Description of Teclea Macedoi Exell & Mendonça
Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça, also known commonly as the Macedo’s teclea, is a plant species belonging to the Rutaceae family. The plant was first discovered in Angola, Africa and was named in honor of its collector Eliseu Macedo.
General Appearance
The plant is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 meters high. It has a straight trunk with a smooth bark that is gray in color. The leaves are elliptical, shiny, and slightly toothed, while the flowers are small and white. The plant produces orange-red berries that are about 1cm in diameter and have a sour taste.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Macedo’s teclea in honor of its collector. In Angola, the plant is known as “Muela-nguena” while in Portuguese it is called “Amoreira-brava” or “Castanha-pimenta”.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots are used to treat toothaches and also as a cure for gonorrhea. The bark and fruits of the plant are used for treating fevers, headaches, and stomach problems. The plant is also used as a natural pesticide.
Light Requirements:
Teclea macedoi typically grows well in areas of partial shade. It requires some sunshine for photosynthesis but does not tolerate direct sunlight. This plant prefers environments with filtered light or dappled sun exposure and can thrive under understory conditions.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers warm temperatures and grows well in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 30°C. It cannot survive in areas with frost, and temperatures below 10°C can cause the plant to die.
Soil Requirements:
Teclea macedoi prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6 to 7. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or soils with poor drainage. Sand, loam, or sandy loam soils are the ideal soil types for this plant.
Cultivation of Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça
Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Rutaceae. This plant is native to Mozambique, and it is quite tolerant of different soil types and climatic conditions. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, although the latter method is more reliable.
If you are planting the seed, you should soak it in warm water for 24 hours before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and transfer the plant to a larger container as it grows.
If you are taking cuttings, choose a healthy stem that is about 15 cm long and has a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the stem in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it in a warm and humid location until it establishes roots.
Watering Needs of Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça
Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top 2-3 cm of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, water the plant more frequently, but be careful not to overwater it. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
During the winter months, water the plant less frequently since it is in its dormant phase. However, make sure the soil does not completely dry out.
Fertilization of Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça
Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks, following the instructions on the label.
During the winter months, you can reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every 8 weeks.
Pruning of Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça
Pruning Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça is not necessary, but it can be done to maintain the shape and size of the plant. Prune the plant in the early spring, before it starts to produce new growth.
You can remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing branches that may be rubbing against each other. You can also trim back the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça
Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça is a rare plant species that is native to East Africa. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is commonly known as the "Macedo's teclea." The plant has a slow growth rate and can be propagated using different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça by seeds is recommended for larger scale propagation. The seeds are sown in a propagating tray filled with seed-raising mix. The tray should be kept warm, under a constant moisture supply and a bright, indirect sunlight until germination, which can take up to two to three weeks. Once the seedlings reach a few inches tall, they can be transplanted to larger containers, and after a few months, they can be planted directly in the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
The propagation by cuttings method is suitable for propagating the Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça plant in smaller quantities. Healthy stem cuttings of about 4-5 inches long should be taken from a mature Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça plant. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before placing them in a container filled with a well-draining rooting medium. The container should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the cuttings develop an abundant root system. After roots develop, the cuttings can be transplanted to the garden soil or containers.
Propagation by Layering
The propagation by layering method involves selecting a healthy, flexible branch of a Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça plant and making a shallow cut in the cambium layer. The cut should be held open using a toothpick, and a rooting hormone should be applied to the wounded area of the branch. The branch should then be buried in soil or compost, leaving the wounded area above the ground. The plant should be left for a few weeks, and once roots form, the branch can be cut off from the mother plant and transferred to the desired site.
Regardless of the propagation method, care and attention should be taken to ensure successful propagation of Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça. The propagating medium should be well-draining and kept moist, the environment should be warm and humid, and young plants should be adequately fertilized and watered until they establish in their new environment.
Disease Management
Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça is known to be susceptible to a range of diseases. One of the most common diseases that affects this plant is powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance that covers the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it's important to eliminate weeds and debris from around the plant and to ensure good air circulation by pruning the plant regularly. Fungicides can also be used to manage powdery mildew, but they should be applied as directed and with caution.
Another disease that can affect Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça is root rot. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. To manage this disease, it's important to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure good drainage. Fungicides can also be used to manage root rot, but they should be used sparingly and as directed.
Pest Management
Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça is also susceptible to a range of pests. One of the most common pests that can affect this plant is spider mites. These pests are tiny and can be difficult to see, but they can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, it's important to wash the leaves of the plant regularly and to avoid overwatering the plant. Insecticidal soaps can also be used to manage spider mites, but they should be used as directed and with caution.
Another pest that can affect Teclea macedoi Exell & Mendonça is whiteflies. These pests are small and white and can be found on the undersides of leaves. They can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking on the sap of the leaves. To manage whiteflies, it's important to wash the leaves of the plant regularly and to avoid overfertilizing the plant. Insecticidal soaps can also be used to manage whiteflies, but they should be used as directed and with caution.
