Origin
Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Urticaceae. It is native to tropical West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Ntifafa" in Cameroon, "Akiton" in Nigeria, and "Mpolembia" in Congo.
Uses
Urera bequaertii has various medicinal uses among different African ethnic groups. The leaves and stem bark of the plant are used traditionally to treat malaria, diarrhea, rheumatism, and stomach ache. It is also used as a vermifuge, diuretic, and antidote for snake bites. Additionally, the plant is used as a food source, as the leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
Appearance
Urera bequaertii is a perennial shrub that grows up to 3 meters tall. It has a woody stem and alternate, simple leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape, with toothed margins. The leaves grow up to 15 cm long and 9 cm wide, and are dark green in colour. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in dense, spike-like inflorescences. The fruit is a small drupe that is initially green, turning black when mature.
Typical Growth Conditions for Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman
The plant Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman is a tropical plant species that is native to Central and South America. It is commonly found in wet, tropical forests and it is known to grow in both high altitude areas and near sea level.
Light Requirements
Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman prefers partial shade to full sun. However, it is important to note that the plant does not do well in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, as this can damage the leaves. Therefore, the ideal light condition for this plant is bright, indirect sunlight or dappled shade.
Temperature Requirements
Given that Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman is a tropical plant species, it thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity. The species prefers temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C, with a minimum temperature of 15°C. Extreme cold temperatures can damage the plant's leaves and growth, so it is important to protect the plant from exposure to extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman is a moderately drought-tolerant plant species that prefers well-draining, loamy soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (between 6.0 and 7.5). The plant does not do well in waterlogged soil, so make sure that the soil has good drainage.
It is also worth noting that Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman has a shallow root system, so the plant can benefit from being mulched to retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
Cultivation methods
Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It should be grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant also requires filtered sunlight and protection from direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
Watering needs
The plant needs frequent watering, but care should be taken not to overwater it. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant goes into dormancy. Always use room temperature water when watering the plant, as cold water can shock the root system.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any leggy stems. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Regular pruning will also encourage the plant to produce new growth and flowers.
Propagation of Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman
Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman can be propagated by several methods.
Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the mature fruits of the plant. The collected seeds must be cleaned and sowed in suitable potting mix or soil. The potting mix must be moist and warm for better germination. The seeds generally take 2-4 weeks for germination. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have reached a suitable size.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be taken from mature plants. The cuttings must be taken from the younger and non-woody branches of the plant and should be around 4-6 inches in length. The cuttings must be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cutting must be kept in a warm and moist place during the rooting process. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division
Plant division can be done during the early spring season. The mature plant must be dug up carefully and divided into sections by cutting through the roots. Each section must have some leaves and roots. The divisions must be planted in individual containers with well-drained potting mix. The plants must be kept in a warm and moist place until they establish themselves.
Disease Management
Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman is relatively disease-resistant, but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases such as:
- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits. The infected plant parts usually become distorted and may eventually fall off. Management of anthracnose includes regular pruning, removal of infected plant parts, and application of fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: a fungal disease that creates white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Infected plant parts may also become distorted or stunted. To manage powdery mildew, remove diseased leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides as needed.
Pest Management
Like many plants, Urera bequaertii De Wild. ex Hauman can be targeted by several pests. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted plant parts. Control aphids by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: tiny, spider-like insects that can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, remove affected plant parts, improve air circulation, and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: small, immobile insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To control scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
