Overview
Teclea glomerata (Engl.) I.Verd. is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is commonly known as the African arrow poison tree and is native to sub-Saharan Africa. The plant is known to be poisonous and has been used traditionally for hunting and medicinal purposes.
Appearance
The Teclea glomerata tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a grey to brown bark. The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, and can reach up to 30 cm long. The leaflets are elliptical to obovate-shaped and measure between 4 and 10 cm in length. The tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers, which are followed by small yellowish berries that are about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
The Teclea glomerata tree has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial properties. Various parts of the plant, including the bark, roots, and leaves, have been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, malaria, respiratory infections, and constipation.
The tree has also been used for hunting purposes, as the sap from the tree has potent arrow poison properties. The sap is collected from the bark and used on arrowheads to immobilize prey.
In addition to its medicinal and hunting uses, the Teclea glomerata tree is also used for timber and fuelwood.
Light Requirements
Teclea glomerata prefers partial to full sun exposure, although it can also grow in partial shade. It is a moderately shade-tolerant plant, which means that it can withstand some shade but will not thrive in extremely low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Teclea glomerata is 18°C to 28°C, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 35°C. However, it is not cold hardy and cannot survive frost.
Soil Requirements
Teclea glomerata grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in humus and organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (between 6.0 and 7.5). The plant can adapt to different soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it requires good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Teclea glomerata can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, the plant requires partial shade and well-draining soil. It can handle temperatures as low as 25°F if the soil is dry. Indoors, the plant requires bright, indirect light and moist soil. It can also be propagated through cuttings.
Watering needs
When grown outdoors, Teclea glomerata requires regular watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. When grown indoors, the plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and ultimately the death of the plant.
Fertilization
Teclea glomerata can be fertilized with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. The plant can also benefit from organic fertilizers such as compost or worm castings.
Pruning
To promote bushier growth and to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, Teclea glomerata can be pruned. Dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. When pruning, it is recommended to use clean, sterilized tools to prevent the spread of infection.
Propagation of Teclea glomerata (Engl.) I.Verd.
Teclea glomerata, commonly known as the African cherry orange or bushveld orange, can be propagated by various methods which include seeds, cuttings and layering.
Propagation by Seeds:
The most common and easiest method of propagation for Teclea glomerata is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the fruit of the tree from the end of winter to the beginning of summer, as soon as the fruit has ripened.
The seeds are then soaked in water for at least 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating before planting. They are then sown in well-draining potting soil or seedling trays and kept in a warm and moist environment until they start to germinate in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots and later transferred to the field.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Cuttings are another method of propagation for Teclea glomerata. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in the early summer, as soon as the new growth has hardened.
These cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long with at least 2 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting soil or sand.
The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and moist environment until they begin to root and new growth has started.
Propagation by Layering:
Layering is another propagation method for Teclea glomerata, but it is less popular than the previous two. It allows for the propagation of the tree without removing it from its location.
This process involves bending a low-growing branch of the plant and covering the area just below a leaf node with soil or compost. The branch should remain attached to the parent plant until it has developed roots.
Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant, dug up and transplanted into another location.
With the above-mentioned propagation methods, Teclea glomerata can be easily propagated and cultivated in different parts of the world for its many uses which include medicinal, culinary and cultural purposes.
Disease and Pest Management for Teclea glomerata (Engl.) I.Verd.
Teclea glomerata, commonly known as the African dogwood, is a plant species native to Africa. While the plant is generally hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases, it can still be vulnerable to certain pests and diseases that can damage the health and appearance of the plant.
Common Pests that Affect Teclea glomerata
One of the most common pests that can affect Teclea glomerata is the mealybug. These tiny white insects can suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing wilting and eventual death. To control a mealybug infestation, quick action is necessary. You can remove mealybugs by manually wiping and spraying the plant with water. You can control a more severe infestation with insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
The scale insect is another pest that can attack Teclea glomerata. Scale insects suck plant sap and cause leaves and stems to wilt. The best way to manage this infestation is by physically removing the scales and applying insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Common Diseases that Affect Teclea glomerata
Although Teclea glomerata is generally resistant to diseases, it can still fall prey to certain diseases that can cause leaf and stem damage. For instance, the plant can develop leaf spots caused by a fungal infection. The spots start as small, yellowish-green discolorations that turn brown later. To manage this problem, you can remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Teclea glomerata is root rot, which can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and fungal infections. The disease can impact the plant's root system, making the plant unable to take up water and nutrients. Proper drainage and serious attention to watering can help prevent this disease from manifesting. Additionally, fungal infections can be treated with tools and fungicides.
Conclusion
Proper management of pests and diseases is essential to keep Teclea glomerata healthy and thriving. In general, you should monitor regularly for signs of pests and diseases and take quick action as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection. Adopting appropriate hygiene practices such as proper watering and effective measures to physically remove pests is highly recommended.
