Overview of Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr.
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. is a rare and endangered plant species found in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. It belongs to the family Olacaceae which includes over 35 genera and approximately 1100 species of trees and shrubs.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as 'Scented Strombosia' or 'Blue Cheese Fruit' due to its strong odor, which is akin to that of blue cheese. It is locally called 'Omu' in Nigeria and 'Nzanza' in Cameroon.
Appearance
The plant is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight trunk that is about 50 cm in diameter with a dense crown of large evergreen leaves. The leaves are elliptical, glossy, and dark green, measuring up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown in color and rough with irregular cracks.
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. bears small yellowish-white flowers that are clustered on the branches. The flowers are followed by small fleshy fruits that are about 2 cm in diameter. The ripe fruit is blue-black in color, with a strong odor that attracts animals and insects for seed dispersal.
Uses
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. has no known commercial or medicinal uses, but it holds great cultural significance to the indigenous communities in West and Central Africa. The fruit is used in traditional medicine to cure stomach ailments, and the leaves are used to treat skin diseases. The wood of the tree is used for carving, making tool handles, and other domestic purposes. Due to its rarity, the plant is also considered a valuable ornamental for cultivation in botanical gardens and arboretums.
Light Requirements
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It is recommended to place the plant near a window that faces east or west so that it can receive enough natural light. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves, so it is best to keep it away from windows that face south.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. is between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and should be kept away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners. The plant can survive in temperatures below 10°C (50°F), but it may become dormant until the temperatures warm up.
Soil Requirements
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. requires well-draining soil that has a pH between 5.0 to 6.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter and porous so that it can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. The best type of soil for this plant is a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Water Requirements
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. requires regular watering, but it is essential not to overwater the plant. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. The plant may require frequent watering during the growing season and less frequent watering during the dormant season.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizer should be applied to Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. During the dormant season, it is not necessary to fertilize the plant.
Humidity Requirements
The plant requires a humid environment with humidity levels of between 50% to 70%. The best way to provide humidity is by placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water or by using a humidifier. Misting is not recommended as it can lead to fungal infections.
Cultivation methods for Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr.
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. is a slow-growing tropical plant that requires specific cultivation methods. It prefers a shady and humid environment and thrives in loamy and well-draining soil. The plant can grow up to 70 feet (21 meters) tall, and it is essential to provide ample space for its roots to spread.
Propagation is mostly done through seeds, and it is recommended to plant them in a shaded area and provide a constant temperature of about 68-77°F (20-25°C). It may take up to five weeks for the seeds to germinate, and the young plants should be kept in a shaded area protected from direct sunlight until they mature enough to withstand the sun's rays.
Watering needs of Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr.
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. requires consistent moisture but can be sensitive to poorly drained soil. It is important to have a drainage system in place to prevent waterlogging. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. During dry seasons, it is essential to water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist and prevent the leaves from turning yellow and falling off.
It is also advised to mulch the soil around the plant to preserve moisture. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot and damage the plant's health.
Fertilization of Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr.
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. requires consistent fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer should be provided three to four times per year. The first application should be made in the early spring and the last in the fall. Young plants should be provided with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to promote growth.
It is important not to use too much fertilizer, as this can lead to salt buildup, which can damage the plant's roots. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and be sure to water the plant after applying fertilizer.
Pruning of Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr.
Pruning is crucial for Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. to maintain its shape, control growth, and remove dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring.
The lower branches of the plant should be pruned to encourage vertical growth. The upper branches should be pruned to control the tree's overall height and shape. Only remove up to one-third of the plant at a time to avoid damage.
Propagation of Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr.
Propagation is a crucial aspect of plant cultivation that involves the multiplication of plants either sexually or asexually. Strombosia cyanescens can be propagated through both methods.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation for Strombosia cyanescens involves the use of seeds. The seeds should be collected during the fruiting season which occurs between July and October. The seeds must be cleaned properly and sown immediately as they have a short viability period.
The cleaned seeds should be sown in well-drained loamy soil in a shaded area. The depth of the hole for sowing should be three times the size of the seed. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation for Strombosia cyanescens can be done through stem cuttings or layering.
For stem cuttings, a healthy, disease-free branch, about 30 to 40 cm in length with at least three nodes, should be selected. The cutting should be taken early in the morning when the plant is turgid. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil and placed in a shaded area. In about four to six weeks, the cutting will have developed roots, and it can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Layering involves selecting a healthy branch from the mother plant and bending it towards the ground and covering a part of it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. In about 2-3 months, roots will have formed from the buried part of the stem. The rooted part can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease Management
Strombosia cyanescens Mildbr. is prone to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, stem rot, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, it is necessary to keep the plant's foliage dry. This can be achieved by avoiding overhead irrigation and ensuring proper air circulation around the plant. Fungicides, such as copper-based products, can also be used to control fungal infections. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using these products and to apply them only as a last resort.
Pest Management
The plant can be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Regular inspection and cleaning of the foliage can help prevent these pests from taking hold. In addition, biological control methods, such as the use of predatory insects, can be used to manage these pests. Chemical insecticides can also be effective, but like fungicides, they should be used as a last resort and only when necessary. It is important to read the labels carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.
