Origin
The Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is a species belong to the Rubiaceae family. It naturally occurs in tropical Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
The Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is commonly known as the white cocoa tree, African ax handle wood, and in the Bioko Island, West Africa, it is called Ekeke.
Uses
The wood of the Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is hard, durable, and termite-resistant, hence, making it an excellent choice for constructing rafters, beams, and handles for tools. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat ailments such as malaria, fever, and intestinal worms. The bark, roots, and leaves of T. gossweileri are rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, which have been isolated and shown to have antimalarial properties.
General Appearance
The Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is an evergreen tree that grows up to 25 meters tall. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk, with a grayish-brown bark that is deeply furrowed, creating blocks. The leaves are simple, opposite, and decussate arranged in four ranks, with a lanceolate shape and a length of 4-15 cm. The flowers are small, white, and tubular, and they grow in axillary and terminal corymbose inflorescences. The fruit is a fleshy, ellipsoid or globose drupe that measures 10-12 mm in diameter when mature.
Light Requirements
The Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson plant thrives in a shaded environment, receiving up to 80% shade. Although it can tolerate some sunlight, the plant requires partial shade to grow and flourish. Direct or excessive exposure to sunlight may result in stunted growth or the leaves turning yellow.
Temperature Requirements
Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is native to humid and warm tropical areas. The average optimal temperature ranges between 20°C and 24°C. The minimum temperature for the plant is 16°C, while the maximum temperature should not exceed 32°C. Humidity levels should be high, between 70% and 80%.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining, rich humus, and sandy loam soil. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. The plant will not thrive in waterlogged soil, and requires moist, well-drained soil with ample aeration. To promote healthy growth, it is advisable to incorporate organic matter into the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Cultivation Methods
Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is a tropical plant that requires filtered sunlight to grow. It thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28°C. It grows well in well-draining soil with good humus content, and the soil should be kept slightly moist at all times.
It is best to propagate Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson through cuttings or seedlings. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the plant branches. They should be inserted into a mixture of perlite and peat moss in equal parts. Keep the soil moist and covered with a plastic bag, removed for a few minutes each day, until the roots develop, which usually takes about three weeks.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential to the growth of Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson. The plant requires moderate watering and should be kept moist at all times, especially during hot weather. The soil must not be left to dry out completely. Overwatering could kill the plant, so it is best to water the plant sparingly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is a plant that requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, applied monthly during the growing season. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Over-application of fertilizer can burn the plant, which may result in severe damage or death.
Pruning
Pruning Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is necessary to encourage branching and maintain the plant's shape. Pruning should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as those that are crossing other branches or growing in the wrong direction. Make sure to use a clean and sharp pruning shear to avoid injuring the plant.
The plant sucker off the base when young, so removing suckers will encourage upright growth. Removing the top of the plant encourages branching and increased growth. When pruning, be sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant's total growth. Over-pruning can weaken the plant and reduce its overall health.
Propagation of Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson
Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson, also known as Tarenna, is a plant species native to tropical Africa. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. Propagation of Tarenna can be achieved through several methods including:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Tarenna is through seed. Seeds are sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination. Germination can take several weeks and requires warm temperatures and high humidity. Once the seedlings have developed strong roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cutting Propagation
Tarenna can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and include several foliage nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be placed in a container with a well-draining potting mix. The container should be placed in a warm and humid location until roots have formed, at which point the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or the ground.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves making a slit in the plant's stem and wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be covered in plastic wrap to keep it moist and left until roots have formed. Once rooted, the stem can be cut below the moss and transplanted to a larger container or the ground.
Disease Management
Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is a plant that is susceptible to various diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. These diseases can cause the leaves to turn yellow, wilt, and eventually fall off. To manage these diseases, one can use fungicides that are designed to treat the specific disease. It is essential to follow the instructions on the label to ensure effective treatment and proper application. Additionally, regular pruning of infected branches can help prevent the spread of the disease to healthy parts of the plant.
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and crown gall can also affect Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson. These diseases can be difficult to manage, and there are no specific cures available. However, one can reduce the risk of infection by ensuring that the plant is healthy and well-maintained. This includes proper watering and fertilization, avoiding overcrowding of plants, and practicing good sanitation by removing any infected plant debris.
Pest Management
Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson is also susceptible to pests such as mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor. To manage these pests, one can use insecticides that are specifically designed to treat the pest. It is essential to follow the instructions on the label, and only use the recommended amount to avoid damaging the plant and harming beneficial insects. Regular monitoring of the plant can also help detect any pests early and prevent the infestation from spreading.
Another effective method of pest management is biological control, which involves the use of natural enemies such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population. This method is environmentally friendly and sustainable, and it does not harm the plant or beneficial insects.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are critical for maintaining the health and vigor of Tarenna gossweileri S.Moore var. brevituba Bridson. Regular monitoring and proper management practices can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests, ensuring that the plant remains healthy and thriving.
