Origin and Common Names
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is an endemic plant species that belongs to the family Annonaceae. It is widely known as "Mkalika" in Swahili, a language widely spoken in East Africa. This plant is found exclusively in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, particularly in the Uluguru Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains, and the East Usambara Mountains.
General Appearance
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is a small tree that usually grows up to 9 meters tall with a distinct whitish-grey bark. The leaves of this plant are simple, alternate, and elongated, measuring 10-30 cm long and 2-7 cm wide. The veins of the leaves are prominent and have a dark green color while the underside of the leaves is slightly lighter in color. The flowers of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. are small, about 1 cm in diameter, and have an unusual spiral symmetry.
The fruit of this plant is a berry-like structure that is yellow when mature. The seeds of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. are brown, flat, and oval in shape.
Uses
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The roots, bark, and leaves of this plant are used in various ways, including treating respiratory infections, curing stomach ulcers, and reducing fever. The fruits of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. are edible and have a sour taste. They are used to make juices and jam.
This plant is also used for ecological purposes. Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is a habitat for various species of insects, birds, and mammals. It is also used for soil conservation and watershed protection in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.
Light Requirements
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is a tropical plant that requires bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Growers may need to adjust the plant's position to optimize the amount of light it receives throughout the day, particularly in areas with high levels of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. thrives in warm temperatures and should be kept at a minimum of 60°F (15°C). It prefers temperatures between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C) with high levels of humidity. Growers can use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to create a humid environment. It should be placed away from any drafty areas or air conditioning units as these can cause damage to the delicate leaves.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. should be well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers rich soil that is high in organic matter with good levels of fertility. Growers can add compost or other organic materials to the soil to improve its quality. It should be watered regularly, but excess water should be allowed to drain away to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Cultivation of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill.
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is a tropical plant native to Madagascar and is best grown in warm, humid climates. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility. It is ideal to plant the seedlings in a potting mix consisting of peat, perlite, and sand.
Watering Needs of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill.
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. requires consistent moisture but not overwatering. It is best to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The plant prefers regular but moderate watering, and it is advisable to use water that is free from salts to avoid harming the plant.
Fertilization of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill.
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. requires moderate fertilization, with preference to a balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer. It is advisable to fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions for the fertilizer and not to over-fertilize the plant.
Pruning of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill.
Pruning of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is not required as the plant generally grows as a shrub or small tree and can maintain its shape without any trimming. However, the plant can be pruned if necessary to control its size and shape. It is best to do pruning after the plant finishes flowering, and sterile pruning tools should be used to avoid introducing diseases to the plant.
Propagation of Stylarthropus thollonii Baill.
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces seed pods, which can be collected when they have fully ripened and turned brown. The pods should be dried thoroughly and the seeds removed for propagation.
The seeds should be cleaned and then soaked in water for several hours to soften the hard outer shell. After soaking, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining potting mix that has been moistened. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until they germinate.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Select healthy stems that are at least 4-6 inches long and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower 1-2 inches of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a bright, but indirect light location. The cutting should root in 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden after a few months.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylarthropus thollonii Baill.
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is generally a hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that could affect its growth and productivity. In order to keep your Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. plant healthy, it is important to be aware of the common diseases and pests that can affect it and the management strategies to combat them.
Common Diseases
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. may suffer from various fungal and bacterial diseases, including:
- Leaf spots: This disease usually appears as circular or irregular spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may turn yellow and fall off prematurely. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and ensure that the plant is well-ventilated to reduce humidity. You may also apply fungicides to help prevent future outbreaks.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that manifests as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Infected leaves may curl, and the plant may become stunted. To manage this disease, remove the affected parts and improve air circulation around the plant. You may also apply fungicides to control the spread of the fungus.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease affecting the roots, which causes the plant to wilt, yellow and eventually die. To manage root rot, ensure that your plant is not overwatered as it can easily develop in soggy soil conditions. You may also apply fungicides on the soil and around the roots to control the spread of the fungus.
Common Pests
Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. is also susceptible to attack by insect pests including:
- Spider Mites: These are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause leaf yellowing, discoloration, and dieback. To manage spider mites, you can use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticulture oil, which are organic insecticides that are effective in controlling spider mites.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, powdery insects that tend to infest the plant in large numbers. They feed on the sap of the plant causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, you can use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticulture oil to eliminate them. You may also wipe the plant leaves with rubbing alcohol to control or eliminate the pests.
- Thrips: These are slender insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause leaves to turn silver or brown. To manage thrips, you can use sticky traps or introduce natural predators like mites or lacewings, which are effective in controlling their population
By adopting an integrated approach that includes good cultural practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, combined with the appropriate use of insecticide and fungicide applications, you can significantly reduce the incidence of diseases and pests on your Stylarthropus thollonii Baill. plant, keeping it healthy and productive.
