Overview
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg is a plant species belonging to the Olacaceae family. It is native to West and Central Africa and is commonly found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is valued for its medicinal properties.
Common Names
Some common names for Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg include the African star apple, Nwadoo, and Ube Osisi in Nigeria, and Nzeng-ayong in Cameroon.
Uses
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg is highly valued for its medicinal properties. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant are used to treat a range of ailments such as diarrhea, malaria, fever, and infections. The bark and roots are also used as an antidote for snakebites. As a food item, the fruit is edible and nutritious, and it is sometimes eaten as a snack.
General Appearance
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 18m in height. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong in shape, with a shiny, leathery texture, and a dark green color. The plant bears small, greenish-white flowers that are followed by fleshy, round fruit about the size of an apple, which ripen to a deep purple color. The fruit contains numerous small seeds and is covered in a thin, velvety skin.
Light Requirements
The Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg plant is typically found growing in understory areas of forests with filtered sunlight. Bright, direct sunlight can harm the plant, but it requires enough sunlight for the photosynthesis process to occur. Therefore, the plant should be placed in an area where it can receive filtered light with partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg plant thrives in warm and humid environments. The ideal temperature for growth ranges between 20°C to 34°C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures but may require more moisture. Cold temperatures below 10°C may damage the plant, so it is recommended to avoid exposing the plant to freezing temperatures or cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained and moist soil with good organic content. The soil should be slightly acidic (pH between 5.5 to 6.5). The soil should also be rich in nutrients and capable of retaining water to provide adequate moisture for growth. The use of organic fertilizers and compost can help improve the quality of the soil.
Cultivation of Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg is commonly grown as an ornamental shrub or tree in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It thrives best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated by either seeds or stem cuttings that are taken from mature plants. The optimal time for planting is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and warm.
Watering Needs of Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg
The plant has moderate water needs and requires regular watering during the dry season to thrive. Overwatering should, however, be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is advisable to apply mulch around the plant to help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization of Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg responds well to regular fertilization with organic compost or commercial fertilizers. Fertilizers should be applied at the base of the plant during the growing season to help boost growth and development. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
Pruning Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg. The best time to prune is during the dry season to minimize damage to the plant. Dead wood, diseased or damaged branches and suckers should be removed during pruning. The pruning cuts should be made just above the node or lateral branch junction to promote new growth.
Propagation of Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg, also known as the African peach or the lemonwood tree, is a tropical and subtropical plant species that is endemic to Africa. The plant belongs to the Oleaceae family and can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagating Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg is by seeds. The seeds are collected from mature fruits, which usually ripen in the months of August to October. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried before planting. Planting should be done during the rainy season in a well-draining soil mixture of sand and compost. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots after they develop their second set of leaves. It takes about 6-8 months for the seedlings to establish themselves.
Propagation by cuttings
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings are usually taken from mature trees during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 10-12 cm in length and taken from the middle or upper part of the branch. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. Planting should be done in a well-draining mixture of sand and compost. The cuttings should be watered regularly until they establish roots.
Propagation by air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg, but it is less common. Air layering involves making a cut on the branch of a mature tree, placing a rooting hormone on the cut and then wrapping the area with moist sphagnum moss. The moss is then covered with plastic to prevent moisture loss. After a few months, the air layered branch will have developed roots and can be separated from the parent tree and planted in a pot.
Overall, Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and with proper care, the success rates of each of these propagation methods are high.
Disease and Pest Management for Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg
Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg, a tropical plant native to Africa, is prone to various diseases and pests. These pests and diseases can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Schrebera obliquifoliolata is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora schreberae. Symptoms of leaf spot include circular, brown spots on the leaves, which can coalesce and cause the leaves to fall prematurely. Another disease that can affect Schrebera obliquifoliolata is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungus Oidium sp. Symptoms of powdery mildew include white, powdery growth on the leaves, which can eventually cause them to curl and fall off.
To manage leaf spot and powdery mildew, it is important to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing fallen leaves and pruning infected branches. Additionally, fungicides can be used to prevent and control these diseases. Some effective fungicides include copper-based fungicides, sulfur-based fungicides, and neem oil-based fungicides.
Common Pests
Two of the most common pests that can affect Schrebera obliquifoliolata are spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny insects that can be difficult to see with the naked eye. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves and can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Mealybugs are small, oval-shaped insects that have a white, mealy coating. They are usually found in clusters on the stems and leaves of the plant and can cause stunted growth and leaf drop.
To manage spider mites and mealybugs, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Infected plants should be isolated to prevent the spread of the pests. Additionally, insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used to control these pests. For severe infestations, systemic insecticides might be required. It is important to read and follow the instructions on the label of any pesticide before using it on Schrebera obliquifoliolata.
By following the tips provided above, gardeners can effectively manage the diseases and pests that might affect Schrebera obliquifoliolata Gilg and keep this beautiful plant looking healthy and vibrant.
