Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum.
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum is a rare Nigerian plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae. The plant is also commonly known as “Araba” and “Farin Gwari”.
Appearance
The plant has slender and erect stems that can grow up to three meters tall. Its leaves are lance-shaped, dark green, and glossy. The flowers are small and white, and they are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a long, narrow follicle containing many seeds.
Origin
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum is native to Nigeria, particularly in the northern states such as Adamawa, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, and Sokoto. However, the plant also grows in other parts of Africa, including Cameroon and Chad.
Uses
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum has several medicinal properties. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, stomach ache, and snakebites. The plant is also used to boost the immune system and aid in the production of breast milk.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum is also valued for its ornamental value. Its attractive foliage and clusters of beautiful flowers are ideal for adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. requires bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can damage the plant's leaves, so it is best to place it in a spot with filtered light or partial shade. If the plant does not receive enough light, it may grow tall and leggy, with sparse foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and requires warm temperatures to grow. Ideally, it should be kept in a room with temperatures ranging from 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (29°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can stunt growth or cause damage to the plant. Avoid placing the plant near drafty windows or doors.
Soil Requirements
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix is a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The soil pH level should be between 6 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so ensure that the pot has drainage holes.
Cultivation methods
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. is a tropical plant species native to West Africa. It thrives in warm and moist environments and can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. Although it can tolerate partial shade, it prefers bright, indirect light. When grown indoors, it requires a well-draining potting mix, while outdoor planting should occur in loose, fertile soil.
Watering needs
The plant prefers to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The amount of water depends on the size of the plant, humidity, soil type, and ambient temperature. To avoid waterlogging, it is recommended that the soil is allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing period is necessary to maintain healthy growth. The frequency of fertilization should be every other watering, but the strength of the solution should be diluted accordingly. Fertilization should be reduced or eliminated during the inactive growth period.
Pruning
The plant should be pruned during the early spring to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, allowing the development of new growth. Pinching the tips of the plant encourages branching. Pruning promotes air circulation and removes the possibility of pests or disease. The plant's flowering structure should be removed after blooming to encourage further growth.
Propagation of Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum.
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. is a beautiful vining plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Propagation is an essential aspect of cultivating this plant successfully. The following are some of the propagation methods for Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum.
Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. is through seeds. Collecting the seeds from ripe pods and sowing them in a well-draining potting mix or compost mixture is an effective way to grow new plants. The seeds usually germinate within two weeks, but it may take up to a month.
Cuttings
Propagating Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. through cuttings can be tricky but rewarding if successful. Gardeners can use softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood cuttings taken from healthy and vigorous plants. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil. Within a few weeks, if conditions are right, new roots should emerge, and the cutting will develop into a new plant.
Layering
Another propagation method that can be used for Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. is layering. You can choose either ground layering or air layering methods. Ground layering involves bending a low growing stem, securing it to the ground, and covering it with soil. Once the buried portion of the stem roots, you may cut it free from the parent plant. Similarly, for air layering, you need to choose a suitable stem and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss and clear plastic wrap. After a few weeks, new roots will form, and you can cut the stem free and plant it.
With proper care and attention, Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. will propagate easily. These methods will help you to increase your stock of this beautiful plant.
Disease Management
Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. plant is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal, viral, bacterial, and nematode diseases.
Fungal Diseases: Common fungal diseases affecting the plant include leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. To manage fungal diseases, remove infected plant parts, ensure proper ventilation and air circulation around the plant, water the plant carefully (avoid waterlogging), and use fungicides if necessary.
Viral Diseases: Viral diseases affecting the plant include mosaic virus and leaf curl. The best way to manage viral diseases is to prevent them from spreading by removing and destroying infected plant parts and using disease-free plant material for propagation.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases affecting the plant include soft rot and bacterial leaf spot. To manage bacterial diseases, remove infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based bactericides if necessary.
Nematode Diseases: Root-knot nematodes are the main nematodes affecting the plant. The best way to manage nematode diseases is to practice good sanitation, rotate crops, and use biocontrol agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Pest Management
The Stathmostelma odoratum K.Schum. plant is not commonly affected by pest insects. However, the following pests may attack the plant:
Aphids: Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, using insecticidal soap, or releasing aphid predators such as ladybugs.
Spider Mites: Spider mites can be managed by increasing the humidity around the plant, removing infested plant parts, and using miticides if necessary.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be managed by removing them by hand or using Bacillus thuringiensis.
