Origin
Tapinanthus englerianus (K.Krause & Dinter) Danser, commonly known as the Engler's Mistletoe, is a hemi-parasitic plant species that belongs to the family of Loranthaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa, stretching from Senegal to eastern Africa and South to Angola and Zambia.
Common Names
Engler's Mistletoe, as it is widely known, is also called African Mistletoe, with some other African countries referring to it as Mutaranga. In Nigeria, it is known as Afomo by the Yoruba people and Ogams in the eastern parts of the country.
Uses
The Tapinanthus englerianus plant has a lot of medicinal and cultural importance. Its leaves, stem, and bark are used for conventional medicine to treat various health issues like hypertension, infertility, as well as to boost the immune system.
Engler's Mistletoe is also essential in African spirituality, used for various rituals to bring good fortune, protection, and purification purposes. It also serves as a vital component in the preparation of "Milk drink," a traditional African beverage prepared during special events like weddings and funeral ceremonies.
General Appearance
The Tapinanthus englerianus is a parasitic evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1m in height and extend up to 2m. It has perfectly formed leaves that are oval or elliptical with a noticeable prominent vein running down the center of each leaf. It has clusters of small, white or pinkish flowers that emerge from the base of the leaves and give way to green berries when matured.
Growth Conditions for Tapinanthus Englerianus
Tapinanthus Englerianus belongs to the Loranthaceae family of plants and is a hemiparasitic plant that grows on various host trees in tropical Africa. The plant is a stem parasite and relies on the host plant for its nutrients.
Light Conditions
Tapinanthus Englerianus prefers partial shade to full sunlight conditions. The plant thrives under diffused sunlight, where it can produce enough energy through photosynthesis. However, the plant cannot tolerate direct and intense sunlight as it can lead to leaf scorching and drying up.
Temperature Conditions
The plant thrives under warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C and high humidity levels of 60% to 70%. Tapinanthus Englerianus can grow in temperatures as low as 10°C, but it affects its growth rate. Extreme temperatures can cause plant stress, leading to stunted growth and reduced flower production.
Soil Requirements
Since Tapinanthus Englerianus is a stem parasite, it does not require soil for growth but only a host tree. However, the host tree's health and vitality affect the growth of Tapinanthus Englerianus. The plant grows well on mature trees, which supply enough water and nutrients. The host plant must have a stable root system and adequate leaf canopy to provide shade and regulate moisture intake.
Cultivation Methods
Tapinanthus englerianus is a parasitic plant that grows on other trees. Therefore, it does not require planting in soil, but instead, it must be attached to a host tree or shrub. The plant needs good sunlight and air circulation to thrive. The best way to propagate Tapinanthus englerianus is by collecting mature seeds and attaching them to the host plant's bark or root system.
Watering Needs
Tapinanthus englerianus relies on the host plant to provide water and nutrients. However, if the host plant is not receiving enough rainfall, it is essential to water it weekly. Always ensure to check the soil moisture level around the host plant and provide enough water to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Since Tapinanthus englerianus is a parasitic plant, it does not require fertilization. This is because it relies on the host plant for nutrients. However, it is essential to ensure that the host plant is healthy and well-fertilized to provide sufficient nutrients for Tapinanthus englerianus.
Pruning
Tapinanthus englerianus does not require pruning since it is a parasitic plant. However, it is essential to keep an eye on the host plant and prune it regularly to maintain its health and shape. Pruning also helps to remove any dead or diseased parts of the host plant, which might harm the Tapinanthus englerianus.
Propagation of Tapinanthus englerianus
Tapinanthus englerianus, commonly known as Engler's Mistletoe, is a hemi-parasitic plant that grows on a variety of trees, including the baobab, acacia, and mango trees, in sub-Saharan Africa. The plant has several methods of propagation.
Seed Propagation
T. englerianus produces fruits that contain several seeds, which can be used for propagation. The seeds germinate best when they are fresh, and they should be sown in the growing medium immediately after they are harvested. The seeds require light for germination, and it is advisable to cover them with a thin layer of the growing medium. The seeds should be kept moist and warm, but not too wet, to ensure proper germination. The germination process can take up to a month, and once the seedlings establish themselves, they can be transplanted into a suitable growing medium.
Vegetative Propagation
Tapinanthus englerianus can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the mother plant during the active growing season, and they should be at least six inches long. The cuttings should be planted in a growing medium that is well-draining, and the soil should be kept moist until the cuttings establish roots. Once the cuttings establish roots, they can be transplanted into a suitable growing medium.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another method of propagating Tapinanthus englerianus. This method involves girdling a branch of the mother plant, and applying rooting hormone to the exposed bark. The branch is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss, and covered with plastic to ensure that the moss remains moist. The new roots will form around the girdled area, and once they establish themselves, the branch can be cut off and transplanted into a suitable growing medium.
Disease and pest management for Tapinanthus englerianus
Tapinanthus englerianus, commonly known as mistletoe, is a parasitic plant that relies on other trees for nutrients and water. As such, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Effective disease and pest management is therefore crucial to ensure the longevity of the plant and the trees it inhabits.
Common diseases
One common disease that affects mistletoe is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that often appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and to avoid overcrowding. Regular applications of fungicides can also be effective in controlling the disease.
Another disease that mistletoe can be susceptible to is root rot, which can be caused by overwatering, poor soil drainage or fungal infections. To avoid root rot, it is important to plant mistletoe in well-draining soil and to avoid overwatering. Affected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the surrounding soil should be treated with fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common pests
Mistletoe can also be affected by a range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These insects can cause damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves and stems, and can also transmit diseases from one plant to another.
To manage pest infestations, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and to remove and destroy any affected leaves or stems. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the plant to help control pest populations. In severe cases, insecticides may be required to effectively manage pest infestations.
Overall, effective disease and pest management for Tapinanthus englerianus involves a combination of preventative measures, regular inspection and monitoring, and targeted treatment when necessary. By taking proactive steps to protect the plant from disease and pests, it is possible to ensure the health and longevity of both the plant and the trees it relies on.
