Overview
Tetracera affinis Hutch. is a plant species belonging to the Dilleniaceae family. It is commonly known as the "Mumaati" in India. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in various countries in the region such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Description
Tetracera affinis is a woody climbing plant that can grow up to 10 meters in length. It has dark green leaves that are glossy, oval, and measure between 6-20 cm in length. The plant produces small, cream-colored flowers that grow in clusters and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit of the plant is a woody capsule that measures approximately 1-2 cm in length and contains several small seeds.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses, and different parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine. The fruits and leaves of the plant are used to treat fever, coughs, and respiratory ailments. The bark of the plant is used to treat skin infections and wounds. In addition, the plant has been used to treat snakebites and other venomous animal bites. The plant is also used as a traditional remedy for diabetes.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Tetracera affinis is also used for various other purposes. The bark is used to make ropes, while the wood is used in construction and as firewood. The plant also has ornamental value and is sometimes used in landscaping.
Light requirements
Tetracera affinis is a tropical plant that grows best under full or partial shade. When exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, the leaves may become scorch, and the plant may suffer from heat stress.
Temperature considerations
The plant thrives best in warm temperatures between 25-29°C. Tetracera affinis is intolerant to freezing temperatures, and cooler temperatures can slow down the growth rate. As such, the plant is not suitable for regions with cold temperatures and winter seasons.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers moist, loamy, well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should remain consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Tetracera affinis can tolerate mildly acidic soils but does not grow well in highly saline or alkaline soils.
Cultivation
The Tetracera affinis Hutch. can be propagated by seed or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow ripe seeds in well-drained soil and maintain a temperature of around 25°C. Germination may take several weeks to months depending on the local climate. For cutting propagation, choose healthy stem cuttings and treat them with rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
The Tetracera affinis Hutch. prefers evenly moist soil but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Depending on the local climate, watering might be necessary once a week or once every two weeks. When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves as this may promote fungal infections. Consider using a drip irrigation system to keep the soil moist without causing waterlogging and encouraging fungal pathogens.
Fertilization
The Tetracera affinis Hutch. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer, following the manufacturer's guidelines. Alternatively, use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. Be careful not to overfertilize as this can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage the plant.
Pruning
The Tetracera affinis Hutch. requires minimal pruning beyond removing dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring. As the plant tends to grow vertically, you may need to train it to grow horizontally or use support such as trellis or stakes to maintain a desirable shape. Prune branches that obstruct pathways, walls, or other structures as needed.
Propagation of Tetracera affinis Hutch.
Tetracera affinis Hutch. can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, stem cutting, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Tetracera affinis Hutch. can be easily collected from matured fruits during the fruiting season. The seeds are typically small, and planting them immediately is necessary as they lose viability quickly. To obtain the best germination rates, seeds need to be scarified or nicked with a file before sowing. The best time to sow seeds is in the rainy season as the seeds require high moisture levels and a warm temperature to germinate.
Stem Cutting
Stem cutting is an easy and effective approach to propagate Tetracera affinis Hutch. The best time to take the stem cuttings is in the early part of the rainy season, when the plant's growth is robust. Cuttings with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm and a length of 20-25 cm are best for propagation. The cuttings should be planted in a mixing that has equal proportions of soil and sand. The soil should be moist, but not overly wet. After a few weeks, the cuttings should start producing new leaves, indicating that rooting has begun.
Layering
Tetracera affinis Hutch. can also be readily propagated through layering. It is best to take the layered stem between late summer and early fall when the plant growth is at its peak. Choose a low hanging stem and remove the leaves from the bottom 5-10 cm. Make a shallow cut on the stem and dust with a rooting hormone. The cut area should be wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and tied tightly with a plastic sheet. After a few weeks, the area around the cut section should start producing new roots, and the plastic bags can be removed. Once the roots have become strong, cut the newly propagated stem from the parent plant.
Disease Management
The Tetracera affinis Hutch. plant is generally robust and can resist a variety of diseases with proper care. However, it may be susceptible to certain common plant diseases, including:
- Leaf blight: The leaves of the plant become discolored and develop spots when infected with leaf blight. To manage this disease, it's necessary to remove and destroy infected foliage. Additionally, use fungicides periodically to prevent spores from spreading.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is characterized by the appearance of white patches on the leaves. This disease can be controlled by applying a fungicide with neem oil or baking soda to the affected areas.
- Root rot: Consistent dampness and poor drainage will result in root rot in Tetracera affinis Hutch. plants. To avoid root rot, you should allow the soil to dry out before watering and improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil.
Pest Management
Tetracera affinis Hutch. is occasionally infested with pests that can harm the plant and reduce its productivity. Try the following remedies to keep these pests under control:
- Spider mites: These tiny insects feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. The first indication of an infestation is the presence of small webs around the plant. Keep the leaves moist by regularly misting them and increasing the humidity around the plant to prevent spider mites from attacking.
- Aphids: Aphids consume sap from the plant's underside, causing the leaves to wilt. The sugar residue left from their meal attracts other pests and promotes fungal growth. To keep this pest from spreading, use a gentle water spray to rinse off aphids and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant regularly.
- Thrips: Thrips prefer to feed on plant sap containing chlorophyll. As a result, the leaves will appear discolored and have scars if infected with this pest. Dispose of infected foliage and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent the thrips from spreading.
