Overview
Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw., also known as the Winged Schrebera, is a plant species belonging to the Oleaceae family. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters (65 feet) in height and 70 centimeters (28 inches) in diameter. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.Appearance
The Winged Schrebera has a dense and rounded crown with a smooth grayish-brown bark. The leaves are opposite, simple, and oval-shaped, with a glossy dark green color on the upper surface and a pale green color underneath. They measure 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long and 4 to 8 centimeters (1.5 to 3 inches) wide. The plant's flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a pale yellow color and a sweet fragrance. They are arranged in large panicles at the end of branches, appearing from February to August. The fruits are oblong, woody, and green when young, turning brown or black when ripe.Common Names
The Schrebera alata var. tomentella is commonly known as the Winged Schrebera, Papao, Nzeng, Ngamba, or Lemba in various African countries.Uses
Winged Schrebera has several traditional medicinal uses in Africa. Its bark, roots, and leaves are used to treat various ailments, including malaria, fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The fruits are also used to treat skin lesions and respiratory infections. The plant's timber is used for making furniture, canoes, and household items. The leaves and bark are used as fodder for livestock, while the plant's extract is used as a pesticide and insect repellent. Additionally, the sweet-scented flowers attract bees and other pollinators. In conclusion, the Schrebera alata var. tomentella (Winged Schrebera) is a valuable tree in African traditional medicine and other uses. Its unique appearance, sweet fragrance, and usefulness make it a significant plant species in tropical and subtropical regions.Light Requirements
The Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. thrives in partial shade or full sun. It can withstand higher amounts of direct sunlight. However, too much direct sunlight can cause problems.
Temperature Requirements
The Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. is a tropical plant, therefore needs a warm climate for optimal growth. The ideal temperature for growth is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C or above 40°C can negatively impact growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 4.5 and 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, loamy sand, and loam. The soil must be rich in nutrients for optimal growth. Applying organic fertilizer can help enhance soil fertility.
Cultivation Methods
The Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. is a tree that thrives in tropical areas with high humidity levels. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to provide it with the right growing conditions. The plant needs full sun to partial shade and grows well in loamy, well-drained soil. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. The seedling requires regular watering, particularly during the dry season, to support healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is crucial for the Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. to thrive. It is recommended to water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season. The frequency of watering depends on the weather condition and soil type. When watering the plant, use clean, freshwater to avoid contaminating the soil. Always ensure that the soil dries out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant's survival.
Fertilization
The Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth and maintain vibrant foliage. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to ensure that the plant gets the nutrients it needs. Use a fertilizer with a balanced formula, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. You can also apply organic compost or any organic matter to the soil to enrich it. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this can damage its roots.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. in good shape and size. You can prune the tree during the dormant season or after flowering. Remove any damaged or diseased branches to avoid further spread of diseases. You can also prune to control the size and shape of the tree. When pruning, use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. After pruning, ensure that you dispose of the waste properly to control the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw.
Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. can be propagated through several methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagating Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist. They require partial shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The seeds typically germinate within 3-4 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation of Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. through cuttings requires obtaining stem cuttings from healthy plants. The cuttings should be approximately 8-10 cm in length, with at least three nodes. They should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist in partial shade. Under favorable conditions, the cuttings will develop roots within 6-8 weeks.
Propagation through Layering
Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. can also be propagated through layering. A low branch of a parent plant should be bent towards the ground, and a 10-15 cm section of the stem should be notched and treated with rooting hormone. This section of the stem should then be buried in the soil, leaving the remaining portion of the branch above the soil. The buried node will produce roots, while the remaining portion of the branch will continue to grow leaves. After approximately 6-8 weeks, the new plant can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its new location.
Disease management
Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw. may suffer from fungal and bacterial diseases, which can deteriorate the plant's growth and yield. The following are some common diseases that may affect the plant and their management techniques:
Leaf spot disease
Leaf spot disease is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation of the plant. To manage this disease, prune the infected leaves and destroy them. Ensure to maintain proper plant hygiene, avoid overcrowding of plants, and maintain adequate ventilation around the plants. Fungicides like chlorothalonil can help control the spread of leaf spot disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on leaves and stems, leading to leaf drop, stem cankers, and reduced plant growth. To control the spread of anthracnose, use copper-based fungicides, maintain proper plant hygiene, ensure adequate ventilation, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Bacterial wilt
Bacterial wilt is a bacterial disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. There is no cure for bacterial wilt, and the only management technique is to uproot and destroy the infected plant. Practice crop rotation, avoid reusing infected soil, and ensure proper plant hygiene to prevent the spread of bacterial wilt.
Pest management
Several pests may attack Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. var. tomentella Welw., leading to damaged leaves, stems, and roots. The following are some common pests that may affect the plant and management techniques:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that cause damage to the leaves, leading to yellowing and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, maintain proper plant hygiene, and avoid over-watering the plant.
Scale insects
Scale insects are sap-sucking insects that cause yellowing of leaves and general weakening of the plant. To manage scale insects, prune off the infested leaves and branches, use insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils or neem-based insecticides, and maintain proper plant hygiene.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are leaf-eating insects that cause defoliation of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant, use Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticides, and maintain proper plant hygiene by clearing any debris that may harbor the pests.
