Origin
Shirakia aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt, also known as "bomandzina," is a plant that belongs to the family of Olacaceae. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. It can be found growing in the understory of the forest at an altitude of 200-800 meters.
Common Names
The plant Shirakia aubrevillei has several common names in the regions where it grows. In Cameroon, it is called "bomandzina." In Gabon, it is known as "njole" or "ngole." In Congo, it is referred to as "gombe-mokama." These names are often used by the locals who have been using the plant for medicinal purposes.
Uses
The plant Shirakia aubrevillei has been used by the locals for medicinal purposes for many years. The bark, roots, and leaves of this plant are all used to treat various ailments. The bark is used to treat fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The leaves are applied topically to wounds to promote healing. The roots are used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the plant has no major commercial or industrial uses. It is only harvested by the locals who use it for medicinal purposes.
General Appearance
Shirakia aubrevillei is a small, dioecious tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The tree has smooth bark and slender branches that grow upright. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and leathery with an oblong shape that can reach up to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers that are unisexual and borne in axillary clusters. Its fruit is a drupe that is pink or reddish-purple when mature and contains a single seed.
The plant Shirakia aubrevillei is a valuable plant in traditional medicine due to its various medicinal uses. It is also a beautiful plant that can add to the diversity of the forest ecosystem where it grows.
Typical Growth Conditions of Shirakia Aubrevillei
Shirakia Aubrevillei is a rare plant species that is native to the African continent. It is commonly found in the rainforests of Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. The plant is well adapted to the tropical climate of the region, and it requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
Shirakia Aubrevillei requires bright, indirect light to grow properly. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause the plant to wither. The plant should be placed in a spot where it can receive bright, filtered light for at least four to six hours a day. If the plant is not receiving enough light, it may become thin and leggy.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Shirakia Aubrevillei is between 18°C and 24°C (64°F and 75°F). The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C (59°F) or above 30°C (86°F). In areas with harsh winters, the plant should be kept indoors. It is important to keep the plant away from heat sources such as radiators, as they can cause the plant to dry out.
Soil Requirements
Shirakia Aubrevillei requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can provide the necessary drainage and moisture levels. The plant should be potted in a container with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.
Overall, Shirakia Aubrevillei is a beautiful and fascinating tropical plant species that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. By providing it with the right amount of light, temperature, and soil, plant enthusiasts can enjoy watching this species grow and flourish.
Cultivation Methods for Shirakia Aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt
Shirakia aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt is indigenous to tropical regions and can only survive in warm climates. Hence, it requires warm, humid conditions to grow. The ideal growth temperature for Shirakia aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt is between 64-86°F (18-30°C). The plant grows well in partially shaded or sunny areas in fertile, sandy soil that is well-draining.
Watering Needs for Shirakia Aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt
Shirakia aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt requires constant moisture to thrive, and you need to ensure the soil around the plant stays moist during the growing season. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. Ideally, water the plant when the topsoil feels slightly dry but not completely dry. Always use warm water as cold water could cause shock to the plant roots.
Fertilization for Shirakia Aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt
A consistent supply of essential nutrients is critical for Shirakia aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt to maintain its growth and survive throughout the season. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can opt to use a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season and only supplement once during the midseason if necessary.
Pruning Shirakia Aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt
Shirakia aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt requires minimal pruning as it naturally grows into an attractive, bushy shrub. However, you can trim the tips of the plant to keep it compact and promote a denser growth habit. Additionally, you can prune away any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant as soon as you notice them as this helps control the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Shirakia Aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt
Shirakia aubrevillei (Léandri) Kruijt, commonly known as "mangrove grape," is a plant of great ecological and medicinal importance. It is an evergreen tree that grows in mangrove swamps along the west coast of Africa. Propagation is essential for its conservation and proliferation. Shirakia can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Shirakia aubrevillei. The seeds are collected from the ripe fruit during the fall season. The seed pods should be left on the tree for as long as possible to ensure the seeds are fully matured. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and soaked in water overnight to soften the seed coat.
After soaking, the seeds should be sown in well-draining potting soil in a nursery bed. Keep the soil moist and place the nursery bed in a shaded area. The seedlings will emerge in 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots when they have grown 4-6 true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can also be successful with Shirakia aubrevillei. The cuttings should be collected in the spring from well-established trees. The cuttings should be taken from the softwood growth, and each cutting should have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom node and dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining potting soil, and the soil should be kept moist. Place the cutting in a shaded area and keep it away from direct sunlight. The cuttings should root in 4-6 weeks if the temperature is above 25°C.
Propagation by Air-Layering
Propagation by air-layering is a useful technique if you want to preserve the genetic characteristics of mature Shirakia aubrevillei. An air-layer is created by wounding a branch about 30 cm above the ground and covering the wound with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be tied in place and covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture.
After about 3-4 months, roots will emerge from the wounded area. The new plant can be severed from the mother plant and planted in a pot or planted directly in the ground.
Disease Management
Shirakia aubrevillei is relatively disease resistant, but like all plants, it can still fall prey to a few diseases. One of the most common diseases that can affect Shirakia aubrevillei is root rot. This happens due to overwatering and poor drainage. To avoid root rot, limit watering to when the soil is dry to the touch, and ensure that the plant is potted in well-draining soil.
Another disease that might affect Shirakia aubrevillei is leaf spot. Leaf spot appears as small, raised spots on leaves and can lead to the death of the plant. Spraying the plant with fungicide can help to treat the disease. However, prevention is essential, and so it is imperative to avoid wetting the leaves during watering and providing adequate circulation to avoid high humidity.
Pest Management
Shirakia aubrevillei might also fall prey to some pests. One of the most common pests is spider mites. These tiny pests suck the sap from leaves, causing yellowing, and can lead to the death of the plant if left untreated. To control spider mites, regularly mist the plant, increase humidity and keep the plant underneath running water preferably using a showerhead.
Another common pest that can affect Shirakia aubrevillei is mealybugs. These tiny pests look like cotton balls or white fluffy substances on leaves' axils. They feed on the plant's sap and produce honeydew, leading to the growth of mold on leaves. To control mealybugs, wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or neem oil. This should be repeated as often as possible, especially until the pests are completely wiped out.
