Overview
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is a tropical plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is native to Western Africa and is found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. The plant grows in the forest understory and usually reaches a height of up to 4 meters. It is known for its distinct medicinal properties and is used by some traditional healers in Africa to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is a small, evergreen tree with a single stem and a dense canopy. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a length of about 10 cm and a width of about 4 cm. The plant has small flowers that are yellow-green in color and are borne in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is small and round, about 1 cm in diameter, and turns red when ripe.
Common names
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is known by several common names in Africa, including "Egogoro" in Nigeria and "Ndedjingu" in Cameroon. It is also known by its Latin name and other scientific names such as Tricalysia montana (A.Rich.) K.Schum subsp. obanensis (Keay) Keay, Tricalysia jonklaasiana Robbr., and Tricalysia schlechteri Robbr.
Uses
The plant Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. has been used for medicinal purposes by traditional healers in Africa for centuries. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant have various medicinal properties and have been used to treat several ailments, including diarrhea, fever, malaria, and stomach pain. The plant is also used in some communities as a purgative and to treat wounds and snake bites.
hereGrowth Conditions for Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr.
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is a shade-loving plant that thrives in the tropical rainforest. It can grow up to a height of 10 meters and requires specific growth conditions to flourish.
Light Requirements
As a shade-loving plant, Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. requires filtered sunlight or diffused light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and hinder growth, and consequently, provide the plant with less energy to develop and produce fruits and flowers. Therefore, the plant grows well under the canopy of tall trees in a rainforest environment, where it can receive enough light without direct exposure to the sun's rays.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is between 20°C and 30°C. However, the plant can survive temperatures above 30°C if there is adequate moisture. The plant cannot tolerate frost, and such temperatures will cause the plant to die. Water is essential to the survival of this plant, and water supply is necessary for high temperature survival.
Soil Requirements
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil for proper growth. The plant cannot grow in clay soils or soils with high water content. Also, the plant prefers acidic soil with a pH range between 4 - 6. The soil should contain organic matter and have adequate airflow to avoid root rot, which can cause the plant to die.
Cultivation of Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr.
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid climates. It can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors and can grow up to 3 meters tall. This plant requires partial to full shade and can be easily propagated through stem cuttings.
To start cultivating Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr., first, prepare a well-draining potting soil. You can mix organic matter such as peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite to create a soil mixture that drains well and also retains moisture.
Next, plant the stem cutting about 2-3 inches deep in the soil and water thoroughly. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and water once a week or as needed to keep the soil moist.
Watering Needs of Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr.
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, especially if the pot doesn't have good drainage. To avoid this, allow the topsoil to dry out between watering intervals. This plant also benefits from periodic misting to increase humidity levels.
Fertilization of Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr.
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. requires moderate fertilization to thrive. You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizers once a month during the growing season and reduce fertilization by half during the dormant season.
Pruning Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr.
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. requires minimal pruning. However, you can prune your plant to control its size and shape or to remove any diseased or damaged foliage. Prune during the growing season to allow the plant to recover quickly and avoid pruning during the dormant season.
Propagation of Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr.
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. can be propagated from both seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation from Seeds
Seeds of Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. are small, shiny, and black in color. They can be collected from the ripe fruits during the fruiting season. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried in the sun for a few days. The dried seeds can then be sown in seed beds or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist by regular watering. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. can be taken from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm in length and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. Rooting usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to individual pots or a permanent location once they have developed a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr.
Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, certain diseases and pests might affect the plant, and it is necessary to manage them to ensure optimal growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. is leaf spot caused by fungi or bacteria. The symptoms include brown or black spots on leaves, and in severe cases, the leaves might fall off. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove and dispose of the infected leaves, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicide as per the manufacturer's instruction.
Root rot caused by fungi can also affect Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr., and the symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is necessary to avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicide as per the manufacturer's instruction.
Common Pests
The most common pests that might affect Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids suck sap from leaves, causing curling, yellowing, or wilting. Spider mites and thrips feed on the undersides of leaves, causing bronzing or silvering. To manage these pests, it is necessary to remove and dispose of the infected leaves, prune affected branches, and apply insecticide as per the manufacturer's instruction.
Caterpillars might also affect Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr., causing defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, it is essential to handpick them and apply biopesticide as per the manufacturer's instruction.
It is necessary to monitor Tricalysia obanensis Keay subsp. kwangoensis Robbr. regularly for any sign of disease or pest infestation and take timely action to manage them. A healthy plant has a better chance of surviving and producing highyielding fruits.
