Origin:
Sabicea angolensis Wernham, commonly known as Angola marble-berry, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Angola, a country located in southwestern Africa.
Common Names:
Aside from Angola marble-berry, Sabicea angolensis Wernham has other common names, including Angola wild coffee and mnandira.
Uses:
The fruits of Sabicea angolensis Wernham are edible and are known to have a sweet taste. In Angola, the fruits are used to prepare a traditional dish called matete, which is a porridge-like mixture. The leaves are also used to make a tea infusion, which is believed to have medicinal properties that help alleviate fever. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used as a hedge in gardens due to its charming appearance.
General Appearance:
Sabicea angolensis Wernham is a shrub that typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 meters. Its leaves are dark green, and they grow in an opposite arrangement along the stem. The plant's stem is green and slightly woody. Its flowers are small and white and occur in clusters. The fruit is a small, round, and red berry that contains a single seed. The seeds of the plant have a striking marble-like appearance, which is how the plant got its common name, Angola marble-berry.
Light Requirements
Sabicea angolensis Wernham requires full sun for optimal growth. It is important to place the plant in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, it may not bloom or grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-29°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C) but will not grow well in temperatures lower than that. When the temperature drops below freezing, Sabicea angolensis Wernham will die back to the ground, but it typically resprouts in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Sabicea angolensis Wernham prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range between 5.8 and 6.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and can rot if its roots sit in water for too long. To improve the quality of the soil, add compost or other organic material to the planting area before planting.
Cultivation
Sabicea angolensis Wernham grows best in well-drained soil and in full sun or partial shade. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. The plant thrives in warm temperatures, but can withstand mild to moderate frost.
Watering Needs
The plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid overwatering, as the roots can easily rot in waterlogged soil. The frequency of watering can be reduced during the dormant season, but the plant still needs some moisture.
Fertilization
Sabicea angolensis Wernham benefits from regular fertilization to support optimal growth and bloom. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant, about 10-15 cm away from the stem, and watered in well.
Pruning
Pruning Sabicea angolensis Wernham is not necessary for the plant's health, but can enhance its appearance and promote bushier growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season or after flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and trim back any overly long or leggy growth. Lightly shearing the plant can also promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Sabicea angolensis Wernham
Sabicea angolensis Wernham can be propagated through various methods, including seed germination, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed germination
Seeds of Sabicea angolensis Wernham can be obtained from mature fruits of the plant. To ensure high germination rates, the seeds should be collected when the fruits are fully ripe and the seeds have turned brown. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place.
To germinate the seeds, they should be soaked in warm water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat. The seeds can be started in nursery beds or pots filled with well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil.
Germination of Sabicea angolensis Wernham seeds can take up to six weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be gradually acclimatized to direct sunlight before transplanting them into their permanent location.
Stem cuttings
Sabicea angolensis Wernham can be propagated through stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants in the early morning. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil mixtures and should be kept moist. They should be placed in a shaded area and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
The cuttings will develop roots in about six weeks. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Layering
Sabicea angolensis Wernham can also be propagated through layering. This method involves bending a low hanging branch of a mature plant towards the ground and covering it with moist soil while it is still attached to the plant. The branch should be kept in place using a stake or a rock.
Over time, roots will develop from the branch, and a new plant will form. Once the new plant has developed, it can be gently separated from the mother plant and transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Sabicea angolensis Wernham
Sabicea angolensis Wernham is a tropical tree species that has numerous medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine for various purposes. However, the plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Sabicea angolensis Wernham and ways to manage them.
Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Sabicea angolensis Wernham are fungal and viral infections. These diseases can cause symptoms such as leaf spot, wilting, and stunted growth.
One effective way to manage these diseases is to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene in the plantation. Affected leaves and branches should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides and other chemicals may also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Several pests can also attack Sabicea angolensis Wernham, including mites, aphids, and caterpillars. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves and stems.
A common method of pest management is to use natural enemies such as predator insects, parasites, or disease-causing organisms that can kill or suppress the pest population. Additionally, chemicals such as insecticides and pesticides can be used to control the pests.
It is important to always follow instructions when using chemicals to prevent damage to the plant and the environment. Also, keep the plantation clean and aerated, which significantly reduces the number of pests in the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sabicea angolensis Wernham requires careful monitoring and management to prevent diseases and pests from damaging the plant. Proper sanitation, hygiene, and the use of natural or chemical controls should be considered to protect the plant and maintain its productivity.
