Overview of Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii
Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii, also known as Gillman's tarenna, is a shrub species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. This evergreen plant species is endemic to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where it grows in damp, misty forest habitats.
Appearance of Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii
Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii is a shrub with a spreading growth habit, typically reaching heights of up to 4 meters. The plant has an attractive foliage, with glossy dark green leaves that are elliptical in shape with a length of up to 12 centimeters. Its stalks have fine red hairs.
The shrub's flowers, which appear from October to November, are small and cream-colored, with a tubular shape. They occur in clusters at the ends of the branchlets, and are followed by small fruits with a fleshy consistency.
Uses of Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii
Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii is mainly grown as an ornamental species in gardens and parks due to its attractive foliage and relatively fast growth rate. It can also be cultivated in containers, as it adapts well to a range of soil types and climatic conditions. The plant's dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedging and screening purposes.
Aside from its ornamental value, the plant has not been found to possess any significant medicinal or nutritional uses.
Growth Conditions for Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim subsp. gillmanii Bridson
Light: Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii requires partial shade to full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate low light levels, but it may result in reduced growth and flowering.
Temperature: The plant grows well in warm and humid conditions. It requires a minimum temperature of 15°C for growth. The optimal temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C.
Soil: Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to loamy soils.
Water: The plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. It prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought.
Fertilization: Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply fertilizer during the growing season every four to six weeks.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season and rooted in a well-draining rooting medium.
Cultivation Method
Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim subsp. gillmanii Bridson is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that grows best in well-draining soil. It prefers partial shade to full sun and can be propagated through stem cuttings during the growing season.
Watering Needs
This plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil consistently moist. However, it's essential to avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot and kill the plant. Water only when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim subsp. gillmanii Bridson does not require a lot of fertilizers, but it appreciates a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant healthy and well-shaped. Remove any dead or diseased branches at any time. You can also remove any leggy growth and pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage a fuller, more compact growth. Pruning is best done during the dormant season.
Propagation of Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim subsp. gillmanii Bridson
Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim subsp. gillmanii Bridson can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds:
The seeds of Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim subsp. gillmanii Bridson are small and should be sown on the surface of a potting mix made from a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. It is important to keep the potting mix consistently moist and to maintain a temperature of around 20°C-25°C. Germination may take between several weeks, and 2-3 months. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves they can be transplanted to individual pots and grown on until large enough to be planted out.
Propagation through stem cuttings:
Stem cuttings of Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim subsp. gillmanii Bridson can be taken during the growing season which typically lasts from spring to early summer. The stem cuttings should be around 5-10 cm long, and the cutting should be taken just below a node. Remove the bottom leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and insert the cutting into a potting mix that is damp. The pot should be kept moist and the cutting should be kept in a brightly lit spot but should avoid direct sun. The cuttings should root in 4-6 weeks, and once rooted can be planted in individual pots and grown until they are large enough to be transplanted to their final position.
Disease Management
The Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii is a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it can be affected by leaf spot diseases caused by fungi such as Phoma, Colletotrichum, and Cercospora. These leaf spot diseases initially manifest as small, circular spots, which later enlarge and merge to form large patches on the leaves.
To manage leaf spot diseases, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering and keep the leaves dry, and ensure adequate air circulation by spacing the plants properly. Fungicidal sprays containing copper, sulfur or neem oil can also be used to manage the diseases.
The plant can also be affected by root rot, which is caused by soil-borne pathogens such as Phytophthora and Pythium. This disease can be prevented by ensuring the soil is well-draining and avoiding overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that affects Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii is the leaf miner, which is a fly larvae that burrows inside the leaves and causes yellowing and twisting of the affected leaves. To manage leaf miners, remove and destroy affected leaves and use sticky traps to capture the adult flies. Neem oil or insecticidal soaps can also be used to control the pests.
The plant can also be affected by snails and slugs, which feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage them, handpick and remove them from the plant, and use physical barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth to prevent them from accessing the plant. Beer traps can also be used to attract and drown the pests.
Finally, the Tarenna pavettoides subsp. gillmanii can be affected by sucking insects such as aphids and mites, which feed on the sap and weaken the plant. To manage them, use insecticidal soaps or oils, or introduce predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control them naturally.
