Origin
Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Cameroon and Nigeria in West Africa.
Common Names
Tarenna neurophylla is commonly known as “Cameroon tarenna” or “West African tarenna”.
Uses
The plant has some traditional medicinal uses. In Cameroon, a decoction of the roots is used to treat leprosy and skin infections. The leaves and stems of the plant are used externally as a poultice to relieve pain and inflammation. Some parts of the plant are also used to treat fever, stomach ache, diarrhea, and various other conditions. The wood of Tarenna neurophylla is hard and durable, making it suitable for making tools and utensils.
General Appearance
Tarenna neurophylla is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 m tall. The leaves of the plant are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape, with pointed tips. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is covered with fine hairs. The flowers of the plant are yellowish-white and are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small, round, fleshy drupe that turns purple-black when mature.
Growth Conditions for Tarenna neurophylla
Light: Tarenna neurophylla requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves of the plant. It is best to place the plant near a window but out of direct sunlight.
Temperature: Tarenna neurophylla prefers a warm and humid environment. Optimal temperatures for growth are between 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 80°F). The plant can tolerate lower temperatures of 10°C (50°F) but may suffer if the temperature drops below that.
Soil Requirements: Tarenna neurophylla requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be in the slightly acidic to neutral range (around 6.0 to 7.0). Adding peat moss or perlite can improve drainage and aeration.
Watering: Tarenna neurophylla prefers to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilizer: Tarenna neurophylla benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, or 20-20-20, every two weeks. During the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce fertilization to once a month.
Humidity: Tarenna neurophylla prefers high humidity levels of around 60% to 70%. To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly or place a tray of water near the plant. You can also use a humidifier to provide consistent humidity around the plant.
Propagation: Tarenna neurophylla can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) stem cutting from the parent plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it in moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, brightly lit area until the cutting roots and starts to grow.
By following these basic growth conditions, you can grow a healthy Tarenna neurophylla plant that adds beauty to your home or garden.
Cultivation Methods for Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. plant is best grown in partially shaded areas and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, and pH of the soil should be slightly acidic or neutral (pH 6.5-7). Ensure that the planting hole is dug to a similar depth and width as the root ball of the plant.
Watering Needs for Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. requires consistent moisture, but they should not be allowed to sit in standing water. Water regularly, especially during the dry season, but avoid overwatering as it could lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization for Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
Feed Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. plant with a slow-release fertilizer three times a year, preferably during the growing season. Fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 are ideal for this plant. Avoid excess fertilizer application as it leads to rapid and weak growth.
Pruning for Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. does not require regular pruning but benefits from removal of dead or damaged branches and stems. Cut off spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to prevent the plant from producing seeds. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to minimize damage to the plant.
Propagation of Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. can be propagated using different methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering. Here are some details on how to propagate Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. using each of these methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. is by seeds. Here are the steps to follow when propagating using seeds:
- The first step is to obtain mature seeds from a healthy Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. specimen.
- After obtaining seeds, wash them thoroughly in clean water to remove any pulp or tissue from the fruit.
- Sow the seeds in a well-drained propagation medium in a seed tray. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the propagation medium and then moisten the soil.
- Place the seed tray in a warm, well-lit, and humid area, maintaining a temperature of around 22-27°C and relative humidity of around 80-90%.
- The seeds should germinate in around two to four weeks.
- When the seeds are about three to four months old and have produced several sets of leaves, transplant them to individual pots filled with potting mix.
- Maintain the young plants under similar conditions of light, warmth, and humidity for about six months. During this time, they should develop into healthy seedlings that can be planted in the main garden.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is another widely used method for propagating Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. Here is how to propagate using stem cuttings:
- Select a young and healthy Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. stem, free from any diseases and pests.
- Cut a piece of stem about 5-7 cm long, preferably from the tip of the stem.
- Remove the leaves from the lower one-third of the stem by making a clean cut with a sharp knife. The cutting should have at least two to three pairs of leaves on the upper end.
- Apply rooting hormone to the cut end of the stem to stimulate root growth, then insert the lower end into a well-drained propagation medium.
- Water the stem cutting, then cover it with a transparent plastic bag to create a humid environment and promote rooting. Place the stem cutting in a warm, well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight.
- The stem cutting should develop roots in around four to six weeks. When the roots are about 2-3 cm long, transplant the stem cutting to an individual pot filled with potting mix and maintain it under similar conditions until it is big and strong enough to be planted in the garden.
Propagation by Layering
The third method of propagating Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. is through layering. This method works well for mature Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. plants. Here are the steps to follow when propagating by layering:
- Select a healthy and strong Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. stem that is close to the ground and free from any diseases and pests.
- Using a sharp knife, make a small slit on the stem, about 5-7 cm below the tip.
- Gently bend the stem near the slit to create a ‘U’ shape, then secure the bent portion of the stem to the ground using a wooden peg or some wire, making sure that the portion below the slit remains in contact with the ground.
- Apply some rooting hormone to the portion of the stem that is now in contact with the soil to stimulate root growth.
- Water the soil well and cover the area with a transparent plastic sheet to create a humid environment and prevent the loss of moisture.
- Within eight to twelve weeks, the layered stem should develop roots. At this point, cut the stem, separating it from the parent plant, and transplant it to a pot filled with potting mix or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly found in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. This plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can cause significant damage if not managed timely and properly.
Common diseases affecting Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
The following are the common diseases that often affect Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.:
- Leaf spot disease: This is caused by fungi and is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove all infected leaves and dispose of them appropriately. Also, avoid watering the plant from above to prevent the spread of spores.
- Root rot: This is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil. Infected roots will turn brown and mushy. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-drained. In severe cases, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh soil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a powdery white substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, regularly spray the plant with a fungicide. Also, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overcrowding.
Common pests affecting Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.
The following are the common pests that often affect Tarenna neurophylla (S.Moore) Bremek.:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves by sucking sap from them. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water to increase humidity levels. Also, spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
- Aphids: Aphids often appear as tiny green or yellow insects on the leaves. They suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to wilt. To manage aphids, regularly spray the plant with water to increase humidity levels. Also, spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to the leaves and flowers by chewing on them. To manage caterpillars, handpicking them is an effective technique. If infestation is severe, spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be effective.
