Overview
Tetracera gilletii De Wild. is a woody plant known for its medicinal and ornamental uses. It is native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa and belongs to the family of Dilleniaceae.
General Appearance
The plant has a large and sprawling habit, growing up to 12m high and 10m wide. It usually has a single trunk with a rough and fissured bark. Its leaves are simple, broad, and shiny, with a leathery texture, and have prominent veins. Tetracera gilletii produces small, white flowers that are arranged in loose clusters. Its fruits are oval, brown, and woody capsules that are about 2–4 cm long.
Common Names
Tetracera gilletii is known by several vernacular names including Kpurunje (Yoruba), Owusa (Igbo), Aboratutu (Ewe), Mvanu (Bantu), and Mvimvo (Tshiluba).
Uses
The plant has a long history of medicinal usage in traditional African medicine. Its leaves, roots, and bark are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, malaria, and dysentery. The plant is also used as a sedative, an anticonvulsant, and a diuretic. The fruit capsules are used in the treatment of headaches and insect bites. Tetracera gilletii is also cultivated as an ornamental plant because of its showy flowers and shiny foliage.
Light Requirements:
Tetracera gilletii De Wild. thrives in areas where it can get a good amount of sunlight. The plant needs bright light for a minimum of 6 hours per day, but it does best in areas with a lot of indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight for too long as this can cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant grows well in warm temperatures, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 °C with a minimum temperature of 10 °C. As it cannot tolerate frost, it is not suitable for planting in areas with cold weather or a lot of frost. It is a tropical plant and grows best in regions with consistent temperatures year-round.
Soil Requirements:
The plant requires a well-drained soil. It does well in sandy soil and soil rich in organic matter, such as loamy soil. The soil pH of Tetracera gilletii De Wild. should be slightly acidic, with a range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be waterlogged as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Tetracera gilletii De Wild. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. To cultivate this plant, ensure that the environment is suitable by providing the right conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light. Propagation can be done through seed or cuttings, and the plant requires regular care and maintenance to thrive.
Watering Needs
The Tetracera gilletii De Wild. plant requires moderate watering and should be kept evenly moist. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot. Watering should be done when the topsoil is dry to the touch. During the rainy season, reduce the amount of water as the soil may retain more moisture.
Fertilization
The Tetracera gilletii De Wild. plant requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and vigor. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, to provide a slow-release source of nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health and shape of your Tetracera gilletii De Wild. plant. Regular pruning helps to remove damaged or dead branches, improve air circulation, and promote new growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season and can be done using sterile pruning tools. Avoid pruning excessively as it may lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Propagation of Tetracera gilletii De Wild.
Tetracera gilletii De Wild., commonly known as Gillet's tetracera, is a perennial plant native to Central Africa. It is a popular ornamental plant and is also used for its medicinal properties. Propagation of Tetracera gilletii can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Tetracera gilletii can be propagated by seed. Collect mature fruits and separate the seeds. Clean the seeds and soak them in water for 24-48 hours. Sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and compost and keep them moist. Germination can take 4-8 weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers once they develop their first true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Tetracera gilletii. Take 6-8 inch long stem cuttings from the plant, preferably from the current season's growth. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium and keep it moist. Place the cutting in a shady area and once roots start to develop, move the cutting to a brighter area and transplant it to a container or the ground.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is another propagation method for Tetracera gilletii. Select a healthy stem and make a upward cut about 1/3 of the way through the stem, leaving a thin strip of bark. Apply rooting hormone to the area and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure with twine or rubber bands. Keep the moss moist and roots should begin to develop within a few weeks. Once roots are visible, cut the stem below the roots and plant the rooted stem in a well-draining soil mixture in a container or the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Tetracera gilletii De Wild.
Tetracera gilletii De Wild. is a tree species that's highly susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can compromise its growth and development. Here's a detailed overview of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and recommended management practices to control them effectively.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: This is one of the common diseases that affects Tetracera gilletii De Wild. The disease causes small, circular, or angular spots on leaves, which gradually expand to form larger brown patches. Good cultural practices such as proper spacing, pruning, and avoiding overhead irrigation can help to reduce the risk of fungal leaf spots. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can also be applied to control the disease.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by a group of fungi that attack the leaves, stems, and fruits of Tetracera gilletii De Wild. The disease causes irregular blotches on leaves, which may enlarge and become necrotic. Cultural practices such as pruning and avoiding overhead irrigation help to reduce the risk of anthracnose. Fungicides containing copper or mancozeb can also help to control the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Tetracera gilletii De Wild. The disease is often caused by poor soil drainage, overwatering, or planting the tree too deep. Good cultural practices such as proper soil preparation, avoiding waterlogging, and planting in well-drained soil can help to reduce the risk of root rot. Fungicides containing metalaxyl or mefenoxam can also help to control root rot.
Common Pests
Scale Insects: Scale insects are common pests that infest Tetracera gilletii De Wild. The pests attach themselves to the bark and feed on the sap, causing the tree to slowly decline. Good cultural practices such as pruning, avoiding overhead irrigation, and keeping the tree healthy can help to reduce the risk of scale insects. Insecticides containing neem oil or horticultural oil can also help to control the pests.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of Tetracera gilletii De Wild. The pests thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to the tree if left untreated. Good cultural practices such as keeping the tree well-watered and avoiding over-fertilization can help to reduce the risk of spider mites. Insecticides containing abamectin or bifenthrin can also help to control the pests.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are common pests that feed on the leaves of Tetracera gilletii De Wild. The pests can cause significant damage to the tree if not controlled. Good cultural practices such as handpicking and removing infected leaves can help to reduce the risk of caterpillars. Insecticides containing spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis can also help to control the pests.
In conclusion, effective disease, and pest management practices are necessary to maintain the health and vigor of Tetracera gilletii De Wild. Appropriate cultural and chemical control measures can help to reduce the risk of diseases and pests, ensuring the tree's optimal growth and development.
