Origin
Rourea striata De Wild. is a plant species that belongs to the Connaraceae family. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant Rourea striata De Wild. is commonly known as the Congo rope, African rope, and African braid. In different regions of Africa, this plant has different names, such as "Kikundu" in Ugandan, "Kibange" in Congo, and "Okyomukama" in Rwandan.
Uses
Rourea striata De Wild. has several medicinal properties and uses. The plant's roots and stems are commonly used for oral health care, including toothache and gum problems. The roots and stems are also used for treating dysentery, and the leaves are used as a poultice to relieve the pain of boils and abscesses. The bark of the plant is also used as a remedy for fever and diarrhea.
General Appearance
Rourea striata De Wild. is a woody plant that grows up to 30 meters high. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately. Its flowers are small in size, and the fruit is a red or black berry. The stem of the plant has a fibrous and stringy texture, which makes it useful for making rope. The stem bark also has an attractive pattern, making it useful for creating decorative objects.
Light Requirements
Rourea striata De Wild. prefers full to partial sun exposure, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily but can tolerate partial shade. Lack of sunlight may result in weaker stem growth, fewer flowers, and decreased vigour.
Temperature Requirements
Rourea striata De Wild. is tolerant to a wide range of temperatures. Its optimal growth temperature range is between 20°C to 35°C. During the winter, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 4°C but may not survive frost. During the summer, plants require adequate waterings as high temperatures and drought may cause wilting and defoliation.
Soil Requirements
Rourea striata De Wild. can adapt to a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey soils. The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0, but it can grow in slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to mildly alkaline soils of pH up to 7.5. Organic matter-rich soils improve the overall plant growth and development.
Cultivation
Rourea striata De Wild., commonly known as a tropical shrub or small tree, is best grown in warm, humid climates with plenty of sunlight. It thrives in well-drained soil with good organic content and a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering and has moderate drought tolerance. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to wilting. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the dry season.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done regularly to maintain healthy plant growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio is recommended, and the dosage should be adjusted according to the plant's growth stage and size. Fertilizer application should be done during the rainy season to avoid leaching, and the fertilizer should be applied around the plant's base.
Pruning
Pruning can be done to maintain the plant's desired shape and size. It is recommended to prune the plant after flowering to encourage new growth. Dead or diseased branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease to other parts of the plant. Pruning can also help to increase air circulation and sunlight exposure.
Propagation of Rourea striata De Wild.
Rourea striata De Wild., commonly known as the Sierra Leone Bush Rope, is a shrub that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of the plant are small and black. They should be collected from ripe fruits and sown in a seedbed. The seedbed should be prepared with well-draining soil and organic matter. The seedlings will germinate within three weeks. Once the seedlings are tall enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready to be planted in the garden.
Cuttings Propagation
Rourea striata De Wild. can also be propagated from cuttings. The cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. They should be about six inches long and taken from the plant's softwood. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. The plant should be kept moist until rooting occurs, usually within four weeks. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another method of Rourea striata De Wild. propagation. This method involves bending one of the plant's flexible branches to the ground and then burying it under the soil. The soil should be kept moist until the plant has rooted. Once it has rooted, the branch can be cut away from the parent plant and planted in a permanent position.
Disease Management
Rourea striata De Wild. is a relatively disease-resistant plant but can fall prey to certain diseases under unfavorable conditions. The common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves. It can reduce the plant's photosynthetic rate, leading to stunted growth. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be pruned and destroyed. The use of fungicides like copper-based fungicides can also help prevent further spread.
- Root Rot: This is a soil-borne fungal infection that affects the plant's roots. It causes wilting, yellowing, and ultimately, death. Affected plants should be dug up, and the soil should be treated with fungicides like Trichoderma viride to reduce the level of the pathogen in the soil.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves, causing a powdery white coating on the leaves. It can lead to reduced photosynthesis and ultimately, death. To manage powdery mildew, the affected leaves should be pruned and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide like neem oil.
Pest Management
Rourea striata De Wild. can be attacked by various pests, which can cause damage to different parts of the plant. The common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Thrips: These are tiny insects that cause yellowing and curling of leaves, leading to stunted growth. To manage thrips, the use of predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help reduce their population. Applying insecticidal soap can also be helpful.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing, curling, and ultimately death of the affected plant. To manage aphids, spraying the plant with a strong jet of water can help dislodge them. The use of neem oil and insecticidal soap can also help control their population.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can cause defoliation of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpicking and destroying them can be effective. Applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad-based insecticides can also help control their population.
