Overview:
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii is a plant species native to Africa. It is a small tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant has a variety of uses and is well known for its medicinal properties in many parts of Africa.
Common Names:
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii is known by several common names in different parts of Africa. In Ghana, it is called 'Efuom' in the Twi language. In Nigeria, it is called 'Ezeogu' in the Igbo language and 'Kpale' in the Yoruba language.
General Appearance:
The plant generally grows up to 6 meters tall. It has a straight trunk, with a grey-brown bark that is smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly as the plant ages. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems, with each leaf measuring around 10 to 25 cm long and 5 to 16 cm wide. The flowers are white and arranged in dense clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, fleshy, red berry, which is edible but not commonly consumed.
Uses:
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In Ghana, the bark is used to treat fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and headache, while the leaves are used to treat diabetes. In Nigeria, the leaves are used to treat hypertension, cough, and throat infections. The plant also has a history of use as a general tonic to improve overall health, and its leaves are used as a condiment in traditional African cuisine.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii is also used as a shade tree and for ornamental purposes, due to its attractive foliage and compact form.
Light Requirements
Tricalysia elliotii var. elliotii grows best in bright filtered light or partial shade with no direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, leading to stunted growth and overall poor plant health. Place the plant near an east or west-facing window or use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Tricalysia elliotii var. elliotii is between 60-75°F (16-24°C). It prefers warm and humid conditions. Keep the plant away from drafts or sudden temperature changes as it can cause leaf drop. During the winter months, make sure the plant is kept in a warm location as temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can be harmful.
Soil Requirements
Tricalysia elliotii var. elliotii prefers a loose, well-draining, and fertile soil mixture. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand is ideal. The plant requires good aeration and drainage to prevent the roots from rotting. It is important to ensure that the soil is always moist but never waterlogged.
Cultivation of Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires a warm, moist, and partially shaded environment to thrive. The plant grows well in soils that are rich in organic matter and well-drained. It is also tolerant of slightly acidic soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.5.
Watering Needs for Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii requires regular watering to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels, especially during the growing season, to promote healthy growth and development. Watering should be reduced during the winter season.
Fertilization of Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii requires regular fertilization to support optimal plant growth and development. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil before planting or use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can cause root burn and other plant stresses.
Pruning of Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii
Pruning is critical for the health of Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii. Annual pruning encourages vigorous growth and reduces the risk of disease and pest infestation. Prune any damaged, diseased, or dead branches as soon as they are noticed. Additionally, prune the top of the plant to maintain an appropriate size and shape. Use clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii
The plant Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Some of the popular propagation methods are as follows:
Seed Propagation
The most common method for propagating Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sowed in a pot or directly in the field. It is important to note that the seeds require proper care and ideal conditions to germinate successfully. The pot or field should be moist, and the ideal temperature range for germination is around 20-25°C. The seeds usually take around 2-4 weeks to germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii can also be propagated through cuttings. This method typically gives quicker results than seed propagation. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plant stems of around 5-6 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and apply rooting hormone to the cut end. Place the cutting in a moist potting mix and keep it in a warm and shaded area. Carefully monitor the moisture levels and avoid over-watering, as excess moisture can cause rotting. The cuttings should root in around 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another asexual propagation method that can be utilized to propagate Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii. This method involves creating a wound in the stem of the plant and wrapping damp sphagnum moss around it. The moss should be kept moist until roots form, and then the stem can be cut and planted in soil. This method usually takes around 6-8 weeks for results.
Disease Management
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can be subject to some diseases such as:
- Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. It presents as dark brown to blackish spots on the leaves and can spread to the stem and branches. Infected parts should be removed and destroyed, and copper-based fungicides can help prevent infection.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by an overwatered and poorly-drained soil. Infected plants will show wilting and yellowing of the leaves, as well as stunted growth. Fungicides may help prevent root rot, but it is better to avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Tricalysia elliotii (K.Schum.) Hutch. & Dalziel var. elliotii can also suffer from some pest infestations. Common pests that may affect the plant include:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and drooping of leaves, as well as webbing. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the infestation.
- Mealybugs: These pests cause yellowing and a sticky residue on the plant. They can be controlled by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or using a neem oil spray.
- Scale Insects: These insects can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
