Overview
Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to other plants to obtain water and nutrients for survival. It is native to Africa and is commonly known as the African mistletoe. This plant has been used for medicinal purposes by different tribes in Africa for centuries to treat various illnesses and diseases.
Appearance
The Tapinanthus globiferus subsp. bornuensis is a small, greenish-yellow shrub that grows up to 30 cm in height. Its leaves are opposite, fleshy, and rounded in shape, with a glossy appearance. This plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that are borne on short stalks. The fruit is a small, round berry that is green when young and turns yellow when ripe.
Uses
The African mistletoe has a wide range of medicinal uses. The plant contains various active compounds, including phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids that are responsible for its therapeutic properties. The plant is used in the treatment of various illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The leaves and stem of the plant are boiled, and the resultant decoction is taken orally to treat different types of fever. The decoction is also used to relieve menstrual pain and to treat infertility in women. Additionally, the plant is used to treat wounds and burns.
Light Requirements
Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle typically grows well in a bright, indirect light. It is important to avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but prefers a warm and humid environment. Temperatures below 60°F can be stressful for the plant and may cause stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle can grow in a variety of soils but prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH range of 6.0-6.5. The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the branches of its host tree. Therefore, it is not customary to plant Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle in soil. Instead, it is necessary to find a host tree that is compatible with this plant. The right host species for Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle varies, but it is commonly found on Cassia species.Watering Needs
Since Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle is a parasitic plant, it gets most of its water and nutrients from the host tree. Therefore, watering is not necessary, and it could, in fact, be harmful to the plant. The plant should also not be exposed to waterlogging, which could harm the host tree.Fertilization
As mentioned earlier, since Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle is a parasitic plant, it receives most of its nutrients from the host tree. Therefore, it is not necessary to fertilize or add any nutrients to the soil. However, taking care of the host tree by providing it with nutrients could indirectly help the growth of Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle.Pruning
Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle does not require pruning since it does not grow the way other plants do. Instead, it attaches itself to the branches of its host tree, and any overgrowth is taken care of by the host tree itself. It is necessary, however, to monitor the growth and spread of Tapinanthus globiferus (A.Rich.) Tiegh. subsp. bornuensis (Sprague) Balle to ensure that it does not cause too much harm to the host tree and affect its growth.Propagation of Tapinanthus Globiferus subsp. Bornuensis
The propagation methods of Tapinanthus Globiferus subsp. Bornuensis include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Tapinanthus Globiferus subsp. Bornuensis can be collected from ripe fruits. The collected seeds need to be removed from the fruit pulp, washed thoroughly with water, and dried in a cool and dry place. Once dry, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The germination process can be initiated by keeping the soil mix moist and warm. Germination may take up to a few months.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Tapinanthus Globiferus subsp. Bornuensis can be done by stem cuttings or layering.
Stem cuttings: Stem cuttings can be taken from mature and healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the semi-hardwood portion of the stem and should be at least six inches long. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until rooting occurs.
Layering: Layering is a technique that involves burying a part of the stem of the plant in the soil while still attached to the parent plant. A small cut is made on the stem, and the cut portion should be covered with soil. Once roots have formed, the layered portion of the stem can be cut from the parent plant and potted in a well-draining soil mix.
Overall, Tapinanthus Globiferus subsp. Bornuensis can be propagated either through seeds or vegetative methods, making it possible to propagate the plant both indoors and outdoors.
Disease Management
Tapinanthus globiferus subsp. bornuensis is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that it is prone to, and steps should be taken to manage them.
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes lesions on the leaves and stems of the plant. These lesions are usually brown or black, and they can cause the leaves to wither and fall off. To manage anthracnose, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them. Also, avoid overhead watering as this can spread the disease. Apply a fungicide if necessary.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects Tapinanthus globiferus subsp. bornuensis. It causes reddish-brown spots on the leaves. To manage rust, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them. Spray the plant with a fungicide, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Tapinanthus globiferus subsp. bornuensis can also be prone to a few pests. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Mealybugs: These soft-bodied insects can infest the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage mealybugs, prune away any heavily infested parts of the plant and dispose of them. Apply an insecticidal soap or oil to the plant to kill any remaining mealybugs.
Aphids: Aphids are another common pest that can infest Tapinanthus globiferus subsp. bornuensis. They can cause distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off. Apply an insecticidal soap or oil to kill any remaining aphids.
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off. Apply an insecticidal soap or oil to kill any remaining mites.
By taking these steps to manage diseases and pests, you can keep Tapinanthus globiferus subsp. bornuensis healthy and thriving.
