Origin
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. is a tropical African plant native to the Usambara and Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names, including African umbrellatree, Usambara umbrella tree, and giant schefflera. In Swahili, it is referred to as Mgambo mkubwa.
Uses
Due to its large size and attractive foliage, Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and urban landscapes. In traditional African medicine, the plant and its parts have been used to treat a variety of ailments such as respiratory infections, malaria, and stomach ulcers. The bark and leaves contain bioactive compounds with pharmacological potential that are currently being studied for their medicinal properties.
General Appearance
The Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a single trunk with a layered crown of large leaves that form a distinctive umbrella-like shape. The leaves are compound and can reach up to 50cm in length, with each leaflet measuring up to 20cm in length. The tree produces small, white flowers that develop into greenish-yellow berries, which are a food source for birds. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown and scaly, with prominent lenticels.
Light Requirements
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. grows best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. It is important to provide the plant with adequate light to promote healthy growth, but without overheating the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15.5-26.6°C), but can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C). It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations and drafty areas. A warm, consistent temperature will promote healthy growth and prevent stress on the plant.
Soil Requirements
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It is important to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and provides adequate nutrients for the plant. A loose, well-draining soil will prevent water-logged roots and promote healthy growth.
Watering Requirements
This plant requires regular watering during the growing season (spring and summer), but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. During the dormant season (fall and winter), watering should be reduced to prevent water-logged soil.
Fertilizer Requirements
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to burned roots and other issues.
Cultivation methods of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr.
When it comes to the cultivation of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. in your garden, choosing the appropriate location is crucial. This plant thrives in an area with well-draining soil, indirect sunlight, and high humidity levels. It is best to plant it during the rainy season as this would provide enough moisture to the soil for the plant to properly establish.
Make sure to dig a hole of approximately twice the size of the root ball and then plant the root ball into the hole, gently firming the soil around it. After planting, it is essential to water the plant thoroughly to ensure that the soil is well-moisturized.
Watering needs of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr.
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. requires moderate watering. It is essential to maintain a balance between moist soil and not overwatering the plant. As the plant grows, increase the amount of water given to it but still, ensure that the soil remains well-drained. During winter, reduce the watering frequency as overwatering at this time could lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr.
The Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. should be fertilized once a month during its growing season, which is usually between spring and summer. Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer, and be cautious not to over-fertilize as it could lead to damage.
Pruning of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr.
The best time to prune the Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. is during late winter when the plant is dormant. Prune the plant's branches with sharp and clean pruning shears, removing any dead branches or those that have become overgrown. This would help to stimulate growth, improve the plant's shape, and promote flower production.
Propagation of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr.
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. can be sown directly into a potting mix containing organic matter, such as peat or vermiculite, and sand. The pots should then be kept in a warm, moist environment, such as in a propagator or covered with a plastic bag, as the seeds require high humidity to germinate. Germination can take several weeks to several months. Once the seedlings emerge, they should be gradually acclimated to lower humidity and higher light before being transferred to individual pots.
Vegetative propagation
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. can also be propagated through cuttings. Choose a healthy, young stem with no flowers or buds and cut a 10-15 cm long section just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a potting mix containing organic matter, such as peat or vermiculite, and sand. The pots should then be kept in a warm, moist environment, such as in a propagator or covered with a plastic bag, as the cuttings require high humidity to root. Once the roots appear, the cuttings can be gradually acclimated to lower humidity and higher light before being transferred to individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Schefflerodendron Usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. Macrophyllum Pellegr.
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. is a plant species that is generally resistant to most diseases and pests. However, some common diseases and pests can still affect the plant. Here are some of them and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot disease: Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Schefflerodendron usambarense, causing brown or black spots, yellowing, and dropping of leaves. Management of this disease involves pruning the infected leaves, removing the debris around the plant, and practicing good sanitation.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is another disease that can affect Schefflerodendron usambarense. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, you should keep the area around the plant clean and dry, prune out any infected parts, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, thereby causing yellowing, wilting, and deformation of leaves. To manage these pests, you need to prune or remove infested parts of the plant, rinse the plant with water, and use insecticides if necessary.
Aphids: Aphids are another type of insect that feed on the sap of Schefflerodendron usambarense, causing the leaves to curl, twist, and yellow. To control aphids, you should prune out the infected parts, use an insecticidal soap, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that also suck the sap from the plant and cause a decline in its vigor. To control whiteflies, you should use insecticidal soap, prune out the infected parts, and introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps and ladybugs.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. macrophyllum Pellegr. is to maintain good plant health and keep the area around the plant clean and dry. Regular pruning, sanitation, and the use of insecticides and fungicides when necessary can help keep the plant healthy and pest-free.
