Overview
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is a tropical tree species that belongs to the Violaceae family. It has several common names such as African Keys (English), Oduma (Ewe), and Owuo gwa aku (Igbo). The plant is native to West, Central, and East Africa and grows primarily in the tropical rainforests.
Appearance
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is a tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The tree has a pyramidal or conical habit when young, but it becomes cylindrical or umbrella-shaped with age. The bark is grayish-brown, and the leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped. They grow to an average of 5-15cm long and are pointed with a heart-shaped base.
Uses
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. has various uses in Africa. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions such as malaria, dysentery, and fever. The bark and roots are the most commonly used parts of the plant. In some regions, it is also used as a remedy for snakebites.
The tree is also valuable for its wood. It produces a durable, strong wood that is brownish-yellow or light brown in color. The wood is commonly used to make furniture, tool handles, and carvings.
Additionally, Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is used for environmental rehabilitation. The tree has good shade coverage and can improve soil fertility.
Light requirements
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. requires bright light for healthy growth. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it can damage the leaves. Placing the plant near a north-facing window or providing it with bright, indirect light is ideal.
Temperature requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 18-26°C (65-80°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's important to keep it away from cold drafts and frost as it can damage the leaves and slow down growth.
Soil requirements
The Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5-7.0. It's important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. Adding perlite or sand to the soil mixture can improve drainage.
Cultivation of Rinorea Elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. Ferruginea Engl. Ex Hell.
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is a tropical plant and grows best in humid and warm conditions. It thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. They require plenty of sunlight, but not direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves and cause sunburn.
Propagation of Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is through stem cuttings, which should be taken in the early spring or summer months. The cuttings should be around 6-8 inches in length and planted in a pot with well-draining soil mixed with compost.
Watering Needs of Rinorea Elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. Ferruginea Engl. Ex Hell.
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. should be watered regularly but not overwatered, which can cause root rot. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a week.
The plant will indicate when it needs watering by showing droopy leaves. When this happens, give the plant a thorough soaking until the water starts coming out from the bottom of the pot.
Fertilization of Rinorea Elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. Ferruginea Engl. Ex Hell.
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing period (spring and summer) once a month.
Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as the plant does not actively grow during this time. Over-fertilization can also cause leaf burn, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.
Pruning Rinorea Elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. Ferruginea Engl. Ex Hell.
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. requires minimal pruning and should only be done to remove dead or damaged leaves. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to do it during the growing season (spring and summer).
When pruning, use sterilized shears to avoid any transfer of disease or pests. Ensure that you cut off the entire damaged or dead part of the plant, but avoid cutting too much of the healthy foliage.
Propagation of Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell.
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is a beautiful tropical plant that can be propagated through several methods.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds are one of the easiest ways to propagate Rinorea elliptica. You can collect ripe fruits to get the seeds and clean them thoroughly. After cleaning, sow the seeds in moist soil, ensuring that they are not too deep. The seeds usually germinate within four to six weeks if the soil is moist and the temperature is stable.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another effective way to propagate Rinorea elliptica. Collect cuttings about 15cm long from the healthy plant and remove all the leaves except one or two at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder, and then plant it in moist soil. Ensure that the soil is kept moist but not soggy, and place the pot in an area with filtered light. In a few weeks, the cuttings will produce roots, and you can transplant them to a bigger pot.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is another way of propagating Rinorea elliptica, but it requires a bit of skill and expertise. You can graft the plant on to a rootstock of a closely related species. Choose a healthy rootstock, and then collect the scion from the healthy plant during the dormant season. Ensure that both the scion and the rootstock are of similar diameter, and then make a slanted cut on both of them. Connect the two pieces and use grafting tape to secure the joint. The grafted plant should be kept in a sheltered area with filtered light until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell.
Rinorea elliptica (Oliv.) Kuntze x R. ferruginea Engl. ex Hell. is a tropical plant that can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests. Effective management of these diseases and pests is important to ensure optimal plant growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Rinorea elliptica x R. ferruginea is leaf spot disease, caused by the fungus Cercospora rinoreae. Symptoms of this disease include small, circular spots on the leaves that can expand and merge to form larger lesions. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the fungus. Additionally, applying a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions can help to control the spread of the disease.
Another common disease of Rinorea elliptica x R. ferruginea is root rot, which is caused by soil-borne fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing of the foliage, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged soil. Additionally, using sterilized soil and planting disease-resistant cultivars can help to prevent the disease from occurring.
Pests
Whiteflies are common pests that affect Rinorea elliptica x R. ferruginea. These small, flying insects suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to control the population of whiteflies.
Mealybugs are another pest that can affect Rinorea elliptica x R. ferruginea. These small, cottony insects also suck the sap from the plant's leaves and excrete a sticky substance that can attract ants and lead to the growth of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can also physically remove the insects using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Regular monitoring for signs of disease or pests and taking appropriate action can help to manage these issues on Rinorea elliptica x R. ferruginea. Implementing strategies such as good sanitation practices and using disease-resistant cultivars can also help to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
