Overview
Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a plant species of the Rubiaceae family. It is a shrub that generally grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. This plant is commonly known as "Ntto" and "Bark Cloth" in Cameroon.Description
Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a woody perennial shrub that grows up to 4 m high. It has hairy branches, leaves, and flowers. The leaves are dark green, oblong, and shiny, with a length of 7-13 cm and a width of 3-6 cm. The flowers are small and white, occurring in clusters at the end of the branches.Uses
The bark of Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. has been used as a source of fiber by several African communities, primarily for its ability to produce a unique type of textile called "bark cloth." The bark is pounded and soaked in water to separate the fibers, which are then woven into useful items such as bags, mats, and clothing. The leaves of this plant are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including wounds, stomach problems, and fever. Additionally, the wood of Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. has been used for construction and as firewood.Conclusion
Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a versatile plant with several uses. Its bark is used to produce "bark cloth" textiles, while its leaves and wood have medicinal and construction uses. It is a unique species that provides both environmental and cultural benefits to the people of Africa.Growth Conditions of Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Light: Tricalysia pobeguinii var. pubescens requires bright, indirect light but cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. It can grow well in partial shade as well.
Temperature: The ideal temperature for the growth of Tricalysia pobeguinii var. pubescens ranges from 18°C-24°C. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures, either hot or cold.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It grows best in moderately fertile soil rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer: Tricalysia pobeguinii var. pubescens benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A well-balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal.
Water: The plant requires regular watering, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant requires more water, while in winter, watering should be reduced.
Propagation: Tricalysia pobeguinii var. pubescens can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings should be taken in early spring or summer and planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Pests and Diseases: The plant is susceptible to pest infestations, including whiteflies and spider mites. These can be controlled through the use of insecticides. The plant is also prone to leaf spot and root rot, which can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical plant that can be grown outdoors in warm regions with high humidity. The plant requires a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
The plant prefers partial shade to full shade and can be grown in pots or planted directly in the ground. Make sure to plant the seedlings in a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball, and water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting.
Watering Needs
The plant needs to be watered regularly, but not excessively. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Check the soil moisture level regularly and water the plant if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
The amount of water required also depends on the location and climate. In areas with high humidity, the plant may require less frequent watering.
Fertilization
Fertilize Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. every two to three months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and avoid overfertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
Slow-release fertilizers can also be used, as they provide a steady supply of nutrients over a longer period of time.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr., but it can be done to keep the plant compact and bushy. Pruning should be done in the spring or early summer before new growth starts.
Cut back any dead or diseased branches, and remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant tissue.
Propagation of Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. is commonly propagated through vegetative methods, such as stem cuttings and layering, due to the challenges involved in propagating it using seeds. Although it can be propagated using seeds, sourcing the seeds is challenging and the germination process is complicated. Therefore, vegetative propagation is the preferred method.
Stem Cuttings
The stem cuttings method can be employed using a sharp and sterilized pruning shear or knife. For the best results, select a healthy plant with strong stems. Cut several sections of stem from the plant, each with a length of 10-15 cm. The stem cutting should have a minimum of two leaf nodes. Remove the leaves on the lower part of the stem cutting, leaving the upper part intact to support photosynthesis.
After removing the leaves, dip the cutting in a rooting hormone, which will help stimulate the growth of roots. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moist soil or a rooting medium such as vermiculite. Keep the soil or rooting medium consistently moist to ensure the growth of roots. In 3-5 weeks, roots should have emerged from the base of the stem cutting. Transplant the new plants into a pot filled with fertile and well-draining soil, suitable for the Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Layering
Layering is another effective way to propagate Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. To do this, locate a healthy plant with strong stems and choose a section of the stem that is touching the ground or close to it. Remove some of the leaves on the selected section of the stem, leaving a few leaves at the top to support photosynthesis. Bury the bottom part of the stem in the soil, ensuring that some leaves are still above the ground. Place a small stone on the buried section of the stem to hold it in place.
Water the soil around the buried part frequently to keep it moist. After some time, roots should have emerged from the buried section of the stem. At this point, cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant the new plant into a pot filled with fertile and well-draining soil.
Disease Management
Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be susceptible to various diseases. The most common ones are fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice good sanitation by removing infected plants and debris. Also, ensure that the soil is well-drained and clean and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides such as copper-based products can also be used to manage these diseases.
Pest Management
Various pests can affect Tricalysia pobeguinii Hutch. & Dalziel var. pubescens Aubrév. & Pellegr. The most common ones are spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. To manage these pests, it is essential to practice good sanitation by removing infected plants and debris. Additionally, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can help manage these pests. In severe cases, insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used to manage these pests.
