Origin
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana is a medicinal plant species belonging to the family Meliaceae, which is native to East Africa. It can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers well-drained soils.
Common Names
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana is commonly known as Kilimandjaro Cherry, Mombasa Turraea, and Purple Cherry.
Uses
The plant has various traditional medicinal uses. The roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat various diseases such as abdominal pain, fever, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. The plant has also been studied for its potential to treat certain types of cancer, as it contains potent anticancer compounds. Additionally, the fruit is edible and can be used to make juice and jam.
General Appearance
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana is a small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The tree has a rounded crown and its bark is rough and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate in shape, with a glossy green color and a leathery texture. The inflorescences are terminal and contain small white or cream-colored flowers. The fruit is a round, purple to black drupe that is roughly 1 cm in diameter. The tree blooms from August to September and the fruits are ripe from November to December.
Growth Conditions of Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana is a tropical plant that thrives well in warm and humid environments. It can be found growing in open woodlands, riparian zones, and forest edges in East Africa.
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sun exposure or partial shade to grow well. In areas with hot climates, partial shade is preferred to protect the plant from excessive heat.
Temperature Requirements
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures to grow well. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20-30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and requires protection in areas with cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it grows best in loamy soils that are rich in nutrients.
In conclusion, Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana requires warm temperatures, full sun exposure or partial shade, and well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter to grow well.
Cultivation of Turraea Mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. Mombassana
Turraea Mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. Mombassana is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 30 feet tall. It is suitable for cultivation in tropical regions with a temperature range of 20-30°C. The plant prefers well-draining soils and partial shade. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering Needs of Turraea Mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. Mombassana
Water the plant thoroughly in dry seasons. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering rather than keep it perpetually wet. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Turraea Mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. Mombassana
Turraea Mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. Mombassana requires fertilization yearly. Use an organic fertilizer like compost or well-rotted manure in early spring before the rainy season starts. The amounts of fertilizer required depend on the size and age of the plant. Consult with an expert for recommendations.
Pruning of Turraea Mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. Mombassana
Prune the plant twice a year, first in early spring and then after the rainy season, to remove dead or diseased branches. Promote bushiness by cutting the tips of long branches. However, avoid drastic pruning as it can inhibit flowering.
Propagation Methods for Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana
Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana, commonly known as the East African Greenheart, is a hardy and durable plant that is native to East Africa. It is a versatile plant that can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana. Seeds should be collected from the plant when fully ripe and then sown in a mix of sterile soil and sand. The seeds need to be kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about one to two months. It is important to keep the soil temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius and to keep the soil moist but not too wet.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana. Hardwood cuttings about 15 to 20 centimeters in length can be taken from the plant during the dormant season. Remove all the leaves except the top two and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone before planting them into a rooting medium. The rooting medium should be sterile and moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm area that receives indirect light. Rooting usually takes around two months, and it is important to keep the soil damp but not too wet.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a method that can be used to propagate mature and established Turraea mombassana Hiern ex C.DC. subsp. mombassana plants. Select a stem that is about the width of a pencil and make a small cut on the stem about 10 to 15 centimeters from the tip. Apply rooting hormone to the cut and then wrap that section of the stem with moist sphagnum moss, and then cover the moss with plastic wrap to keep everything damp. Roots should form after four to eight weeks and when that happens, the rooted stem can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a pot with sterile soil.
Disease and Pest Management of Turraea mombassana subsp. mombassana
Turraea mombassana subsp. mombassana is a beautiful plant with vibrant foliage that needs proper care and maintenance to prevent diseases and pests from affecting it. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, necrotic spots on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and weakened plants. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides such as copper-based chemicals.
Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. It eventually results in leaf yellowing and necrosis, causing the plant to drop its leaves. To manage bacterial blight, remove infected plant parts, use sanitized pruning tools, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Cercospora leaf spot: Cercospora leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular brown to gray spots on the leaves, which enlarge and merge to form large patches. The leaves might eventually fall off, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides such as copper-based chemicals.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that sucks the sap from the leaves, causing curling and yellowing. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that can attract other insects and promote the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, use a strong spray of water to knock them off the plant or apply insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause yellowish speckling and stippling on leaves, making them look silvery. They spin spider-like webs on the plant, and severe infestations can cause defoliation. To manage spider mites, apply miticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, and maintain adequate moisture levels to prevent dry conditions.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, non-mobile pests that feed on sap from the plant, causing chlorotic spots, leaf yellowing, and wilting. They produce a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage scale insects, use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant, or apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can keep your Turraea mombassana subsp. mombassana healthy and beautiful.
