Description of Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family.
Origin
This plant is native to West and Central Africa.
Common Names
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is commonly known as the Red-stemmed Tarenna, Tainne in Cameroon, and Ngungan in Nigeria.
General Appearance
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is a densely branched shrub that can reach up to 5m in height. The bark of the branches is reddish-brown, and the leaves are dark green and glossy. The leaves are oblong or elliptical and about 9-25 cm long. They have a pointed tip and a smooth edge. The flowers are small and pale white, and they appear in clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a small, fleshy, and red berry that contains two seeds.
Uses
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay has various medicinal uses in African traditional medicine. The leaves and roots of the plant are used to treat fever, headache, and stomach problems. The bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and malaria. The fruit is eaten raw, and it is also used in the treatment of various ailments. The plant is also used in the production of local alcoholic drinks.
In conclusion, Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is an important plant species with various medicinal and cultural uses.
Growth Conditions for Tarenna Vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. Subglabra Keay
Light Requirements: Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is a species that requires bright indirect sunlight, although it can also tolerate partial shade. Placing the plant near an east-facing window can provide it with the lighting conditions it needs.
Temperature Requirements: This plant needs a warm and humid environment to thrive. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause damage to its leaves and slow its growth rate.
Soil Requirements: The Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay prefers moist soil but also requires proper drainage to prevent root rot. A quality soil mix rich in organic matter and that can hold onto water while allowing air circulation is ideal. Adding perlite to the soil can improve drainage and aeration.
Water Requirements: This plant needs to be watered consistently, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it's essential to ensure that the soil has proper drainage. The frequency of watering will depend on the amount of light, temperature, and humidity in the environment.
Cultivation methods for Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is a small tropical shrub that requires specific cultivation methods for optimal growth. The plant prefers acidic soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. It also requires partial shade, and full sunlight exposure may cause leaf scorching or wilting. Therefore, positioning the plant under natural or artificial light shade is necessary to promote healthy growth.
The plant's propagation is best achieved by seed or stem cutting. The seeds require pre-treatment before planting to enhance the germination process. They should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting in well-draining soil. For stem cutting, a 4-6 inch cutting with at least two leaves should be selected, and the lower leaves should be removed before planting in a rooting hormone mixture.
Watering needs for Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay prefers moist soil at all times. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, as this may lead to plant death. To achieve optimal growth, the plant should be watered regularly, but not excessively, to avoid waterlogging. Watering frequency depends on the soil drainage, humidity levels, and weather conditions.
The plant's leaves should be misted regularly to enhance humidity levels around the plant. However, water should not be allowed to accumulate on the leaves, as this may lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization for Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay requires regular fertilization to enhance growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied to moist soil to avoid burning the plant's roots.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season. Over-fertilization and under-fertilization may lead to stunted growth, reduced flowering, or even plant death.
Pruning for Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is during the dormant season. Pruning should be done using sharp and sterile pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Before pruning, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches or leaves. Prune back overgrown branches to a healthy bud or node to promote new growth. Do not remove more than one-third of the plant's growth during pruning, as this may weaken the plant.
Propagation of Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay can be propagated through vegetative and sexual methods.
Vegetative Propagation
One of the most common vegetative propagation methods for Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from mature and healthy plants during the growing season. The stem cutting should be at least 7 cm in length and should have two to three nodes. Once the cuttings are taken, they are dipped into a rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid condition with indirect light until new growth appears. After about six to eight weeks, the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Sexual Propagation
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay can also be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants. The seeds are extracted from the ripe fruit and washed with clean water. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining seedbed mix and kept in a warm and humid condition until germination. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed true leaves. It is essential to keep the seedlings in a shaded area with regular watering until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay
Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay is a shrub that is native to West Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can cause damage and reduce yield. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay, along with some ways to manage them.
Common Pests:
African Sirex woodwasp: The African Sirex woodwasp can cause a significant amount of damage to Tarenna vignei. They often bore into the wood causing the death of the plant or making the timber completely unusable. If you notice holes in the stem, sawdust around the plant, or wilting, it may be a sign of an infestation. In this case, remove the affected parts and dispose of them immediately away from any other susceptible plants.
Coffee white stem borer: The coffee white stem borer can damage Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay by boring into the stem, which can cause areas of the stem to die. This pest can be easily controlled by removing and destroying infested stems as soon as they are detected.
Common Diseases:
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects many different plants including Tarenna vignei. Symptoms include dark spots or lesions on the leaves, stems and fruit, along with defoliation. Avoid overhead watering and keep the soil around the plant dry. Also, use fungicides for treatment.
Sooty mold:Sooty mold is a fungal disease that forms a dark layer on the surface of leaves. It is caused by the presence of aphids, and their sticky excreta can serve as a microbial substrate. The best way to manage sooty mold is to control the aphids that cause it.
By following these tips, your Tarenna vignei Hutch. & Dalziel var. subglabra Keay will be healthy and thriving.
