General Information: Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell.
Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is a plant species belonging to the family Violaceae. It is a hybrid between Rinorea angustifolia subsp. Albersii and R. ferruginea. This plant grows predominantly in Madagascar and other areas in the Indian Ocean. It is known by various names including R. angustifolia, tamba, and tambalavou.
Appearance:
Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is a small tree, growing up to 10-12 meters tall. It has a straight trunk, with a diameter of up to 40 cm. The bark is smooth and light grey. The leaves are elliptical and pointed, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a pale underside. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped. They grow in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a small, oblong capsule containing tiny seeds.
Uses:
In traditional medicine, different parts of Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. are used to treat various ailments such as headaches, diarrhea, and skin infections. In addition to its medicinal uses, this plant is also used for its timber, which is hard and durable. It is used for furniture, carvings, and building.
Birds and insects are attracted to the flowers of this plant, making it an essential part of the ecosystem. Additionally, Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is grown as an ornamental plant in some regions.
Light Requirements
The Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. plant grows well in partial shade conditions. They can also survive in full sunlight as long as they receive adequate moisture.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. plant for optimal growth is between 25°C – 30°C. They can grow in temperatures as low as 18°C, but their growth rate may reduce significantly.
Soil Requirements
The Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. plant prefers well-draining soils with high amounts of organic matter. They can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy or clay soils. They prefer soils with a pH range between 5.5-6.5. They can also tolerate mildly acidic to neutral soils.
Cultivation Methods
Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. prefers a partially shaded environment with a temperature range of 18 °C to 24 °C. It can be grown in a range of soil types, but it thrives in well-draining soils. It is best propagated through seeds, and it responds well to pruning.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to remain hydrated, but it does not tolerate waterlogging well. It is best to water the plant when the soil begins to dry out, which helps prevent root rot and other water-related issues. During the winter period, reduce watering levels to allow the plant to experience a drier period.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized regularly during the growing season, from spring to summer. A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is recommended. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application levels, as excess fertilizer can lead to poor growth and development. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter period.
Pruning
Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. albersii (Engl.) Grey-Wilson x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. responds well to pruning, which can be used to shape the plant and stimulate new growth. Prune the plant during the dormant period, paying attention not to exceed more than a third of the plant's total size. Remove any damaged or diseased branches as necessary, and cut the remaining ones at an angle to promote new growth.
Propagation of Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
The easiest method of propagating Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea is through seed propagation. You can collect the ripe seeds and sow them in a prepared seedbed or directly into pots or containers. The soil should be well-draining, moist, and fertile. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and the seedlings should germinate within a few weeks.
Cuttings propagation
You can also propagate Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea through stem cuttings. Take the cuttings during the spring or summer months and make sure they are at least 10cm long. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormones and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and maintain high humidity around the cuttings. The cuttings should develop roots within a few weeks and can be transplanted into pots or containers.
Division propagation
If you have an established Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea plant, you can propagate it through division. Dig up the plant carefully and divide it into sections, making sure that each section has its own roots. Plant each division into its own pot or container and keep the soil moist until the new plants become established.
Propagation of Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea is a rewarding process that can provide you with many new plants to enjoy. With the proper care and attention, your new plants should grow and thrive beautifully!
Disease Management
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea is susceptible to various diseases that affect its leaves, stems, and roots. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This disease can be caused by various fungal species, resulting in small, dark spots on the leaves. The affected leaves can wilt and eventually fall off, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage this disease, remove and burn infected leaves and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various soil-borne fungi, leading to the decay of the root system. The plant may show stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering the plant, provide good drainage, and use disease-free potting soil. If the disease has infected the plant, remove the affected parts and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus that produces white, powdery patches on the leaves and stems. The infected parts may wither and die, leading to reduced yield. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid watering late in the day, provide good air circulation, and remove infected leaves. Apply a fungicide as directed.
Pest Management
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. albersii x R. ferruginea is also susceptible to various pests that can cause serious damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To control aphids, use a strong jet of water to spray them off the plant or apply insecticidal soap as directed.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause small yellow spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown and fall off. To control spider mites, use a strong jet of water to spray the plant daily, remove infected leaves, and apply insecticidal soap as directed.
- Caterpillars: These pests can eat through the leaves, causing serious damage to the plant. To control caterpillars, remove them by hand or apply a biological insecticide as directed.
