Tricalysia Pallens Hiern Var. Gabonica (hiern) N.hallé

Origin

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé is a rare and endemic plant species that is found growing in the dense tropical rainforests of Gabon, a country located in Central Africa. It is a member of the family Rubiaceae, which contains over 13,000 species of flowering plants.

Common Names

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé is commonly known by the local names of "Kongogolo" and "Lekoka" in Gabon. These names are used by the traditional healers and local communities to refer to the plant.

Uses

The plant is known to have various medicinal properties. The bark and roots of the plant are used by traditional healers for treating conditions such as headaches, malaria, fever, and other infections. The plant is also used as a diuretic, to treat diarrhea and dysentery, and to ease pregnancy-related discomforts. The leaves of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé contain alkaloids and tannins that have antimalarial and anti-inflammatory properties.

General Appearance

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé is a small tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. It has a smooth, greyish bark, and its branches are slender and spreading. The leaves are simple, opposite, and oblong-shaped, with a glossy green color. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in clusters during the summer months. The fruit is an oblong-shaped capsule, about 10 to 15 cm long, containing numerous small seeds.

Light Requirements

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé typically requires a partially shaded environment to grow correctly. Direct sunlight can harm the plant by causing the leaves to become scorched or resulting in stunted growth. In its natural habitat, the plant grows under the canopy of trees or other higher plants, allowing filtered sunlight to reach the leaves.

Temperature Requirements

The plant prefers a warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C). The optimum temperature for this species is about 77°F (25°C) with little to no fluctuations in temperature. Lower temperatures or frost may cause severe damage or death to the plant.

Soil Requirements

The Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé requires well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant grows adequately in sandy or loamy soils, rich in organic compounds, and with a high percentage of organic matter. It grows better in soils that retain adequate moisture and drains well, with a good balance of humus. The plant is sensitive to salt and contaminated soil and prefers fertile soils with good structure and nutrient content.

Cultivation of Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica is a tropical plant that requires specific care and cultivation methods to thrive well. Below are some tips on how to cultivate this unique plant:

• Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica prefers a humid environment and temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F.
• The plant should be placed in partial sunlight or shade to keep the leaves from burning.
• When planting, use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• It is best to plant the Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica in the spring or summer.
• The plant should be spaced at least 24 inches apart to allow it to spread out comfortably.

Watering Needs

Proper watering is essential to keep the Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica healthy. Follow these watering tips:

• Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering.
• Allow the top one inch of the soil to dry out before watering again.
• During the hot summer months, the plant may need to be watered more frequently.
• Avoid getting the leaves wet as this can lead to fungal growth and other diseases.

Fertilization

Fertilization is necessary to help the Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica grow strong and healthy. Here are some tips on fertilizing this plant:

• Fertilize the plant every two to three months during the growing season, which is spring and summer.
• Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
• Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to burning of the foliage.
• Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Pruning

Pruning the Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica is essential to help keep the plant in good shape. Here are some tips on pruning this plant:

• Prune the plant in the early spring or fall when it is not in its active growing season.
• Remove any dead or diseased branches or leaves to keep the plant healthy.
• Trim back any unwanted growth to promote bushier growth.
• Shape the plant to fit the desired growth pattern and size.

Propagation methods for Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé, commonly known as Gabon cocoa, is a tree species that grows up to 25 meters tall. It is native to Central and West Africa and is grown for its cocoa beans and for medicinal purposes. The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means.

Propagation by seed

Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica. The seeds can be collected from the mature fruits, which turn yellow when ripe and split to reveal the seeds. Before sowing, the seeds should be washed, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place for no more than a month.

Sowing should be done in a mixture of sand and compost, and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes two to four weeks, and the seedlings should be shaded and protected from strong winds and direct sunlight until they are sturdy enough to be transplanted.

Vegetative propagation

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica can also be propagated through vegetative means, such as cuttings or grafting. Softwood cuttings taken from healthy and disease-free plants are the most commonly used method of vegetative propagation.

Cuttings should be taken during the rainy season, which is the time of new growth, and ideally taken early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Cuttings should be around 30 to 40 centimeters long with at least two nodes, and the bottom end should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting them in a mixture of sand and compost. The cuttings should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and misted regularly to keep the humidity high.

Grafting is another method of vegetative propagation, where a scion from a healthy plant is attached to the rootstock of another plant. The scion should be selected from a healthy and disease-free plant and grafted onto a young rootstock plant that is approximately the same size. The graft should be wrapped tightly with a grafting tape, and kept moist and shaded until it forms a new shoot.

Propagation through both seed and vegetative methods can ensure genetic diversity and healthy offspring, contributing to the sustainability of the species.

Disease Management

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé is a relatively hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that may affect the plant, such as:

• Leaf spots: These are caused by fungi that thrive in wet conditions. If left unchecked, they can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To prevent leaf spots, avoid watering the leaves and ensure there is proper air circulation by pruning the plant regularly. If leaf spots occur, remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide spray to prevent further spread.
• Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It is caused by poor air circulation and high humidity levels. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overcrowding the plants and ensure proper air circulation. If powdery mildew appears, prune the affected areas and apply a fungicide spray.

Pest Management

Tricalysia pallens Hiern var. gabonica (Hiern) N.Hallé is generally not affected by many pests. However, there are a few pests that may affect the plant, such as:

• Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To prevent aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap. Alternatively, release ladybugs in your garden, as they are natural predators of aphids.
• Whiteflies: These are small insects that often congregate on the undersides of the leaves. They suck the sap from the leaves and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other pests such as ants. To prevent whiteflies, use a physical barrier such as a sticky tape or apply a neem oil spray to the plant.