Overview
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense, also known as the Usambara schefflera, is a plant species that belongs to the family Araliaceae. It is a tree that is native to Tanzania in East Africa. The species is named after the Usambara Mountains, where it is commonly found.Appearance
The Usambara schefflera is a tall tree that can reach a height of 15-20 meters. It has a straight trunk that can measure up to 60 cm in diameter. The bark is dark brown and rough, with deep fissures. The leaves are large, alternate, and palmately compound with 5-9 leaflets. The leaflets are ovate to elliptical in shape and have a glossy dark green color on the upper surface. The lower surface is paler and has prominent veins. The flowers are small and greenish white, borne in large panicles at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, round, black drupe.Uses
The Usambara schefflera has different uses, both medicinal and ornamental. In traditional medicine, the bark and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as stomachache, fever, and respiratory infections. The leaves are also used as a poultice for wound healing. The plant is also used for ornamental purposes, as it has attractive foliage and is easy to grow.Common Names
The Usambara schefflera goes by several common names, including African umbrella tree, Tanzania schefflera, and Usambara schefflera.Light Requirements
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense requires bright but filtered light in order to thrive. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to humid tropical forests, hence it requires warm temperatures to grow well. The ideal temperature range is between 18-29°C. While the plant can tolerate a slight drop in temperature at night, temperatures below 15°C should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. A well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter such as peat or compost is ideal. It should not be allowed to dry out completely as this can lead to leaf drop. However, waterlogging should also be avoided as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation
The Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense is native to the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania, where it grows in the understory of lowland forests. It thrives in warm and humid conditions, making it an excellent option for indoor cultivation as well.
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot. It is advisable to plant the Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense in a pot with adequate drainage holes and ensure that the soil is moist but not wet.
Watering needs
It is recommended to water the Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. However, overwatering must be avoided as it can lead to root rot, and the plant can die. You can test the soil moisture level by sticking your finger two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water the plant. Water the plant with a watering can or a container that pours water slowly to ensure that the soil is adequately moistened.
Fertilization
The Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth. You can use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or a fertilizer with higher potassium. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can lead to weak and leggy growth. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season but reduce the frequency during winter.
Pruning
The Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense plant does not require frequent pruning, but you can remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and maintain its appearance. If the plant has grown too large or it is overcrowded, you can prune it back by cutting the branches to the desired size and shape. Pruning should be done during the growing season to allow the plant to recover quickly.
Propagation of Schefflerodendron Usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. Usambarense
The propagation of Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense can be accomplished through various methods, and the most common of them are through seed germination and stem cutting. The following are the details of each propagation method:
Propagation through Seed Germination
The Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense can be propagated through seeds. The seeds of this plant are stored in the fruit capsules, which should be collected and left to dry for few days. After that, the seeds can be extracted from the fruit capsules and sown in a seed tray or pot. The soil that is used for sowing seeds should be typically light and well-drained with added peat and sand. The seeds can then be placed on the surface of the soil and covered with a very thin layer of soil.
The seed tray should be placed in a warm and humid place, which will usually take around four weeks for germination to occur. The seedlings should be kept for around six months in the seed tray or pot before being transplanted to a larger pot, where they can grow to maturity.
Propagation through Stem Cutting
An alternative propagation method for Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense is through stem cutting. The following are the steps that should be followed when using stem cutting as the propagation method:
- Cut a 6-inch stem from the parent plant and remove all the leaves except for a few at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into the rooting hormone and plant it into the potting mix. The potting mix should be well-drained and consist of 50% peat or sand and 50% perlite.
- Water the stem cutting well and cover it with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment and hold moisture.
- Keep the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. After four to six weeks, roots should start to develop, and new growth should start to emerge from the stem.
- After the new stem growth reaches around 6 inches and is strong enough, transplant the cutting into a larger pot.
Both of these propagation methods can be successful, provided the correct conditions are met. Once propagated, Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense require warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light to thrive.
Disease and Pest Management for Schefflerodendron Usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. Usambarense
Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense, commonly known as African oak or leopard tree, is an evergreen tree that belongs to the family Araliaceae. This tropical African tree is hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases, but it can still get affected by some of them. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots with yellow edges on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides that contain copper can also help control the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs when the soil is too wet and poorly drained. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage by adding organic matter and avoid overwatering. Fungicides that contain thiophanate-methyl or chlorothalonil can also help control the disease.
Pests
Caterpillars: The larvae of certain moths can sometimes feed on the leaves of the Schefflerodendron usambarense. To manage caterpillars, remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant and use insecticides that contain spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant. They can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, wipe infested leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, prune heavily infested parts of the plant and use insecticides that contain imidacloprid or spinosad.
Follow these simple disease and pest management practices to keep your Schefflerodendron usambarense Harms ex Engl. var. usambarense healthy and beautiful.
