Origin
Tarenna fusco-flava (K.Schum.) N.Hallé, also known as Yellowwood, is a plant species that is native to the African continent. It is found in countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, and Gabon.
Common Names
Besides Yellowwood, Tarenna fusco-flava is commonly referred to as “Bois jaune” in Congo, “Ejong ebo” in Cameroon and “Mondzagui” in Gabon.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. It is used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, headaches, malaria, dysentery, and stomach troubles. The leaves and roots of the plant are also used to treat skin diseases such as eczema, boils, and wounds. The plant extracts are also believed to have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tarenna fusco-flava is also used as a decoction in some cultures to induce childbirth. Additionally, the plant has been used in some areas as a timber source and as a firewood.
General Appearance
Tarenna fusco-flava is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. Its bark is smooth and gray, tending towards brown. The leaves are simple, oval in shape, and measure 5 to 12 cm long and 2 to 6 cm wide. The plant’s flowers are small, yellow, and have a pleasant fragrance.
The fruit of Tarenna fusco-flava is a berry that is ovoid in shape and measures 8 to 12 mm long. The fruit is yellow to orange in color and is often consumed by birds, which disperse the seeds. The plant is commonly found in evergreen and semi-deciduous forests.
Light Requirements
Tarenna fusco-flava requires moderate light intensity for optimal growth. It can tolerate both full sunlight and partial shade, but too much shade can inhibit its growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C, as it is a tropical plant.
Soil Requirements
Tarenna fusco-flava prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but requires good moisture retention. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Tarenna fusco-flava is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It should be cultivated in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil under full or partial sun exposure. Prior to planting, loosen the soil and enrich it with organic matter such as compost or manure. Germination of seeds may take up to two weeks, and they should be started in a warm, moist environment. Transplant the young seedlings into their permanent location once they have developed at least two sets of leaves.
Watering Needs
Tarenna fusco-flava requires consistent moisture to thrive, so regular watering is necessary. Water the plant deeply, but ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist but avoid over-watering. In the dormant period, reduce watering frequency significantly but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and flowering, fertilize Tarenna fusco-flava every two to four weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. For best results, use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. During the dormant period, stop fertilization to allow the plant to rest.
Pruning
Pruning Tarenna fusco-flava can help to keep the plant tidy and promote more robust growth. Prune the plant in early spring or late winter before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and cut back any unwanted growth to promote a fuller and more compact plant. You can also pinch back young shoots to encourage branching.
Propagation of Tarenna Fusco-Flava
Tarenna fusco-flava (K.Schum.) N.Hallé is a plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is commonly known as the yellow-flowered tarenna and is a tropical shrub that can be propagated by several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant's fruit, which is a small fleshy berry. The seeds need to be separated from the pulp and washed thoroughly with water before being planted in a pot or on the ground. It is important to note that the seeds of Tarenna fusco-flava may take a month or more to germinate, and patience is required.
Cutting Propagation
Tarenna fusco-flava can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves cutting a stem or branch from the plant and planting it in a pot or on the ground. The cutting should be made from a healthy and mature plant, with at least two nodes or leaf buds. Cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment to encourage root growth.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Tarenna fusco-flava. This method involves making a cut in the stem of the plant and applying rooting hormone or sphagnum moss to the wound. The cut is then wrapped in plastic to maintain the moisture, and roots will eventually form at the wound site. Once sufficient root growth has occurred, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and potted or planted on the ground.
Division
The division is another method to propagate Tarenna fusco-flava. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them. This method is best done when the plant is mature or overgrown, and the root system has become too large for its pot or location. The division should be carried out in the early spring when the plant is just beginning to grow, and each section should have several stems and roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Tarenna fusco-flava
Tarenna fusco-flava is a beautiful tropical plant that can be a great addition to any garden. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common diseases
Leaf Spot: This is the most common disease that affects Tarenna fusco-flava. Leaf spots are small, circular lesions that appear on the leaves. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove all infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent it from spreading.
Mildew: Powdery mildew is another common disease that affects the plant. It is caused by a fungus and appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this disease, keep the plant dry and ensure proper air circulation. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These pests are small white insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause the plant to wilt and yellow. To manage them, you can use an insecticidal soap or biological control like ladybugs to eat them.
Spider Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant and cause it to lose its color. They also produce webs that can cover the plant. To manage them, spray the plant with water to remove the webs and apply an insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: These pests are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can eat large amounts of foliage. To manage them, handpick them off the plant or use an insecticide that targets caterpillars.
With proper care and management, Tarenna fusco-flava can be a healthy and beautiful addition to your garden.
