Origin
Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson, commonly known as the Western Nigerian Rinorea, is a shrub or small tree species in the Violaceae family that is native to tropical Africa.
Common Names
Other common names for Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson include: West African Bristlebush, False Lily of the Valley, and Bakatari.
Uses
Various parts of Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson have been used for medicinal purposes in West Africa. The root extract has been used to treat coughs, sore throats, and asthma. The bark is used to treat fever, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
General Appearance
Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson typically grows up to 5 meters in height and has a trunk diameter of up to 15 cm. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are alternate and simple, with a lance-shaped blade that is up to 12 cm long. The flowers are small and white, and are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small capsule that splits open when ripe to release the seeds.
Light Requirements
Rinorea convallarioides subsp. occidentalis requires moderate to high light levels for healthy growth. It can tolerate partial shade but thrives best in areas with plenty of sunlight. Low light levels can cause leggy growth and may also cause the plant to have a reduced flowering period.
Temperature Requirements
The Rinorea convallarioides subsp. occidentalis plant is a tropical species, so it requires warm temperatures for healthy growth. Temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) are ideal, and the plant will not survive in temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The Rinorea convallarioides subsp. occidentalis plant can grow in a range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it is recommended to add compost or other organic fertilizers for improved growth. It is possible to grow this plant in containers using a soil mixture of peat moss and perlite in a 1:1 ratio.
Cultivation
Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson is a relatively easy plant to grow, and it is suitable for planting in the garden or in containers. It prefers well-draining soil, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic.
The plant should be exposed to a moderate amount of sunlight, and it should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. In areas with harsh winters, the plant should be protected from frost by covering it with frost cloths or moving it indoors.
Watering Needs
Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist but not water-logged. Watering can be reduced during the dormant period in cold weather to prevent root rot.
The plant should be watered with room temperature water to prevent shock and should not be left to stand in water as this can lead to water-logging and rotting of the roots.
Fertilization
Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson does not require a lot of fertilization, though it can benefit from a balanced slow-release fertilizer once per growing season, in early spring. Over-fertilization can lead to foliage burn and damage to the roots, so it should be done with care.
Pruning
Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson does not require a lot of pruning, and it can benefit from minimal trimming to shape it or remove dead or diseased parts. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season.
Propagation of Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson
Rinorea convallarioides (Baker f.) Eyles subsp. occidentalis Grey-Wilson is a plant species that can be propagated either by seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method of propagating Rinorea convallarioides. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and cleaned. Then, the seeds should be sowed in nursery beds or directly on the ground, making sure to provide adequate spacing. The seeds will germinate within 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted when they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method of propagating Rinorea convallarioides. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. It is recommended to take cuttings that are 3-5 inches in length, and with at least 2-3 nodes. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid location until they form roots, usually within 2-3 weeks. After rooting, cuttings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Rinorea convallarioides
Rinorea convallarioides is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, there are a few pests and diseases that can still attack the plant.
Common Diseases of Rinorea convallarioides
One of the most common diseases that can attack Rinorea convallarioides is fungal leaf spot. Fungal leaf spot can cause yellowing of leaves, brown spots, and premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves. Ensure that the plant is well ventilated, and avoid watering the plant from above. Additionally, you can use copper-based fungicides to control the disease.
Another disease that may affect Rinorea convallarioides is powdery mildew. This disease causes white, powdery patches on leaves, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To control powdery mildew, apply fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Ensure that the plant is well-ventilated and receives adequate sunlight.
Common Pests of Rinorea convallarioides
One of the most common pests that can attack Rinorea convallarioides is spider mites. Spider mites cause yellowing and stippling on leaves, webbing, and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based insecticides. Ensure that the plant is well-watered and receives adequate nutrients.
Another pest that may attack Rinorea convallarioides is mealybugs. Mealybugs suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth, leaf drop, and wilting. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also manually remove the pests using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Overall, Rinorea convallarioides is a relatively hardy plant. By maintaining good plant hygiene, proper watering, and providing adequate sunlight and nutrients, you can minimize the risk of pests and diseases affecting the plant. Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can help detect problems early, allowing for prompt intervention and management.
