Origin
Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson is a plant species that belongs to the Rutidea genus. It is native to tropical West Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Makokou Rutidea or Gabon Rutidea.
Appearance
The plant is a small evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a woody stem and small, shiny, deep green leaves that measure about 2-4cm in length. The flowers are yellow and small, and they grow in clusters from the axils of the leaves. The fruits are small and oval-shaped, measuring about 0.5cm in length.
Uses
Traditionally, the Makokou Rutidea has been used by communities in West Africa for medicinal purposes. Its leaves have been used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The plant has also been used in the treatment of skin diseases and wounds. It is also commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Growth Conditions for Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson
Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson is a tropical plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. The following elements are crucial for its proper growth:
Light Requirements
This plant requires ample sunlight to grow. It needs to be placed in an area that receives partial to full sunlight, ideally at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. Without enough sunlight, the plant's growth will be stunted, and it may not produce flowers or fruit.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius or above 35 degrees Celsius can damage or even kill the plant. In colder regions, it is better to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse to maintain the ideal temperature.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.5 to 7.5. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. Adding organic mulch to the soil can help retain moisture while also providing slow-release nutrients to the plant.
Water Requirements
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, as this can cause root rot. Waterlogging should be avoided as it can lead to water-borne diseases that can damage or kill the plant.
Fertilizer
Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson requires adequate levels of essential nutrients for its growth and development. It is recommended to fertilize the plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Overfertilizing should be avoided as it can lead to salt build-up in the soil and can damage the roots of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson grows well in well-draining soil with ample organic matter. For optimal growth, it’s recommended to plant the species in partial shade with access to some hours of direct sunlight every day.
The plant can be propagated through the stem cuttings, seeds or saplings. However, stem cuttings and saplings are more preferred as they take lesser time to grow compared to seeds.
Watering Needs
Regular watering done evenly throughout the year is essential to keep the plant robust and healthy. However, the species can adapt to periods of drought and excess rainfall temporarily
During hotter seasons and dry periods, it’s crucial to water the plant consistently and more frequently. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal infections. On the other hand, during rainy periods, it's important to decrease the number of watering sessions.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is crucial to the growth of Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson. Fertilization should be done at least thrice a year - early spring, mid-summer and early fall- to provide the necessary nutrients.
Organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are highly recommended, and the fertilization should be done a few inches away from the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote the plant's growth, health and well-being. Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson should be pruned regularly to make sure it grows well and remains in shape.
Dead or diseased branches should be removed ASAP to prevent spread of the infection to other parts of the plant. At the same time, any branch growing abnormally or crossing over other branches, should also be removed to ensure enough air circulation and sunlight reaches all parts of the plant.
Propagation of Rutidea Gracilis Bridson subsp. Makokouensis Bridson
Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson is a rare and exotic plant native to Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. This plant is typically propagated through vegetative means.
Vegetative Propagation
The most common means of propagating Rutidea gracilis Bridson subsp. makokouensis Bridson is through vegetative means such as stem cuttings. These cuttings should be done during the growing season, typically in the spring, when the plant is actively growing.
When taking stem cuttings, it is important to use sharp, sterile pruning shears to prevent any potential disease or damage to the plant. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be around 2-3 inches in length.
Once cuttings are taken, they should be immediately planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept consistently moist until new growth emerges. It is important to keep the cuttings out of direct sunlight until new growth emerges to prevent the plant from becoming too dry and potentially dying.
Once new growth has emerged, the cuttings can be slowly acclimated to more sun and can even be transplanted into individual pots or into a larger growing area.
Disease Management
Rutidea gracilis subsp. makokouensis is susceptible to a number of diseases. The most common diseases include:
- Leaf spots and blight: These are caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora and Alternaria. Management involves maintaining healthy growing conditions, removing infected plant debris, and using fungicides as necessary.
- Powdery mildew: This is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Management involves improving air circulation, reducing humidity, and using fungicides as necessary.
- Root rots: These are caused by soilborne pathogens such as Phytophthora and Pythium. Management involves ensuring good soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides as necessary.
Pest Management
Rutidea gracilis subsp. makokouensis can also be attacked by a variety of pests. The most common pests to attack this plant include:
- Thrips: These are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves and flowers, causing distortion and discoloration. Management involves removing infested plant material, using insecticidal soap or oil, and introducing biological control agents such as predatory mites.
- Mites: These are very small insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling and discoloration. Management involves removing infested plant material, using insecticidal soap or oil, and introducing biological control agents such as predatory mites.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from leaves and stems. Management involves removing infested plant material, using insecticidal soap or oil, and introducing biological control agents such as ladybugs or lacewings.
