Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. - Description
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it grows in the tropical rainforests. It is also found in other central African countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is commonly known as "Panga Panga" or "M'pande" in the local dialects of Congo. In Cameroon, it is referred to as "Nkap." The plant's scientific name "Tricalysia" is derived from the Greek words "tri" meaning three and "kalys" meaning calyx. The name refers to the three-segmented calyx of the plant's flowers.
Appearance and Uses
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The tree has simple, shiny, and leathery leaves that are dark green on top and lighter beneath. The flowers are small and white and are borne in clusters. The fruits of the plant are small, round, and green at first, turning to black when ripe.
The bark of Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like fever, malaria, and dysentery. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture, flooring, and construction materials. The plant is also used for soil conservation and reforestation purposes due to its ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility.
In conclusion, Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is an important species with diverse uses both in traditional medicine and commercial industries. Its unique appearance and characteristics make it a valuable plant to conserve for future generations.
Light Requirements
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is a shade-loving plant that prefers to grow under a partial shade. In its natural habitat, this plant grows in the understory of moist, tropical forests, where the sunlight is filtered through the canopy. Therefore, it is suggested to place the plant in a location where it can receive filtered or indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in a warm and humid environment. The temperature range between 20°C and 30°C is ideal for its growth. The plant can survive in slightly cooler temperatures as well, but it may not grow at its optimum rate. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, such as frost or freezing, as it can damage the foliage and the roots of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can cause root rot. The addition of peat moss or compost can improve the soil quality and provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth. It is recommended to avoid compacted or heavy soils that can prevent proper root development in the plant.
Cultivation methods
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is a shrub that grows well in warm and humid conditions. It is commonly grown in tropical regions and can reach up to 2 meters in height. The plant requires well-drained soil and partial shade. It is highly recommended to grow Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. in areas with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C.
Watering needs
Adequate watering is essential for the healthy growth of Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to the plant's roots getting exposed and resulted in stunted growth.
Fertilization
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. The recommended fertilizers are those with high nitrogen content. It is recommended to apply fertilizers every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. can help promote bushy growth. It is recommended to prune the plant during the early rainy season. The pruning should involve the removal of dead and diseased branches, as well as those that are growing inwards. Additionally, pruning should be done to control the plant's size and shape.
Propagation of Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild.
Propagation of Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. can be achieved through several recommended methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. can be propagated through seeds obtained from mature fruits. The seeds must be sown directly into the planting media, preferably in a germination tray to aid monitoring. It is recommended to sterilize the seeds with fungicide solution before planting. The germination tray should be placed in a shady position and maintained at a constant temperature of about 25-30°C with regular watering. Germination should occur between 1-3 months after sowing, and seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers after they have developed enough roots.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. can be done via stem cutting or layering. For stem cutting, healthy young shoots are cut from the parent plant, and the lower leaves are stripped while maintaining the top leaves. The bottoms should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a nursery bed or potting media with high organic matter. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks. For layering, a young stem is bent down and slightly buried under the soil, while still attached to the parent plant with a small incision to encourage the roots' growth. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Grafting
Grafting may be utilized for Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. Propagation. It involves the combining of the plant's scion to the rootstock of a hardier or faster-growing plant. This method can result in faster growth and increased resistance to diseases and pests. A sharp sterilized knife must be used to make a sloping cut on the plant's scion and rootstock, which is then united using elastic or vinyl tape. The planted graft should then be kept in a cool, moist, and shady area until it becomes stabilized.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild.
Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. is a plant species that is prone to several diseases and pests. Therefore, it is essential to identify and manage these problems to ensure the plant's health and longevity.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that affect Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. include:
- Leaf spots: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the leaves, leading to the formation of spots. To manage this problem, remove the infected leaves and apply fungicides to protect the healthy parts.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots, leading to rotting. To manage this problem, remove the infected plant and improve the drainage system and soil aeration.
- Powdery mildew: This disease affects the leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to the formation of a white powdery substance. To manage this problem, remove the infected parts and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
The common pests that affect Tricalysia pangaensis De Wild. include:
- Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and deformation. To manage this problem, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These pests attack the undersides of the leaves, leading to yellowing and wilting. To manage this problem, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These pests attack the flowers, leading to discoloration and deformation. To manage this problem, remove the infected flowers and apply insecticidal soap.
Overall, to manage disease and pest problems, preventive measures are critical. Ensure proper watering practices, good soil nutrition, and healthy environmental conditions to prevent the onset of these issues. In case of an infestation, apply the appropriate management strategy promptly.
