Overview
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is a plant species that belongs to the family Oleaceae. It is a tree found in the tropical regions of Africa, including Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Congo, and Uganda. It is commonly known as Nkalati in Kinyarwanda. The plant has significant cultural and medicinal importance in various African communities due to its several uses.
General Appearance
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is a tall tree that grows up to 25 meters in height. It has a smooth grey bark, and the trunk can be up to 60 cm in diameter. The leaves are light green in color, with a pointed or rounded tip. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and bloom from October to December. The fruits of the plant are oval-shaped capsules that measure approximately 15 cm in length. The fruits contain small, brown seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The bark and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and coughs. The seeds are used to treat skin infections, while the roots are used to treat high blood pressure. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and has been used to alleviate pain associated with childbirth. The plant has cultural significance and is used in various African rituals and ceremonies.
Additionally, the wood of Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is used to make furniture and ornaments due to its hardness and durability. The bark of the tree is used to make rope and baskets, while the leaves are used as fodder for livestock.
In conclusion, Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is a valuable and versatile plant that has cultural, medicinal, and economic importance in various African communities.Light Requirements
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is a light-loving plant and requires direct sunlight for most of the day to grow and develop properly. It can grow in partially shaded areas, but the growth rate will be slower.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal growth temperature range for Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is between 25°C to 35°C. It can tolerate short-term temperature drops to 15°C but cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C. High temperatures ranging from 40°C to 45°C are also not suitable for the plant as it can cause drying of its leaves.
Soil Requirements
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. prefers well-draining and rich soil that is slightly acidic. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as it can cause root damage and increase the chances of fungal diseases. The plant can also benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil.
Cultivation
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is a relatively easy-to-grow plant, as long as it is provided with ideal growing conditions. It prefers a well-draining soil that is moderately fertile, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
The best time to plant Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil, at least 1 inch deep, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedlings will start to emerge within 2-3 weeks.
If propagating from stem cuttings, they should be taken from a healthy plant, and around 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, kept moist and in indirect light.
Watering Needs
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. requires regular watering, especially during the dry spells. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and stunt its growth.
During cooler months, the plant needs less water, and the intervals between watering should be longer. Always make sure that the top layer of soil is dry before giving more water.
Fertilization
The plant needs regular feeding to thrive and produce optimum growth. Fertilize Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. every two weeks using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. During the hot summer months, add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf growth.
Always read the instructions on the fertilizer label and dilute as recommended. Never use too much fertilizer, as it can lead to damage to the plant.
Pruning
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. does not require too much pruning, but occasional trimming can be beneficial. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth starts, to remove any damaged or weak stems. This will encourage new growth and make the plant bushier and more compact.
If the plant is getting too big or has outgrown its container, repot it into a larger pot. This will give the roots more space to spread and allow the plant to grow to its full potential.
Propagation of Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh.
Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh., commonly known as "Afghanistan Lilac," can be propagated through various methods. The following are the propagation methods for Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh.:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. through seeds is the easiest method. The seeds must be collected from mature fruits that are dark and have a hard outer layer. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil that is kept moist. Germination can take up to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transferred to individual pots to allow for proper growth. Seed propagation of Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. requires patience as it can take time for the seeds to germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. through cuttings can be done by using softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept in moist conditions until roots have developed. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots to allow for proper growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation of Schrebera schellenbergii Lingelsh. is a method used to propagate larger plants. In this method, a stem from the parent plant is nicked and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. The wound is then covered with soil, moss, or other rooting material. After several weeks, roots will emerge from the wound and a new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management for Schrebera schellenbergii
The Schrebera schellenbergii plant is susceptible to a few diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant are leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and is characterized by small, dark spots on the leaves. If left untreated, the spots can grow and merge, leading to the death of the affected leaves. To manage leaf spot, it's important to ensure good air circulation around the plant, practice proper watering techniques, and remove any infected leaves immediately. Fungicides may also be used to treat severe cases of leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. It can spread rapidly and cause the leaves to yellow and eventually fall off. It's important to keep the plant well-ventilated and to avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew. Fungicides may also be used to treat this disease.
Pest Management for Schrebera schellenbergii
The Schrebera schellenbergii plant is also susceptible to pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, it's important to remove any affected leaves, isolate the infected plant to prevent the spread of the pests, and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can be identified by the fine webbing they produce. They feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, it's important to maintain a high level of humidity around the plant, regularly wash the foliage with water, and use a miticide to control the pests.
Scale insects are small, flat insects that attach themselves to the plant's stem or leaves and feed on the plant's sap. They can cause yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage scale insects, it's important to prune the affected areas, wash the foliage regularly with water, and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
