Origin
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is a plant endemic to Africa. It is commonly found in Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique, specifically in the Miombo Woodlands, which are characterized by dry deciduous forest.
Common Names
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is commonly known as the "Welwitsch's rinorea" due to its unique discoverer, Austrian botanist Friedrich Welwitsch. It is also known as "tapaculo" in Angola, which means "cover your butt" in Spanish due to the thorny nature of the plant.
Uses
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii has a variety of traditional uses. In Angola, the plant is used to treat infections and stimulate appetite. The roots of the plant are boiled and the broth is consumed for its medicinal properties. The plant is also used for construction purposes, specifically for making bows due to its fibrous nature. Additionally, the plant is an important source of biomass and charcoal in the region.
General Appearance
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 10 meters tall. The plant has dark green leaves with a crimson underside and produces small, white flowers with yellow stamens. The fruits are fleshy, black berries that contain up to four seeds. The plant is characterized by its thorny stems and branches, which can have up to 10 cm long spines.
Light Requirements:
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii prefers to grow in partial shade or partial sunlight conditions. Direct sunlight exposure should be avoided as it can damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and hence requires warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
Soil Requirements:
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support the growth of the plant.
Cultivation
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions and can grow to a height of up to 6 meters. When grown in the right conditions, this plant can offer a beautiful display of flowers and foliage.
Plant Rinorea welwitschii in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should range from 5.5 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Choose a site that receives partial shade to full sunlight to provide the plant with the necessary light for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii, it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist. Water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season, to prevent wilting.
Do not let the soil become too soggy, as this can lead to root rot and other damages to the plant. Provide adequate drainage to ensure that excess water drains away from the plant's roots.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, it is essential to feed Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilize the plant every six months, preferably during the rainy season.
Use a fertilizer like 15-15-15, which contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply according to package instructions, and ensure that the fertilizer is spread evenly around the plant's base. This will encourage even nutrient absorption and distribution.
Pruning
Pruning Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is essential to maintain its growth and shape. Prune the plant after the flowering season, preferably in the rainy season.
The primary objective of pruning is to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Additionally, you can trim any overgrown branches to help maintain the plant's desired shape and size.
When pruning, use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Also, make sure to sterilize the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is a species of plant that is native to West Africa. It belongs to the family of Violaceae and is commonly known as 'Ntabelanga' in Angola. The plant is difficult to propagate from seeds, but it can be propagated through other methods.
Propagation by Cuttings
One of the methods that can be used to propagate Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is through cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood and should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and should be kept moist. Within a month, the cuttings should start to develop roots and new growth.
Propagation by Division
Another method for propagating Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is through division. This method is best for mature plants that have developed multiple stems. To propagate through division, the plant should be carefully lifted from the soil and the stems should be separated into smaller clumps, with each clump having a few stems and plenty of roots. Planted in well-draining soil, the plant will resume growth as an independent individual after division.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii. This method involves making a small incision in the stem of the plant and placing a rooting hormone-soaked sphagnum moss around the cut area before wrapping the moss in plastic to create a humid environment. Over time, roots will start to grow from the incision, and once they have grown enough, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted elsewhere.
Disease and Pest Management for Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii
Rinorea welwitschii (Oliv.) Kuntze subsp. welwitschii is a resilient plant species that generally does not succumb to pests and diseases easily. However, certain environmental conditions and poor cultural practices may facilitate their onset.
Common Diseases:
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and stem cankers. It spreads rapidly, especially during wet weather. To manage this condition, remove the infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Fungicides can also be used as preventive measures.
2. Root Rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in waterlogged soils. It causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death. To manage this disease, ensure good drainage and use approved fungicides.
Common Pests:
1. Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and curled leaves. To manage this pest, hose the plant with water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites: These pests cause brown speckles on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To control spider mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil.
3. Mealybugs: These pests cause yellowing of leaves and the secretion of a sticky substance. To manage them, wipe off the mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply an insecticidal soap.
4. Whiteflies: Whiteflies cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or sticky traps.
5. Caterpillars: These pests cause chewed leaves and holes in the plant. To manage them, remove by hand or apply an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
It is important to manage these diseases and pests as soon as they are detected to prevent the spread and destruction of the plant.
