Tapinanthus heteromorphus (A.Rich.) Danser subsp. dichrous (Danser) Balle: A Detailed Description
Tapinanthus heteromorphus (A.Rich.) Danser subsp. dichrous (Danser) Balle, also known as the bird-catcher tree, is a parasitic plant belonging to the Loranthaceae family. This plant species is native to the tropical regions of Africa such as Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, and Congo.
Common Names
In Cameroon, the plant is called "ntumu" or "nganga". In Gabon, it is referred to as "muta-bum" or "bimbia". In Congo, it is known as "muzi" or "mubba".
Appearance
The plant has a unique and fascinating appearance with small, oval-shaped leaves that grow up to 2.5 cm long. The leaves are opposite each other on the stem, and the stem branches out, forming a bush-like structure. The plant has a woody root that attaches itself to the branches of trees, making it a parasitic plant. The flowers of Tapinanthus heteromorphus are small and greenish-yellow in color, and they bloom from September to November. The fruit is a berry-like capsule that contains several small seeds.
Uses
The bird-catcher tree is mostly used for medicinal purposes. The bark, leaves, and stem are used to treat a wide range of ailments such as stomach pain, fever, and hypertension. In some areas, the plant is used as a laxative and a purgative. The plant is also used as a bird trap, where its sticky seeds are smeared onto branches to capture birds. The seeds of the plant are used to make glue, which is used for handicrafts and other household purposes.
Light Requirements
The Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous plant requires bright indirect or filtered light. It is ideal to keep it close to a window where it can receive a few hours of morning light. This plant can tolerate lower light levels but may not produce flowers if not provided with adequate lighting.
Temperature Requirements
The Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C) during the day and cooler temperatures at night, preferably around 50-60°F (10-16°C).
Soil Requirements
This plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. A soil mix containing peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand in equal parts is ideal for the Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous. It is essential to avoid soil that retains too much moisture as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation of Tapinanthus heteromorphus (A.Rich.) Danser subsp. dichrous (Danser) Balle
T. heteromorphus subsp. dichrous is a rootless parasitic plant belonging to the family Loranthaceae, commonly known as the bird-lime or red mistletoe. It is found in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The cultivation of this plant requires a host tree, making it difficult to grow alone.
Watering Needs
Watering requirements depend mainly on the host tree. During the dry season, mistletoes, including T. heteromorphus subsp. dichrous, may require supplementary watering to keep the host surface moist and encourage flowering and fruiting.
Fertilization
Since tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous is a parasitic plant, it absorbs nutrients directly from the host tree. Therefore, it does not require additional fertilization. However, if the host tree seems not to be providing enough nutrients, you may fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
It is not advisable to prune T. heteromorphus subsp. dichrous because it will hinder its growth and development. The plant's branches should be left to develop naturally on the host tree, and any attempts to trim it may result in stunted growth or even death.
Propagation of Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous
Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous can be propagated through various methods depending on individual preference and external factors. The most common methods include:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruit capsules of the Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous plant. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil medium with a recommended germination temperature of 20-25°C. Ensure adequate moisture for the seeds to germinate, and the first true leaves should appear in approximately 2-3 weeks.
Stem cutting propagation
Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous can also be propagated through stem cuttings obtained from mature branches. Cuttings should be taken in the growing season, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones and planted in a well-draining soil medium. Ensure adequate moisture and maintain a high humidity environment to encourage root development, and the cuttings should root in approximately 2-4 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that can be used for Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous. It involves inducing the formation of roots on a stem still attached to the parent plant. This method is useful for species that are hard to root through cuttings. An incision is made in the middle of the stem and is kept open with the help of a toothpick or twig. The cut portion is then layered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with plastic to maintain humidity. Roots should develop in 6 to 8 weeks, and the rooted portion can then be removed and potted.
Disease Management
Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous can be prone to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. One common fungal disease that can affect the plant is leaf spot. This disease causes circular or irregular-shaped lesions on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected plant material and dispose of it properly. Additionally, fungicides can be used to prevent the disease from spreading.
Another disease that can affect Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous is root rot. This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens and can cause the roots to rot, reducing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure proper drainage in the soil. Additionally, avoiding overwatering and the use of fungicides can also help prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous can also be susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. One common pest that can affect the plant is aphids. These insects feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced yield. To manage aphids, insecticides can be used, or beneficial insects such as ladybugs can be introduced to help control the population.
Another pest that can affect Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous is spider mites. These pests are tiny and difficult to spot but can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and causing discoloration and stippling. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain a humid environment around the plant and regularly mist the leaves. Additionally, insecticides can be used to control the population if necessary.
Finally, mealybugs can also be a problem for Tapinanthus heteromorphus subsp. dichrous. These insects are white and fluffy and can attach themselves to various parts of the plant, causing damage by feeding on the sap. To manage mealybugs, insecticides can be used or the insects can be physically removed from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
