C, and the plant should be shielded from any frost or cold drafts.
Watering Needs
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson requires frequent watering, especially during the hot summer months. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Check the soil before watering with a moisture meter or by sticking your finger a few inches below the surface.
The level of watering will depend on the climate and the soil's degree of saturation, generally, the plant requires watering at least two to three times a week to prevent dehydration.
Fertilization
This plant, like many tropical plants, requires periodic fertilization. During the growing season, feed Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson every two weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. This kind of fertilizer contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This can help ensure appropriate plant growth and development, mainly if the plants are kept in pots or containers.
Pruning
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson requires pruning to maintain its shape and size. When you spot branches or leaves becoming leggy, snap them off. You can use scissors or pruning shears to cut off any dead or broken branches. Pruning also encourages dense foliage growth if you want a fuller shrub.
Faded flowers can be cut off to promote new blooms. Minimal pruning is required for healthy Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson development. Over pruning or heavy-handed trimming can cause a shock to the plant and inhibit future growth.
Propagation Methods of Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson can be propagated using various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately in a mixture of sandy loam and organic compost. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 15 to 30 days.
Cuttings Propagation
P. subcordata var. connata can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings, taken from the current year's growth, are preferred for propagation. The cuttings should be 5-7 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium consisting of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be watered regularly until roots have developed.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is also a suitable propagation method for P. subcordata var. connata. This method involves making a cut in a stem, wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss, and sealing it with plastic. Roots should form at the point of the cut, and the newly formed plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into soil.
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson is a relatively easy plant to propagate using any of the above methods.
Disease Management
Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: Caused by fungal pathogens, leaf spot can cause small or large lesions on the foliage, leading to defoliation in severe cases. To manage this disease, one could remove and dispose of the infected parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as needed.
- Anthracnose: Another fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems, causing brown to black necrotic lesions. One could manage anthracnose by pruning infected branches, applying fungicides, and avoiding wetting the foliage while watering.
- Bacterial wilt: This disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. The bacterium can survive in the soil for long periods, making it challenging to manage. One could try using resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and avoiding excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers.
Pest Management
Besides diseases, pests can also cause damage to Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson var. connata (De Wild. & T.Durand) Bridson. Some common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can distort and stunt the growth of the plant. One could physically remove the pests, spray them off with water, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew on the foliage, making irregular holes and causing defoliation. One could use bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad-based insecticides, handpick the caterpillars, or use physical barriers such as netting.
- Mealybugs: These insects can infest the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. One could remove and dispose of the infected parts, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
