Origin
Rourea coccinea (Thonn. ex Schumach.) Benth. subsp. boiviniana (Baill.) Jongkind, also known as Boivin's Rourea, is a tropical plant species belonging to the family Connaraceae. It is native to Madagascar, an island country in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa.
Common Names
Boivin's Rourea is also known by several other common names, including Tambourissa rouge in French, and mofangy in Malagasy, the language spoken in Madagascar.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses in Madagascar, where it is traditionally used to treat fever, rheumatism, and malaria. The root is boiled and the decoction is taken orally to treat fever, while the bark and leaves are used to treat rheumatism. The plant also has potential as a natural insecticide.
General Appearance
Boivin's Rourea is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height. It has a dense round crown with spreading or drooping branches and a straight or slightly twisted trunk, measuring up to 60 cm in diameter. The bark is smooth and dark brown in color. The leaves are oblong or lance-shaped, measuring up to 22 cm long and 8 cm wide, with a pointed tip, smooth margins, and a shiny, dark green upper surface. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and arranged in dense clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a small red berry, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter, containing one to three seeds that are dispersed by birds.
Growth Conditions for Rourea coccinea (Thonn. ex Schumach.) Benth. subsp. boiviniana (Baill.) Jongkind
Light Requirement: Rourea coccinea typically requires high levels of light but can also grow successfully in partially shaded areas. A minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Range: Rourea coccinea thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20-35°C. This plant cannot tolerate frost and requires consistent temperatures throughout the growing season.
Soil Type: Rourea coccinea prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 but can also grow in a variety of soil types from sandy loams to heavy clays. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter.
Soil Moisture: Rourea coccinea prefers moderate soil moisture but can tolerate drought conditions for short periods. It is important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal diseases. Soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Nutrient Requirements: Rourea coccinea requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Propagation: Rourea coccinea can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants and placed in a rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil.
Cultivation Methods for Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind
Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind grows well in full sun or partial shade. It requires well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs of Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind
You should water Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind regularly, especially during the growing season. Be sure to water deeply so that the water reaches the roots. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind
Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind responds well to regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning of Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind
Prune Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana Jongkind regularly to promote bushy growth and maintain its shape. You can remove dead or damaged branches anytime. However, avoid pruning during the winter months, as this can cause the plant to lose its flowers and branches.
Propagation of Rourea coccinea (Thonn. ex Schumach.) Benth. subsp. boiviniana (Baill.) Jongkind
Rourea coccinea (Thonn. ex Schumach.) Benth. subsp. boiviniana (Baill.) Jongkind can be propagated by seed or by vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
To propagate Rourea coccinea (Thonn. ex Schumach.) Benth. subsp. boiviniana (Baill.) Jongkind through seeds, it is necessary to collect the mature fruits when they are fully matured and dry. The seeds are obtained by crushing the fruits and then cleaning them. The cleaned seeds should be sown immediately after harvesting. They can also be stored in a cool, dry place and sown later, but the viability of the seeds decreases over time. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and watering should be done regularly to maintain the moisture content of the soil.
Vegetative Propagation
Rourea coccinea (Thonn. ex Schumach.) Benth. subsp. boiviniana (Baill.) Jongkind can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 7-10 cm in length. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones before planting in the potting medium. The potting medium should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area. After about 3-4 weeks, new shoots will appear, indicating that the cuttings have taken root. The new plants should be watered regularly and gradually acclimatized to full sunlight once they have grown to a sufficient height.
Disease Management
Like any other plant, Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana is susceptible to diseases that could stunt its growth and even kill it. It is essential to practice good cultural habits, such as planting in well-draining soil, maintaining proper nutrient balance, and watering adequately, to prevent diseases from taking hold. Here are some common diseases that could affect Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana:
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterised by a greyish-white coating on leaves, flowers, and stems, which causes them to curl and distort. To manage this disease, remove affected plant parts and spray with a fungicide containing sulfur or neem oil.
- Leaf spot: This disease manifests in brown spots on the leaves that eventually fall off. To manage this disease, prune affected parts, collect and dispose of fallen leaves, and spray with a copper fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease affects the roots, causing them to rot and eventually die, leading to stunted growth or plant death. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Additionally, plant in well-draining soils and avoid planting in low-lying areas that might trap water.
Pest Management
Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana can also fall prey to pests that could damage its leaves, stem, and fruits. Here are some common pests that might affect Rourea coccinea subsp. boiviniana and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of plants and cause them to wilt. To manage this pest, use a stream of water to knock them off the plants or spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny, winged insects that feed on leaves and flowers and can transmit viruses to plants. To manage this pest, remove affected parts and avoid overcrowding the plants. Additionally, spray with a neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Fruit fly: Fruit fly is a common pest that attacks fruits, causing them to rot. To manage this pest, practice good cultural habits such as removing fallen fruits and picking ripe ones. Additionally, use pheromone traps or insecticides that contain spinosad.
