Origin
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. is a plant species that belongs to the family of Clusiaceae. The plant is indigenous to tropical Africa and grows in the wet tropical lowland forests of Cameroon, Zambia, Angola, and Gabon.
Common Names
The common names for Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. are 'Iyoyo' and 'Otobo' in Nigeria, 'Mfirakadoni' in Congo, and 'Teke' among the indigenous people of Cameroon.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses. The roots and stem bark of the plant are used to treat various diseases such as malaria, dysentery, and gastrointestinal disorders. The plant contains chemical compounds such as triterpenes, flavonoids, and xanthones, which are responsible for its anti-malarial properties. The bark and leaves are also used to treat headaches, fever, and infections.
The plant's timber is also used for construction, furniture making, and carving. The wood is dense and hard, making it suitable for heavy-duty constructions.
General Appearance
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. is a tall and evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The plant has a straight trunk, and its bark is gray and rough to touch. The leaves are simple, glossy, and dark green in color, with a length of about 15–20cm and a width of about 10cm. The flowers are greenish-yellow and appear in clusters. The plant produces a globular fruit that contains seeds surrounded by a fleshy, yellowish-white aril.
Growth Conditions for Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr.
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. is a tropical plant that grows best in warm and humid regions. It is adapted to grow in the understory of the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa and requires specific conditions to thrive.
Light
Scottellia klaineana prefers to grow in shaded areas with filtered light. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves and inhibit its growth. The plant thrives in low light conditions, making it ideal for growing under the canopy of other plants in the rainforests.
Temperature and Humidity
The plant grows best in warm and humid climates with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations or frost and will not survive in regions with temperatures below 10°C. Scottellia klaineana requires high humidity levels to thrive, with an optimal range between 60% and 80%. The plant can survive in lower humidity levels, but it will require regular misting to prevent its leaves from drying out.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining and nutrient-rich soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Too much soil moisture can cause root rot, so it is essential to ensure the soil has proper drainage. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or leaf litter, can help improve the soil's quality and provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for growth.
Cultivation methods
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr., commonly known as the West African Kola, is commonly grown in tropical regions of Africa. It grows best in well-draining soil mixed with sand and organic matter. The plant needs a warm and humid climate with plenty of sunlight and grows well in temperatures ranging from 20°C-30°C. It is ideal to grow in the open, but it can also be grown in a greenhouse or under a shade net.
Watering needs
Being a tropical plant, Scottellia klaineana requires moderate and regular water supply. The plant should be watered thoroughly with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 10 cm. Watering should be done during the early mornings or late afternoons to minimize water loss through evaporation. The plant should also not be watered too much as it may lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Fertilization
Scottellia klaineana should be fertilized regularly using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. During the growing season, the plant should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks to ensure optimal growth and production. It is also important to use fertilizer that is high in potassium, as this helps to promote flower development and fruit formation. However, excessive application of fertilizers should be avoided, as it may lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which could damage the roots and reduce the plant's overall health.
Pruning
Pruning of Scottellia klaineana should be done during the dormant season, usually after fruiting. The plant can be pruned to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches, and to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning can also be used to stimulate new growth and encourage bushier growth. To prevent the spread of diseases, pruning tools should be disinfected before and after use. It is essential to avoid over-pruning, as this may reduce the plant's ability to produce fruits in the next season.
Propagation of Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr.
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. can be propagated by different methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. can be collected from the tree when it matures. The collected seeds are then carefully cleaned to remove pulp and dried under shade to improve seed viability. The seeds are then sown in a nursery bed or pot and covered lightly with soil. The nursery bed or pot should be kept moist until seedlings emerge. Thinning is done after the seedlings have emerged to leave only the strongest seedlings. The seedlings are then transplanted to individual containers before they are planted in their permanent site.
Vegetative Propagation
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. can also be propagated vegetatively through suckers. When suckers emerge, they are separated from the parent plant using a sharp knife, making sure that they have roots and stems. The suckers are then planted in a nursery bed or pot under shade. The nursery bed or pot should be kept moist until they are established and ready for transplanting in their permanent site.
Cuttings
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. can also be propagated using cuttings. Semi-hardwood stem cuttings with at least two nodes and a length of about 10-15 cm are taken from the parent plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in pots filled with a suitable rooting medium. The cuttings are kept under shade and misted until they produce roots. They are then transplanted to individual containers of potting mix and kept in the shade until they are ready for planting in their permanent site.
Disease Management
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. is not known to suffer from any serious diseases, but it can still be affected by various fungal and bacterial infections.
One of the common diseases affecting this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by various fungi. To prevent this disease, it is important to avoid watering the leaves and promote good air circulation. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of this infection.
Another disease that can affect this plant is root rot, caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and to avoid overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
Scottellia klaineana Pierre var. kamerunensis (Gilg) Pellegr. can be affected by various pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to leaves, flowers, and stems.
To control spider mites, it is important to frequently spray the leaves with water, avoid over-fertilization, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used as a control measure.
Mealybugs and scale insects can be controlled by manually removing them with a cotton swab or spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control severe infestations.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the plant can help prevent these pests and diseases from spreading and causing damage. It is also important to maintain good sanitary practices, such as cleaning pruning tools and avoiding cross-contamination between plants.
