Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder - Description
Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder is a plant species belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is a climbing plant that can reach up to 5 meters in length. The plant has a woody stem and branchlets that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are opposite, elliptical in shape, and range from 4 to 10 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide. They are glossy dark green with a lighter underside.
Origin and Common Names
The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola. In Cameroon, the local people call it "Agoku" while in Gabon, it is known as "Ibubu".
Uses
Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder is a valuable medicinal plant used by local communities in Africa. The sap from the plant is used to treat skin infections and wounds. The leaves are also used to treat fever, headache, and other ailments. The plant contains several chemical compounds that have shown antimalarial and anticancer properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, S. dewevrei is important for ecosystem services as it provides habitat and food for birds and insects, including butterflies that are dependent on the plant for their survival.
General Appearance
Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder is a beautiful plant with glossy green leaves and small white or pink flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped and appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a slender, cylindrical pod that is around 10 cm in length. When mature, the pod splits open to reveal numerous seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Overall, S. dewevrei is a versatile and valuable plant species that has cultural, medicinal, and ecological significance in Africa.
Light requirements:
Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, direct sunlight can scorch the plant and should be avoided.
Temperature requirements:
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 28°C. It can also tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 15°C. Avoid placing the plant in areas with cold drafts or near air conditioning units as this can affect its growth.
Soil requirements:
The plant thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soils. A soil mix that is high in organic matter and perlite is ideal for its growth. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant also prefers slightly moist soil, but ensure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder is a vining plant that grows well in bright, indirect sunlight. The plant is adaptable and can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil. It is best to plant in a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Before planting, mix organic matter into the soil mix to improve drainage and fertility. A mixture of peat, perlite, and sand should work well. Be sure to loosen the soil and remove any rocks, weeds, or debris that could interfere with the roots.
Watering Needs
The Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder prefers evenly moist soil but can suffer from root rot if overwatered. Irrigate the plant once the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Water it thoroughly but let water drain out of the pot to prevent waterlogging.
It is best to water early in the mornings to avoid evaporation and fungal diseases. Check the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather, to ensure it is getting adequate moisture.
Fertilization
Feed the Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants. It is best to mix the fertilizer at half strength to avoid burning the roots. Fertilizing should stop during the winter when the plant is in its dormant phase.
In addition to fertilizer, incorporate organic matter into the soil at least once a year to boost soil fertility and aeration.
Pruning
The Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder is a quick-growing vining plant that can get leggy and untidy if left untrimmed. Prune the plant periodically to help it maintain a compact and bushy growth habit.
Pruning can be done anytime during the growing season. Start by removing dead, wilting, or yellowing leaves and stems, and then trim back any long, straggly shoots to encourage branching. If the plant has become too large, cut back some of the main stems to reduce its size.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Also, consider trellising or staking the plant to support its climbing habit and prevent it from tangling or breaking.
Propagation of Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder
Propagation of Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder can be done either by seeds or vegetatively through stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Collect the seeds when the fruit is ripe and has dehisced naturally. Seeds should be cleaned and sown immediately. Pre-soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to weaken the testa and improve germination rates. Sow the seeds in trays or pots containing a well-draining seedling mix, cover seeds with a thin layer of soil, and water lightly. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Germination usually takes between 2-4 weeks, but can take up to 3 months. Once germinated, transplant seedlings into individual pots filled with a potting mix rich in organic matter.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Take stem cuttings from an established plant during the growing season, using a sharp and sterilized blade to avoid injuring the mother plant or introducing disease. Choose a stem with at least two nodes, remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-drained rooting medium, such as sand or a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Water the cutting lightly and keep it under shade and high humidity to prevent wilting. Rooting usually takes between 4-8 weeks, after which the newly rooted plants can be transplanted into individual pots filled with an appropriate potting mix.
Disease Management
Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its health and growth. Some common diseases of this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves, which may later turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce moisture.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to become soft and mushy. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained, do not overwater the plant, and avoid planting in soil that has been previously infected.
It is important to practice good sanitation practices such as removing fallen leaves and dead plant material to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Secamone dewevrei De Wild. subsp. elliptica Goyder is also susceptible to attack by several pests. Some common pests of this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and become distorted. To manage aphids, you can simply wash them away with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can quickly infest a plant. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the plant for early signs of pest infestation is key to preventing severe damage. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps to control pest populations.
