Origin
Ternstroemia africana Melch. is a species of flowering plant in the family Pentaphylacaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names in different parts of Africa, including Mukera (in Tanzania), Mbono (in Cameroon), Umgwikwana (in South Africa), and Uhuhukwe (in Zimbabwe).
Uses
The fruits of Ternstroemia africana Melch. have been traditionally used in African herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, stomach-ache, and fever. The bark of the plant is also known to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used to treat skin infections, wounds, and rheumatism.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Ternstroemia africana Melch. is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive evergreen foliage and showy, fragrant flowers.
General Appearance
Ternstroemia africana Melch. is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 20 meters tall. It has a dense, pyramidal canopy with glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong to elliptical in shape and about 8-15 cm long. The plant produces small, white to pale yellow flowers that are sweetly scented and appear in spring and summer. These give way to fleshy, round fruits that are about 2 cm in diameter and turn from green to red as they ripen.
Light requirements
Ternstroemia africana Melch. prefers partial shade to full sun. It can grow well in areas with dappled shade or areas that receive direct sunlight for a few hours each day. However, it does not tolerate excessive sunlight, especially during hot summer months.
Temperature requirements
This plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). However, it is susceptible to frost and cannot survive in areas with freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is not suitable for planting in areas with cold climates.
Soil requirements
Ternstroemia africana Melch. prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy or clayey soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be waterlogged to prevent root rot. Fertilizers can be applied to enhance growth, especially during the early stages of growth.
Cultivation
Ternstroemia africana Melch. can be grown from seeds, cuttings or grafts. The best time to plant is during the rainy season when the soil is moist enough for the plant to establish itself. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Ensure that the planting holes are twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to allow for the development of a strong root system.
Watering Needs
When establishing Ternstroemia africana Melch., it is important to water the plant regularly, especially during the first few months of growth. This will help the plant develop a strong root system that can survive droughts. Once the plant is established, it needs at least an inch of water per week.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Ternstroemia africana Melch. can help to boost the plant's growth and overall health. It is recommended to fertilize the plant during the beginning of the rainy season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer at the rate recommended on the package, and avoid applying too much fertilizer, which can damage the roots.
Pruning
Pruning Ternstroemia africana Melch. is essential for removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches and maintaining the plant's shape and size. Prune the plant after the blooming period to encourage the growth of new shoots. The plant can be easily pruned to any desired shape, including trees and shrubs. Care should be taken not to prune too much, which can weaken the plant's growth.
Propagation of Ternstroemia Africana
Ternstroemia africana Melch. can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
The first step in propagating Ternstroemia africana via seed is to collect mature fruits that have turned yellow or red. These fruits should be washed and the pulp removed before the seeds are air-dried for a few days. The seeds can then be sown in a well-drained soil mix and covered lightly with vermiculite, after which they should be kept moist.
Germination typically occurs within 60 to 100 days, and the resulting seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground once they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Ternstroemia africana can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter, although the former method is more commonly used since it results in a higher success rate.
For softwood cuttings, 10 to 15 cm long cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and placed in well-draining rooting media. The leaves of the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be misted regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
Hardwood cuttings are taken in winter from mature stems, and the same preparation steps are followed as for softwood cuttings. However they should be stored in cool temperatures, rather than warm, until signs of growth are observed, after which they should be stored at room temperature.
Disease Management for Ternstroemia Africana Melch.
Ternstroemia africana Melch., also known as African camellia, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases that can cause a reduction in plant health and yield.
One of the common diseases that may affect Ternstroemia africana Melch. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant, which can cause stunted growth and the death of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any infected plant material and to ensure adequate air circulation by spacing plants properly and avoiding overhead irrigation. Additionally, fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil can be applied to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that may affect Ternstroemia africana Melch. is leaf spot. Leaf spot is characterized by circular or angular spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to yellow and drop. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected plants or plant material, and maintain good sanitation practices to prevent the disease from spreading. Additionally, applying copper-based fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Ternstroemia Africana Melch.
Like all plants, Ternstroemia africana Melch. is also susceptible to pests. Pests can cause severe damage to plants by feeding on the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant, resulting in a reduction in plant health and yield.
One of the common pests that may affect Ternstroemia africana Melch. is the scale insect. Scale insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunting, yellowing, and eventually the death of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is important to remove any infected plant material and apply insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to control the spread of the pests.
Another pest that may affect Ternstroemia africana Melch. is the spider mite. Spider mites feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to appear stippled or bronzed. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain adequate humidity by misting the leaves frequently. Additionally, applying insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can help control the spread of the pest.
