Tapinanthus oehleri (Engl.) Danser
Tapinanthus oehleri (Engl.) Danser is commonly known as the African mistletoe or Zulu name umkhanyakude. It is a hemi-parasitic plant that grows on a diverse range of trees in tropical Africa.
Origin
Tapinanthus oehleri is found in tropical Africa, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It has been reported to grow on various trees such as Acacia, Albizia, and Combretum trees.
Common Names
Tapinanthus oehleri is commonly known as African mistletoe or Zulu name umkhanyakude.
Uses
Tapinanthus oehleri has been used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as hypertension, malaria, fever, and infertility. The plant contains various compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids that possess an array of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. In addition, it is used in African traditional weddings as a good luck charm.
General Appearance
Tapinanthus oehleri is a hemi-parasitic plant that grows on the branches of various trees. It has green, leathery leaves, and white to pinkish flowers that bloom between October and January. The fruit is a round, green, and fleshy berry that turns red when ripe. The stem of the plant is either green or yellowish-brown and can grow up to 1m in length.
Growth Conditions for Tapinanthus oehleri
Tapinanthus oehleri, commonly known as mistletoe, is a parasitic plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Below are some key elements that affect its growth:
Light
Mistletoe requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow. It prefers partially shaded areas, where it can access enough sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, but not so much that it becomes dehydrated. Direct sunlight for extended periods can be harmful to the plant.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Tapinanthus oehleri is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Soil
As a parasitic plant, Tapinanthus oehleri does not grow in soil, but rather on the branches of host trees. It prefers trees such as Citrus species, mango, cocoa, and avocado. The bark of the host tree should be rough and textured to allow the seed to germinate and attach itself to the tree. In addition, the host plant must provide enough nutrients to sustain the growth of the mistletoe.
Cultivation Methods
Tapinanthus oehleri (Engl.) Danser, commonly known as Dodder of Love, is a parasitic plant that grows best on a host tree. It is a plant that can thrive in most environmental conditions but mostly found in tropical regions. It is a fascinating plant that does not require soil to grow as it derives its nutrients from the host plant.
To cultivate this plant, you should choose a large, healthy host tree or shrub. The larger the host tree, the more likely it will support Tapinanthus oehleri's growth. The plant should be securely attached to the host tree's bark, and the point of attachment should be wrapped with twine.
Watering Needs
In most cases, Tapinanthus oehleri does not require frequent watering since it derives its nutrients from the host plant. However, it would help if you kept the air around the tree or shrub humid. Frequent misting of the leaves using a spray bottle can provide the necessary humidity for the plant to thrive adequately.
Fertilization
The plant does not require any fertilizer since it obtains its nutrients from the host plant. However, it would be best to monitor the health of the host plant to ensure it does not become weak or die from Tapinanthus oehleri's parasitism.
Pruning
Pruning Tapinanthus oehleri is not necessary since it is a parasitic plant. However, it would assist if you removed any dead or damaged leaves or stems on the host plant, which can help protect the host plant's health. Also, it's crucial to keep an eye on the growth of the plant to ensure that it does not perform excessive damage to the host plant.
Propagation of Tapinanthus oehleri
Tapinanthus oehleri is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of its host tree. It can propagate through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
The plant produces small, round, black seeds that can be harvested and propagated. However, this method is not commonly used due to the difficulty of obtaining viable seeds and the low success rate of germination. The germination of seeds depends on various factors such as humidity, temperature, and light intensity. The ideal germination conditions for Tapinanthus oehleri seeds are not yet fully understood.
Vegetative propagation
This plant can also be propagated through vegetative methods, such as stem cuttings. A cutting from the host tree branch that has several Tapinanthus oehleri shoots attached can be taken and replanted on another host tree branch. The success rate of this method is relatively high when compared to seed propagation.
Spread from host tree to tree
Tapinanthus oehleri plant can also spread naturally from one host tree to another. Birds and other animals aid in this propagation method by carrying the seeds and attaching them to other branches or trees as they move around.
Overall, the propagation methods of Tapinanthus oehleri are diverse, and the choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the grower or gardener. Vegetative propagation is the most common and easiest method to propagate the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Tapinanthus oehleri Plants
Tapinanthus oehleri is a parasitic plant that grows mostly on the trunks and branches of other trees. Despite being a parasitic plant, it can still suffer from diseases and pests like any other plants. It is essential to identify and manage these diseases and pests early enough to ensure the survival and growth of the plant.
Common Diseases of Tapinanthus oehleri Plants
There are not many known diseases that commonly affect Tapinanthus oehleri plants. However, the plant may suffer from leaf spot diseases caused by fungi such as Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Botryodiplodia spp., and Colletotrichum spp. The plant may also suffer from stem cankers caused by Phytophthora spp. and mealybugs infestation.
Management of Leaf Spot Diseases
Management of leaf spot diseases involves removing the affected leaves and taking preventive measures. Preventive measures include practicing proper sanitation by removing and destroying fallen leaves and other plant debris, ensuring proper air circulation around the plant, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides may also be used to manage severe leaf spot infections.
Management of Stem Canker Diseases
Management of stem canker diseases involves removing and destroying the affected stems to prevent the spread of the disease. When pruning, it is essential to use sterile cutting tools to prevent spreading the disease. For prevention, it is also essential to practice proper sanitation and ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soils.
Common Pests of Tapinanthus oehleri Plants
Tapinanthus oehleri plants are also prone to pest infestation. The common pests that affect Tapinanthus oehleri plants include mealybugs, thrips, spider mites, and scales.
Management of Mealybugs Infestation
Mealybugs infestation is one of the most common pests that affect Tapinanthus oehleri plants. Management of Mealybugs infestation involves the use of insecticides with active ingredients such as chlorpyriphos, dimethoate, and cyfluthrin. It is essential to ensure complete coverage of the plant during insecticide application for good results. Additionally, the plants can also be treated using neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil.
Management of Thrips and Spider Mites Infestation
Management of thrips and spider mites infestation involves the use of insecticides with active ingredients such as acephate, bifenthrin, and imidacloprid. The plants can also be sprayed using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Therefore, proper plant hygiene practices, including removing and destroying infected plant debris, are also essential in pest management.
Management of Scale Infestation
Management of scale infestation involves the use of systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid, which may be absorbed by the plant roots and translocated to the leaves and stems. The use of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap also offers a non-toxic way of controlling scales. Just like other pests, proper plant hygiene, including pruning, scraping, and scrubbing, may help manage scale infestation.
