Origin
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is a woody liana or climbing shrub that is native to Angola, Botswana, Congo, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several other names, including African Mistletoe, Gondolo, Gondolosi, Wilidza, and Umhlaba.
Uses
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. has several medicinal uses and is highly regarded in many traditional African societies as a tonic and anti-inflammatory agent. The plant has been used to treat various ailments including fever, respiratory infections, and joint pains. The plant's bark contains alkaloids, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and have been used to treat arthritis, allergies, and asthma. The plant's leaves are used for their antioxidant properties and have been used to reduce the effects of aging on the skin. The plant is also used in many African societies as a decorative plant, especially in traditional healing ceremonies.
General Appearance
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is a woody, perennial climbing vine. The plant produces long, slender stems that can reach lengths of up to 10 m. The stems are covered with hooks, which allow the plant to climb by attaching to other plants or structures. The plant's leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate in shape, with a shiny green appearance. The plant produces small, yellowish-white flowers and small, round fruits that turn black when mature. The plant's bark is rough and irregular and has a grayish-brown color.
Growth Conditions of Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil.
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is a woody vine that is native to Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is commonly known as South African Cat's Claw due to its hook-like thorns that resemble a cat's claw. The plant is often grown for its medicinal properties, as it has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis, gastric ulcers, and cancer.
Light Requirements
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. requires partial shade to full sun to grow. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as much if it is grown in too much shade. If the plant is grown in full sun, it will require more water to prevent the leaves from drying out.
Temperature Requirements
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. grows best in tropical or subtropical regions, where the temperatures are warm year-round. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C (41°F) but will not survive frost. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth.
In conclusion, to grow Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil., provide partial shade to full sun, the temperature should be warm year-round with the optimal range between 20°C to 30°C, and use well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 while keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is a tree that thrives in tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate climates. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun exposure. Ideally, it should be planted where it can get at least six hours of sunlight each day. This species can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is vital for the root development and growth of Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. Watering should be done regularly to maintain moderately moist soil, but care should be taken not to overwater, which can cause root rot. It is also advised to water the tree early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid excessive evaporation under strong sun exposure.
Fertilization
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. requires regular feeding during its growing season. A balanced fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can be added once every three months to improve growth and flowering. An organic fertilizer with a high nitrogen content can also be used for better results.
Pruning
Pruning of Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is recommended during the dry season when the tree is not actively growing. This species requires minimal pruning and should only be trimmed to remove dead or damaged parts. It is also advisable to prune the tree to maintain an appropriate size or shape during its early years of growth.
Propagation of Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil.
The propagation of Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. involves several methods that are commonly used. These include from seeds, cuttings, layering and suckers.
From Seeds
The easiest and most commonly used propagation method for Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature fruits around the month of October when the fruits are fully mature. The seeds should be washed and then dried under the sunlight before storing them in a cool and dry place. The seeds can then be sown in seed trays filled with well-drained soil mix. The trays should be placed in a warm and moist environment that is protected from direct sunlight. Germination usually occurs after about 2 to 4 weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted when they are about 4 to 6 months old.
Cuttings
The propagation of Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. through cuttings involves the use of stem cuttings that are collected from mature healthy plants. The cuttings should be about 30 cm long and should be collected during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and then planted in well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they establish roots. The cuttings will usually take about 3 to 6 months to root and can then be transplanted.
Layering
Another propagation method for Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is through layering. This involves bending a healthy branch of the plant towards the ground and then covering a section with soil. Roots will develop from the covered section and a new plant can then be separated from the parent plant.
Suckers
Suckers are shoots that grow from the base of the mother plant. These can be separated and transplanted to propagate new plants. The suckers should be carefully selected and separated from the parent plant using sharp and sterilized tools.
Disease Management
Uncaria africana G.Don var. angolensis Havil. is susceptible to various diseases that can hinder the plant's growth and even lead to plant death. The most common diseases affecting the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It leads to the development of small, dark, sunken spots on leaves, stems, and fruit. To manage Anthracnose, prune infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides.
- Sooty Mold: This is a fungal disease that grows on the honeydew excreted by insects such as mealybugs, aphids, and scales. It leads to the development of a black, powdery coating on the plant. To manage sooty mold, treat the plant to eliminate the insects secreting the honeydew.
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This is a water-borne disease caused by Phytophthora fungus. It leads to root rot, wilting, yellowing of leaves, and death of the plant. To manage Phytophthora root rot, avoid over-irrigation and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant is also susceptible to pest infestations that can decrease plant growth and yield. Common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Mealybugs: These tiny bugs suck sap from the plant and excrete honeydew that attracts sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap, prune infected plant parts and release natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs.
- Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew that leads to sooty mold development. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, prune infected plant parts and release natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Spider Mites: These pests attack the plant by sucking the sap and causing stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, apply neem oil, keep the plant well-hydrated, and release natural predators such as predatory mites and ladybugs.
