Overview
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is a plant species belonging to the botanical family Rubiaceae. It is a native plant in Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Appearance
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is a shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 5 meters tall. The stems are woody, and the bark is gray-brown and rough. The plant has shiny and green, elliptic, or ovate-shaped leaves, which are about 10 to 20cm long and 5 to 7 cm wide. The flowers of this plant are yellow and grow in clusters, and the fruit is a round, black drupe with a diameter of about 1 cm.
Common Names
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is commonly known as "Kasuwi" in the Democratic Republic of Congo, "Mbachi" in Cameroon, and "Fugnwa" or "Fegnwa" in Gabon.
Uses
The roots and bark of Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. have been traditionally used in African medicine for various ailments, such as malaria, rheumatism, dysentery, and stomach problems. The leaves and stems of the plant are reportedly used as a treatment for snake bites. Additionally, the plant is used by local communities as a source of firewood and timber.
Light Requirements
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is a shade-loving plant that thrives under filtered sunlight or partial shade. It does not require direct sunlight but will benefit from bright indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for the growth of Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Sudden temperature changes may harm the plant, so it is essential to keep it in a stable environment.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 6 to 6.5. It can tolerate some soil compaction, but the root system requires ample oxygen. Adding peat moss or perlite to the soil mixture can help improve drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It is typically grown in a shaded area, as direct sunlight can damage the leaves. The plant can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or by dividing mature plants.
When planting seeds, make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Ideally, the temperature should be around 25-30°C. Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
If propagating from cuttings, it is best to take stem cuttings in the spring or summer. Place the cuttings in a moist, well-draining soil mix and keep them in a warm, humid location until they develop roots. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Watering Needs
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. needs to be watered regularly, but not too much. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause damage to the plant.
If the plant is grown in a pot, it is important that the pot has good drainage. This will prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. If the plant is grown in the ground, make sure that the soil has good drainage.
Fertilization
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to root burn and damage to the plant. If in doubt, it is better to under-fertilize rather than over-fertilize.
Pruning
Pruning Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is not necessary, but it can help to promote bushier growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. Pruning should be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a node. Avoid cutting back too much of the plant's foliage, as this can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
Propagation of Tricalysia bussei K.Schum.
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds are the primary method of sexual propagation for Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. The seeds require proper treatment before sowing. To encourage germination, the seeds need to be cleaned, dried and scarified by soaking them in hot water. The seeds should be soaked in hot water for a minimum of 24 hours to break the hard outer shell. Afterward, they should be sown in prepared soil.
Asexual Propagation
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. can be propagated through vegetative cuttings. This process involves taking healthy stem cuttings of around 10 to 15 cm long from the parent plant with at least two leaves. The cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in shade and given a sufficient amount of water until new growth is observed.
Another asexual method of propagation that can be used is air layering. Air layering involves making a shallow cut around the base of a stem, and then wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss and enclosure with plastic wrap. After the roots develop, the stem can be cut off, potted and treated like an independent plant.
Overall, Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. can be propagated through viable seeds, vegetative cuttings and air layering, ensuring the availability of enough plants for cultivation and conservation purposes.
Disease Management
Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is generally resistant to many diseases. However, it is susceptible to root rot, leaf spots, and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, it is crucial to maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected plant parts and avoiding soil splashing by watering the plants from beneath the leaves.
Root rot can be managed by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. Improve the soil structure by adding organic matter to increase water retention and improve soil aeration. Additionally, use sanitized tools during transplanting to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf spots are caused by fungal and bacterial infections. Prune infected leaves and dispose of them. Avoid high humidity levels, which favor the growth of fungi. You can also apply fungicide sprays to the plants to manage the disease.
Powdery mildew is identifiable by the powdery white substance on the leaves. This disease is common in dry environments and can be prevented by providing adequate moisture to the plant. Use fungicides to treat the plant and prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
The most common pest affecting Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny insects that live on the underside of leaves and feed on the plant's sap. Infested plants have yellow leaves, webbing, and speckles on the leaves.
To manage spider mites, wipe the underside of the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the insects and webbing. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain the plant's humidity levels since low humidity favors the growth of spider mites.
The plant can also be affected by scale insects that suck on the plant's sap, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. Manage scale insects by using physical removal or insecticidal soaps and oils.
Finally, Tricalysia bussei K.Schum. can be attacked by mealybugs, which also suck on the plant's sap. Removing them with a damp cloth and using insecticidal soap or oil is an effective way to manage them. It is essential to discard infected plants since mealybugs can spread to healthy plants.
