Origin
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. is a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar, specifically found in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as the lollipop plant, pendulous tabernaemontana, and white flowers tabernaemontana. In Africa, it is also referred to as 'Enyanya' in Yoruba, a language spoken in Nigeria.
Uses
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. is mainly used for ornamental purposes. The white flowers with pink buds give the plant an elegant and aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal choice for gardens, parks, and landscapes. In traditional medicine, the roots, leaves, and bark of this plant species are used to treat fever, malaria, wound healing, and pain relief. Its alkaloid content also makes it a potential candidate for pharmacological research, specifically in the development of new drug treatments.
General Appearance
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10m tall. It has a dense, bushy, and branched structure with glossy dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and arranged in opposite pairs. The white flowers with a diameter of about 3cm bloom in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a round-shaped cluster of follicles, green when young, and turning yellow when ripe. The plant's bark is smooth and grey, and the roots are thick and woody.
Light Requirements
The Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum., commonly known as Banana Bush, thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade. It prefers areas with filtered sun where it can get about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. This plant can grow in areas with full sun exposure, but it's essential to keep the soil moist.
Temperature Requirements
Banana Bush is a tropical plant species that thrives in warm temperatures. The temperature range for optimal growth of this plant is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. When the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius, the plant begins to drop leaves and may eventually die. Therefore, it's important to keep the plant away from cold or frosty areas.
Soil Requirements
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. prefers well-draining, fertile soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH. It grows best in organically rich soil that has good water retention capacity. This plant is sensitive to waterlogging, so it's important to ensure that the soil doesn't retain too much water. One can use a mixture of compost, garden soil, and sand to create soil that's suitable for planting Banana Bush.
Cultivation methods
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K. Schum. can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. However, stem cuttings are more preferred because they give rise to plants with similar traits as the parent plant. The best time for the cuttings is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The plant prefers well-drained, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in areas with partial shade, away from direct sunlight.
Watering needs
This plant does not tolerate dry conditions, so it requires regular watering to maintain moist soil. However, excess water can lead to root rot or other diseases. Water the plant deeply and slowly, allowing time for the soil to absorb the water and for excess water to drain. The frequency of watering will depend on the growing conditions, soil type, and the season. During hot weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K. Schum. requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients. Avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and stimulate new growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season to remove dead or damaged branches. You can also thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Be sure to use sharp and sterilized pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid pruning during the flowering season since this can reduce the flowering capacity of the plant.
Propagation of Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum.
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum., commonly known as Setumpol or Ermiaojiangma in local languages, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. The plant is native to Southeastern Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It has large, green leaves with a glossy shine and fragrant white flowers that blossom in clusters at the stem tips. Propagation of Tabernaemontana penduliflora can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Tabernaemontana penduliflora is through seeds. After the ripe fruits have been collected, clean them and extract the seeds for sowing. The extracted seeds should be well-dried before sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is during the monsoon season, where rainfall is abundant and enough moisture is present for germination. To sow the seeds, mix them with a well-draining soil mix and place them in a seed tray with good drainage holes. Cover the tray with a plastic sheet to retain moisture and keep the tray in shade. The seeds will germinate within three to four weeks under suitable moisture and temperature conditions.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagating Tabernaemontana penduliflora through cuttings is also possible but requires more effort. Use a sterile, sharp knife or secateurs to take the cutting from semi-hardwood or hardwood stems. Remove all the leaves on the lower half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to help stimulate the formation of roots. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mixture and kept in a shaded location where it will remain moist. It will take several weeks for roots to develop, and the cutting will begin to grow once the roots have successfully formed.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method to propagate Tabernaemontana penduliflora. This process involves making a small incision in the stem, just below a bud or leaf node, and wrapping that area with a moistened coir or sphagnum moss. Once wrapped, cover the moss with a plastic covering and secure it with a rubber band or string. The plastic covering retains moisture which helps the roots to grow. After several weeks, roots should emerge from the moss. The stem can then be cut just below the rooting section and the rooted section planted in a well-draining mixture.
Disease and Pest Management for Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum.
Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. is not susceptible to many diseases, but pests can be a problem for the plant. Here, we will discuss the common diseases and pests that might harm the plant, and suggest ways to control them.
Common Diseases
The plant may experience fungal and bacterial diseases.
Fungal Diseases
Two common fungal diseases that might affect Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. are root rot and leaf spot. The former causes the plant to wilt and rot, while the latter causes spots on the plant's leaves. To manage these fungal diseases, use fungicides as per recommendation. However, prevention is the key, so avoid watering the plant excessively and maintain good air circulation around the plant.
Bacterial Diseases
One bacterial disease that might affect Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. is bacterial blight, which causes the plant's leaves to develop brown patches. Remove the infected parts of the plant if only a few spots are present. For severe cases, use copper spray-based pesticides.
Common Pests
The plant is prone to insect and mite infestations, which can cause significant harm to the plant if left unchecked.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs cluster on the plant's stems and leaves, causing the plant to become weak. To manage this pest, use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Mites
Mites and spider mites suck the plant's sap, causing the leaves to discolor and eventually drop. Use a miticide or neem oil or insecticidal soap for pest management.
Scale Insects
Scale insects can cause severe damage to the plant as they suck away plant sap. Use horticultural oil or neem oil for pest management.
Appropriate monitoring and preventive measures are important for managing diseases and pests on Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum. A timely and appropriate response to tree issues can prevent more significant difficulties in the future.
