Origin
Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. engleriana (De Wild. & T.Durand) Grey-Wilson is a flowering plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. This species is native to the African continent, specifically in countries like Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names
This plant goes by a variety of common names depending on the region it is cultivated in. Some of the more commonly used names include African Broom Bush, Engler's Rinorea, Narrow-Leaved Rinorea, and Small-Leaved Yellow-Ribbon.
Uses
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana has been widely used in traditional medicine across Africa. The leaves and roots of this plant contain active medicinal compounds that have been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and diuretic properties.
Additionally, Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana is also used by local communities for other purposes such as making bracelets, necklaces, and other decorative items using its wood and bark materials.
General Appearance
The Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana is a small shrub or tree that can grow up to a height of 8 meters. The plant is characterized by narrow leaves that are glossy on the upper surface and dull on the lower surface. The leaves grow up to 4 cm long and are dark green in color.
During the blooming season, the plant produces small yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruits of the plant are small and contain one to three seeds each. The plant has a straight stem and a dense crown that makes it ideal for providing shade in gardens and parks.
In summary, Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana is a valuable plant species with numerous medicinal and decorative uses. It boasts an attractive appearance and is an ideal addition to any garden or park.
Light Requirements
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana prefers bright, indirect sunlight. In its natural habitat, the plant is typically found growing in the understory of forests or along forest edges, where it receives dappled sunlight throughout the day. The plant can also tolerate some shade, but it may not flower or grow as vigorously if the light levels are too low for an extended period.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, so it prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It can, however, tolerate cooler temperatures down to 10°C but will stop growing if temperatures are too low for an extended period. The plant is not frost-tolerant, so if you live in a colder climate, you will need to grow it indoors in a warm area.
Soil Requirements
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and sandy clay. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may develop yellowing leaves, indicating that it is not receiving the necessary nutrients from the soil. Adding compost to the soil can help improve its nutrient content and water-holding capacity, which can be beneficial for the growth of this plant.
Cultivation of Rinorea angustifolia
Rinorea angustifolia is a tropical plant that grows well in warm climates. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant needs to be placed in a location that receives partial to full shade.
Watering Needs of Rinorea angustifolia
Rinorea angustifolia requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too hot.
Fertilization of Rinorea angustifolia
The plant needs to be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that contains all essential nutrients would be ideal for this purpose.
Pruning of Rinorea angustifolia
The plant requires regular pruning to keep it in shape and to prevent it from becoming too woody. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the new growth begins.
Propagation of Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana can be propagated through various methods such as seeds and vegetative parts.
Seeds
The easiest and most widely used method to propagate Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana is through seeds. The seeds of the plant should be collected from the parent plant when ripe and sown immediately. The ideal season to sow the seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and conducive for germination. The seeds can be sown in seed trays containing a well-draining potting mix or directly into the ground. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until germination occurs, which can take between 4 to 8 weeks.
Vegetative parts
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana can also be propagated through vegetative parts such as cuttings and division. These methods require more effort and care as compared to seed propagation.
Cuttings: The cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant during the growing season. The stem cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist until roots start to form, which can take between 3 to 4 weeks.
Division: Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the plant into two or more sections and planting them separately. The parent plant should be carefully uprooted and the root ball should be divided into sections with a sharp, clean knife. Each section should have at least one stem and a good root system. The sections should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they establish roots and start to grow, which can take between 2 to 3 weeks.
Disease Management
Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana is generally a healthy plant but can be susceptible to certain diseases. Below are common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are a common problem for many plants, including Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana. Some common fungal diseases that might affect the plant include powdery mildew, anthracnose, and root rot. To prevent fungal diseases, avoid watering the plant from above and make sure it has good air circulation. Remove any infected leaves or branches immediately. Fungicides may also be used to treat fungal diseases, but be sure to follow instructions carefully.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases can also affect Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana. Some common bacterial diseases include leaf spots and blight. To prevent these diseases from spreading, remove and destroy any infected plant material. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and make sure the plant has good air circulation.
Pest Management
Below are common pests that might affect Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause damage to plants. They are commonly found on the undersides of leaves. To manage an aphid infestation, remove any affected leaves, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays to kill the insects. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also help control aphid populations.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can also be a problem for Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana. The most common caterpillars that might affect the plant are leaf rollers and loopers. These pests can be controlled by picking them off by hand or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays.
Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs can cause damage to the leaves of Rinorea angustifolia subsp. engleriana. To manage these pests, it's important to keep the area around the plant free of debris that could provide shelter. Additionally, you can use bait stations or barriers made of copper tape to deter snails and slugs.
