Origin
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. belongs to the Trochomeria genus, which is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Araliaceae. These plants are native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. is commonly known as the African umbrella tree or the three-part Trochomeria. In its native regions, it is also called "mbielu" in Swahili and "elen" in Fang language.
Uses
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. has various medicinal uses in African traditional medicine. The bark of the tree is used to treat malaria, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. The fruit is edible and is used for a variety of purposes, including making jams and juices. Its wood is hard and durable, and it is used for making furniture, tools, and construction materials.
General Appearance
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Its leaves are large, typically around 60 centimeters in diameter, and are divided into three parts. Its flowers are small, green or yellow in color, and are arranged in large, umbrella-shaped clusters. Its fruit is green when young and turns yellow or orange when ripe. The tree has a straight trunk and a broad, spreading crown.
Light Requirements
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. thrives well in bright, indirect sunlight. It is essential to shield the plant from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. Placing the plant near a north-facing window is an excellent idea. The filtered light from the windowpane will provide the plant with sufficient light without exposing it to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (15.5°C to 29.4°C). The plant is highly sensitive to cold and cannot survive in temperature below 50°F (10°C). During winter, it is essential to ensure that the plant is kept in a warm and humid environment.
Soil Requirements
The soil should provide adequate drainage and aeration while retaining enough moisture to support plant growth. Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. thrives well in a soil mixture that contains peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for the plant to grow and remain healthy. Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-drained and aerated to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern.
The Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. plant grows in a wide range of soils, including loam, sand, or clay soils. However, the soil must have excellent drainage properties. It thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate semi-shaded conditions. The recommended temperature range for its growth is between 20 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs for Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern.
The Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, ensure that the topsoil is dry before watering to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A thick layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the frequency of watering.
Fertilization of Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern.
The plant requires regular fertilization with balanced, slow-release fertilizers. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, from early spring to late summer. Follow the recommended application rates to prevent fertilizer burn. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are ideal for this plant's growth, but too much nitrogen can lead to excess vegetative growth and delayed flowering.
Pruning of Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern.
To maintain the plant's size and shape, prune the Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. plant once a year, preferably before the growing season's onset. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, remove any suckers that may form around the plant's base. Pruning helps to improve air circulation, stimulate new growth, and increase flowering.
Propagation of Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern.
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. is a rare and endangered plant species that is native to Kenya and Tanzania. The plant is commonly known as the Three-parted Trochomeria due to its unique tripartite leaves.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. is through seeds. The plant produces small and round seeds, which are collected from mature fruits. Once the seeds are collected, they should be sown in a well-draining seedling mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take several weeks to months, depending on the quality of the seeds and environmental conditions.
Cuttings Propagation
An alternative propagation method for Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from healthy mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 15 cm long, with 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until they have developed roots.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another option for Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. This method is best suited for mature plants that have produced several offshoots or suckers. The plant should be gently dug up, and the offshoots should be carefully separated from the parent plant using a clean and sharp tool. The offshoots should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they have established roots.
Caring for Propagated Plants
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is essential to provide the newly propagated plants with the proper care. The plants should be watered regularly but not overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. They should be placed in a warm and humid environment with indirect sunlight. Once the plants have established roots and have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into larger containers or planted in the ground.
Disease Management
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. is susceptible to various diseases. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes large, brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage, prune infected parts and destroy them. Use fungicides to help control the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage, prune infected parts and destroy them. Use fungicides to help control the spread of the disease.
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Bacterial leaf spot often affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to have brownish, water-soaked patches. To manage, prune infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Use copper-based fungicides to help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Trochomeria bussei Gilg var. tripartita R.Fern. is also vulnerable to pests. Some common pests that may affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them are described below:
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves. They look like small, white or brown bumps. Use horticultural oil to suffocate the insects, or use insecticide soap to kill them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are minuscule pests that often go unnoticed until you see webbing on the plant's branches. To manage, regularly mist the plant and prune infected parts. Use insecticidal soap to help control the spread of the mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny, whitish insects that secrete a cotton-like substance around themselves. They often attack the plant's leaves and stems. To manage, prune infected parts and destroy them. Use insecticidal soap to help control the spread of the mealybugs.
