Origin of Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc.
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is a plant species belonging to the family Boraginaceae. This plant is native to East Africa, and specifically, it is endemic to the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania.
Common Names of Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc.
The plant is known by several common names, including
- Usambara turnipwood
- Usambara shepherd's tree
- Usambara ten-petal
Uses of Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc.
Indigenous communities in the Usambara Mountains use different parts of Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. for various purposes. The bark of this plant has medicinal uses, particularly for the treatment of stomach disorders like diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and dysentery. The bark also has astringent properties and is used to treat wounds, sores, and skin infections.
The plant's wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for various construction purposes. It is also used to make furniture, handicrafts, and tools.
General Appearance of Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc.
The plant is a small tree or shrub with a crooked growth habit. It can reach heights of up to 8 meters. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical, with a glossy dark green color. The leaves have a smooth texture and are densely arranged along the stems.
The flowers are small and white and are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruits are small, fleshy, and reddish-brown in color and contain numerous small seeds.
Overall, Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is a versatile and valuable plant species that supports the livelihoods of communities in the Usambara Mountains.
Growth Conditions of Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc.
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is a hardy, evergreen shrub that thrives in a range of growth conditions.
Light Requirements
This plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow and bloom effectively. Reduced light conditions can lead to spindly growth and low flowering rates.
Temperature Requirements
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Ideally, it grows well in warm-temperate and tropical regions with an average temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. It can also tolerate temperatures as low as -1°C to 4 °C for short periods, but extended exposure to cold temperatures can cause the plant to die.
Watering Requirements
The Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is drought-tolerant and requires low to moderate water tolerance. Excessive watering can lead to root rot and overall decline of the plant. The soil should dry out between watering.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a range of soil conditions and is not picky about soil type. However, it does require well-draining and fertile soil for optimal growth. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.5. The addition of organic matter to the soil can also improve drainage and increase fertility.
Fertilization Requirements
Generally, Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. does not require frequent fertilizer application. However, it can benefit from light fertilization during the growing season, especially if grown in poor soils. The application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every six to eight weeks, can improve plant growth and flowering.
Cultivation
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is a tropical plant that is best grown in areas with warm and humid climates. It should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure that there is enough space for the plant to grow as it can reach a height of up to 10 feet.
Watering
The plant should be watered deeply and regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during winter to avoid root rot. In addition, it is advisable to mulch around the plant to help retain soil moisture.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during its growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients. Avoid overfertilizing as this can lead to the burning of roots and foliage.
Pruning
The plant should be pruned in early spring to control its size and shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth. In addition, cut back any leggy stems to promote bushier growth. Ensure that you use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc.
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods. However, seed propagation is not commonly used as the plant rarely produces viable seeds in the wild.
Vegetative Propagation
The most common method of propagating Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is through vegetative propagation. This can be done through stem cuttings or layering.
Stem cuttings: To propagate the plant using stem cuttings, select healthy stems and cut them to a length of approximately 15-20 cm. Remove all the leaves except for the top 2-3 and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a potting mix or a prepared bed, making sure to keep the soil moist. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for roots to form. Once roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted to their desired location.
Layering: Layering is another way to vegetatively propagate the plant. To do this, select a healthy branch with flexible wood and bend it down to the ground. Cover a small section of the stem with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. After 6-8 weeks, roots will develop from the covered section of the stem. Once the roots have formed, cut the branch from the mother plant and transplant it to its desired location.
Disease and Pest Management of Tournefortia Sarmentosa Lam. subsp. Usambarensis Verdc.
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is a beautiful bushy shrub that originated in tropical Africa. The plant is highly valued for its evergreen leaves and its ability to grow in a wide range of environmental conditions. However, just like any other plant species, Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. can be affected by various diseases and pest attacks that can significantly reduce its aesthetic and economic value.
Common Diseases
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot Diseases: These are fungal infections that cause small circular or irregularly-shaped spots on the leaves. Affected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off, reducing the plant's growth and vitality.
- Mildew Diseases: Powdery mildew and downy mildew are common fungal infections that can cause defoliation and poor plant development.
- Viral Infections: Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is susceptible to various viral infections that can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and other symptoms.
Pest Management
Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. is also vulnerable to various insects and mites that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that might attack the plant include:
- Mealybugs: These small insects have a white, powdery coating and often cluster at the base of the leaves or along the stems. They suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to distort, yellow, and drop off.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, flat, and oval, and they attach themselves to the plant stem or leaves. They feed on the sap, causing a yellowing of the leaves and can lead to stunted growth or death of the plant.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are minuscule insects that feed on the sap from the underside of a Plant's leaves. They can cause yellowing and leaf drop, and make the plant look unhealthy. Spider mites prefer dry environments, so keeping air humid around the plant can help avoid them.
Disease Management
To manage diseases in Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc., it's essential to practice good sanitation measures such as removing affected leaves and stems and destroying them off-site to prevent the diseases from spreading. Additionally, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper soil aeration. Supplementing the plant with a balanced fertilizer or regularly mulching the roots can also help promote plant growth and enhance its immune system. Moreover using a pesticide should also do the job if the infection or attack is high.
In summary, managing Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam. subsp. usambarensis Verdc. requires integrated disease and pest management strategies that should be regularly implemented for the best results. By avoiding overwatering and creating ideal environmental conditions for the plants, pest and diseases can be kept to a minimum.
