Overview
Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae.
Origin
The plant is native to tropical Africa in countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Bitter Sabicea or Johnston's Sabicea.
Appearance
The plant typically grows 1-2m tall and has a woody base. Its leaves are simple and opposite, with a length of up to 15cm and a width of up to 6cm. The leaves are hairless and have a glossy texture. The flowers of Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham are white or pink and form in clusters measuring up to 12cm long. The fruits are small, green berries that turn black when ripe and contain numerous small seeds.
Uses
In traditional African medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat a range of ailments including fever, malaria, and diarrhea. The leaves can also be used as a vegetable and the fruits are edible.
Light Requirements
Sabicea johnstonii requires a significant amount of sunlight to thrive. It is best grown in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. It is important to note that excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Sabicea johnstonii is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures to grow properly. Ideal temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is important to note that this plant cannot tolerate frost and must be protected during colder months.
Soil Requirements
Sabicea johnstonii requires a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It is recommended to plant this species in nutrient-rich soil with good organic matter content. It is also important to maintain a consistent soil moisture level and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods for Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham
The Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham plant is relatively easy to cultivate, and it thrives well under proper conditions. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are mildly acidic. If you want to use containers, choose a pot that is at least 6 inches deep with excellent drainage. When transplanting seedlings, ensure they are planted at a distance of 12-18 inches apart to give them enough space to grow and develop. Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham plants need a tropical or subtropical climate to grow best, and they cannot withstand frost or cold climates. Therefore, it's best to plant them in the warm summer months.
Watering needs
When it comes to watering, Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham plants prefer frequent watering to help them grow lush and healthy. During the active growing season, water them deeply once or twice a week. However, avoid overwatering as that could lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. When winter comes, reduce the amount of water given to the plant as it goes dormant and doesn't need as much moisture.
Fertilization
Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham plants respond well to regular feeding, which ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients needed to grow healthy and beautiful. Fertilize the plant every two weeks using balanced liquid fertilizer or an organic fertilizer. Avoid overfeeding the plant, as this could scorch the roots and cause leaf damage.
Pruning
Pruning Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham plant is vital to maintain its shape and promote bushier, denser growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before the active growing season starts, and remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Cut back any excessive growth to prevent overcrowding and make room for new growth. Remember to use clean, sharp tools to prevent introducing infections to the plant.
Propagation of Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham
Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham can be propagated through both vegetative and seed methods.
Vegetative Propagation
The vegetative method of propagation can be done through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems from the parent plant, preferably from the young ones. Cut the stems using a sterilized, sharp knife or blade with at least two nodes and make sure that the cut is clean and smooth. Dip the base of the stems into rooting hormone powder to fasten the rooting process. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them in a warm, humid area under bright, indirect light. Mist the cuttings occasionally to keep the humidity high. After a few weeks, likely about 4-6, the cuttings will root and start developing into a new plant.
Seed Propagation
To propagate Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham through seeds, you need to have ripe, healthy seeds. The seeds usually ripen in late spring or early summer. Collect the seeds from the parent plant and rinse the flesh off. Spread the seeds on a paper towel or a tray and let them air dry naturally in a warm, shady spot for about a week. Next, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, covering them slightly, and water the soil moderately. Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Keeping the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until germination, which should occur in approximately 2-3 weeks, will help the seedlings establish successfully.
Disease Management for Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham
Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham is a plant that can be susceptible to certain diseases. One common disease that can affect this plant is anthracnose. This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, it is important to ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Another disease that can impact Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham is rust. This disease causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves, and can eventually cause them to fall off the plant. Removing infected plant material and using fungicides can help manage rust.
Pest Management for Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham
There are also several pests that can affect Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham. One of the most common is the spider mite. These tiny pests can cause yellowing of leaves and the presence of webbing on the plant. Managing spider mites can involve using insecticidal soap or neem oil, as well as providing proper air circulation and keeping the plant hydrated.
Whiteflies can also be a problem for Sabicea johnstonii K.Schum. ex Wernham. These pests can cause yellowing of leaves and the presence of sticky honeydew. In order to manage whiteflies, it is important to remove any infected plant material and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
