Plant Description:
Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause, commonly known as the Lance-leaf Tylostemon, is a species of Black Ironwood family found in Madagascar. It is a small tree that grows up to 8 meters tall, with a dense, rounded crown and a dark green canopy.
General Appearance:
The tree's bark is dark to medium brown, smooth, and slightly flaky. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, bright green, and around 10–15 cm long. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and hermaphroditic, and are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. The tree's fruit is a small capsule, which holds multiple seeds.
Common Names:
The tree is known by many common names, including Buttagari, Nyfidiso, Boky Jonhsona, and Fiherenana.
Uses:
The tree is valued for its hard, dark-colored wood, which is known for its strength and toughness. The wood is used for construction, furniture, and various handmade items like bowls and utensils. The tree is also harvested for medicinal purposes, as it contains several compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Light Requirements
Tylostemon lancifolius does well in partial shade conditions where it receives dappled sunlight. In its natural habitat, the plant grows beneath the canopy of taller trees receiving diffused light. Direct sunlight for long hours can burn the leaves and stunt growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil must be well-draining, moderately fertile, and acidic to slightly acidic. The plant prefers soil rich in organic matter to flourish and grow faster. Additionally, the soil must have a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0, slightly on the acidic side.
Temperature Requirements
Tylostemon lancifolius grows best in warm to hot conditions. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Malawi, where it can tolerate temperatures between 15-30°C (59-86°F). The plant can tolerate higher temperatures of up to 35°C (95°F) or slightly above for short periods but may require additional irrigation to remain healthy. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause growth inhibition, leaf yellowing, and stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods for Tylostemon Lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause
Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause is a plant that requires a warm climate, so it should be planted in a location that receives full sun. The plant also prefers well-drained soils with a high content of organic matter. It is essential to check the pH of the soil since the plant thrives in slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Propagation of Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause is through seed sowing or stem cutting. It is best to sow the seeds during the spring season to maximize the plant's germination and growth.
Watering Needs for Tylostemon Lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause
Proper watering is critical to ensure the healthy growth of Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause. The plant prefers moist soils, so it is essential to water it regularly. The frequency of watering will depend on the prevailing weather conditions and the plant's age and size.
During the first year after planting, it is advisable to water the plant frequently to encourage robust root development. Once the plant is well-established, reduce the frequency of watering, but ensure the soil does not dry up.
Fertilization Requirements for Tylostemon Lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause
Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are ideal for this plant. Apply the fertilizer by scattering it around the base of the plant and then incorporate it into the soil by raking.
Fertilizers should be applied at least once a month during the growing season, usually from spring to early fall. Be careful not to overfertilize the plant as doing so can cause root damage, which may lead to stunted growth.
Pruning Tylostemon Lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause
Pruning Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause is essential to maintain its healthy growth and shape. It is best to prune the plant during the winter months when it is dormant. Remove any dead or dying branches and leaves and cut back any overgrown stems to maintain the plant's desired size.
It is important to use sharp, clean pruning shears when cutting Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause. Also, avoid cutting too close to the main stem as this can cause damage to the plant.
Propagation Methods for Tylostemon Lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause
Tylostemon lancifolius Engl. & K.Krause is commonly known as the lance-leaved tylostemon and it is native to East and Central Africa. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that can be propagated through different methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Tylostemon lancifolius is through seeds. Seeds can be collected when fruits have turned brown and dried out. After obtaining the seeds, they should be cleaned and stored in a dry place for at least a week to allow them to ripen fully. The ripe seeds can then be planted in trays filled with seedling mix and kept in a warm and humid environment within a greenhouse.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way of propagating Tylostemon lancifolius is through cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from new growth in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings from August to September. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in soil or sand under controlled conditions. The ideal temperature for rooting cuttings is between 20 to 25 ?C, humidity should be kept high, and the soil should be kept constantly moist.
Division Propagation
Division can also be used to propagate Tylostemon lancifolius by splitting clumps in early spring. This method is mostly preferred for mature plants and requires careful transplantation to avoid damaging roots. The divided plant should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture, watered carefully, and kept in a shaded area until new shoots emerge.
Disease Management
Tylostemon lancifolius is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it may occasionally suffer from fungal infections. One of the most common fungal diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can be identified by the white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. The disease is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation around the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can spray the plant with a fungicide, such as neem oil or copper-based fungicides, or remove the infected parts of the plant.
Another common fungal disease that affects Tylostemon lancifolius is leaf spot. Leaf spot can be identified by spots on the leaves of the plant. The disease is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, you can remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with a fungicide. Ensure that the plant has good air circulation by pruning the plant as needed.
Pest Management
The most common pest that affects Tylostemon lancifolius is the aphid. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow. Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based insecticides. Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control the aphids.
Another pest that might affect Tylostemon lancifolius is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunting of growth. To manage spider mites, you can increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Discard any infected plants to prevent the spread of the pest to other plants.
