Overview
Tapinanthus brunneus (Engl.) Danser subsp. krausei (Engl.) Balle, also known as the Krause's dodder, is an aerial parasite plant that typically grows on the branches of trees in tropical Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Krause's dodder and brown mistletoe.
Appearance
Krause's dodder has a slender and brownish stem that can grow up to 3 meters long. The stem is segmented into nodes and internodes, and at the nodes, it forms a disc-like structure called the haustorium which attaches to the host plant. The leaves of the plant are reduced to scales and arranged spirally along the stem. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and pale yellow, and they bloom in clusters at the nodes of the stem.
Uses
Krause's dodder has been widely used in traditional medicine for its antitumor, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains various secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit pharmacological activities. Besides its medicinal uses, Krause's dodder helps to improve the soil quality and reduce erosion by increasing the nutrient content of the soil as a result of its parasitic nature.
Light Requirements
T. brunneus subsp. krausei is known to grow best under partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure may result in reduced growth rate or even death of the plant. In its natural habitat, it usually grows as a vine under the canopy of host trees.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for T. brunneus subsp. krausei is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. This plant can tolerate low temperatures, as long as they do not fall below freezing point. Extreme temperature fluctuations can have adverse effects on the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
T. brunneus subsp. krausei is not too picky about soil type, as long as it is well-draining. The natural habitat of this plant is in the epiphytic environment, where it grows on other plants. Therefore, it can grow in a range of soil types such as sandy, clayey, or loamy. The soil must be rich in organic matter to provide the nutrients required for healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
Tapinanthus brunneus (Engl.) Danser subsp. krausei (Engl.) Balle is a parasitic plant, making it challenging to cultivate conventionally. The plant typically grows on other trees, invading their branches and trunk for nutrients. Therefore, to cultivate Tapinanthus brunneus, one must first identify a suitable host tree. The ideal host trees for Tapinanthus brunneus are typically hardwoods, such as oak, poplar, and birch. Young host trees are more receptive to the plant, making them a better choice than mature trees. When planting the plant, it's best to use seedlings with fresh berries as they are likelier to grow better on the host tree.Watering needs
As a parasitic plant, Tapinanthus brunneus absorbs water and nutrients from its host tree. Therefore, watering the plant is not necessary, as the host tree provides the necessary moisture. However, it's crucial to ensure that the host plant gets enough water to sustain both plants.Fertilization
Since Tapinanthus brunneus is a parasitic plant, it does not need fertilization. It obtains its nutrients from its host tree, which means overfeeding could damage the plant. Instead, it's best to focus on maintaining the health of the host tree, as it directly impacts the health of the Tapinanthus brunneus plant.Pruning
Pruning Tapinanthus brunneus is not recommended. The plant gains its nutrients from the host tree, and pruning may cause damage to either plant. In some instances, the plant may eventually harm the host plant, leading to a weakened or damaged tree. Therefore, it's best to monitor the plant's growth and remove it from the host tree if it poses a threat to the tree's health.Propagation of Tapinanthus brunneus subsp. krausei
Tapinanthus brunneus subsp. krausei can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces small berries that contain seeds. The seeds are very small and require careful handling. They should be cleaned and sown immediately in a mixture of peat and sand. The container should be kept moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Division
The plant can be propagated through division. This involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. It is best to do this in spring or early summer. Care should be taken when handling the plant as it has delicate, fleshy roots.
Cuttings
Another propagation method is through stem cuttings. This involves taking a stem cutting of about 10cm in length and removing the leaves from the bottom half. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a potting mix of sand and peat. The plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until new growth appears.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and is not commonly used for Tapinanthus brunneus subsp. krausei. It involves joining a piece of the plant onto a different rootstock. This method is usually reserved for specialized growers and should not be attempted by inexperienced gardeners.
Disease Management
T. brunneus subsp. krausei is generally a hardy plant species that is not frequently affected by diseases. However, in certain exceptional cases, the plant may suffer from issues like root rot, wilting, and leaf spots.
The best way to manage root rot is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be done by ensuring proper drainage of the soil to avoid waterlogging. In case root rot has already set in, the affected part should be excavated, and the soil should be replaced with new, healthy soil. The plant should also be treated with an appropriate fungicide.
If the plant starts wilting, it may be due to issues such as excessive heat or lack of moisture. In such cases, it is crucial to ensure proper watering and to add some mulch to keep the soil moist. If the problem persists, it could also be due to a fungus affecting the roots, so it is best to consult a plant specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Leaf spots can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. To prevent this, it is essential to ensure proper watering and hygiene practices by avoiding overwatering and cleaning garden tools regularly. If leaf spots do appear, it is best to remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide or pesticide.
Pest Management
The two most common pests that may attack T. brunneus subsp. krausei include spider mites and mealybugs.
Spider mites usually thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be identified by yellowing leaves and the presence of webs on the plant. To manage this, it is essential to increase the humidity around the plant by spraying it with water, particularly on the undersides of the leaves. It may also be necessary to apply an appropriate miticide, but care should be taken to follow the instructions carefully.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that may affect the plant. They are characterized by their cotton-like appearance and can cause considerable damage by sucking the sap from the plant's tissues. To get rid of mealybugs, it is essential to remove them manually or apply an appropriate pesticide. The use of natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control their population.
It is important to note that the use of chemical pesticides should be the last resort, as it may have harmful effects on the plant and surrounding environment. Whenever possible, natural or organic pest control methods should be used.
