Overview
Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas is a tropical plant species in the family Annonaceae. It is commonly known as "m'vassa" in Congo and "kokoloba" in Gabon. This plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments.Origin
Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas is native to the tropical forests of Central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Appearance
This plant is a woody climber that can grow up to 20 meters long. Its stem is smooth and cylindrical. It has alternately arranged leaves that are simple, shiny, and oblong-shaped, measuring 8 to 18 cm long and 3.5 to 9.5 cm wide. Its flowers are small and greenish-yellow, measuring about 1.5 cm in diameter.Uses
Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas is highly valued for its medicinal properties, which have been used traditionally by the indigenous people of Central Africa. The plant contains bioactive compounds that have antimalarial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to treat various illnesses, such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach disorders. In addition, the roots and stem bark of the plant are used as a natural remedy for snake bites.Light Requirements
The Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas plant prefers to grow in bright light to partial shade. It can grow under direct sunlight, but it’s better to protect the plant from the hot afternoon sun. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a bright window or under fluorescent lights placing the lights about 12 inches above the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature for Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas is between 21-27°C (70-80°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) will affect the plant’s growth severely, and temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can kill it. It is essential to keep the temperature consistent to avoid damaging the plant.
Soil Requirements
Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas requires well-draining soil with a pH of about 5.5-6.5. A soil mix consisting of peat moss, coarse sand, and loamy soil in equal parts will be ideal for this plant. It’s also a good idea to mix perlite or vermiculite to enhance soil aeration and improve drainage.
Cultivation methods
Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas thrive in warm, humid climates and prefers well-draining soil. It should be planted in a location that receives partial shade. The plant is grown through seeds or vegetative propagation, and the planting holes should be twice the size of the container.
Watering needs
The plant should be watered thoroughly but not excessively. Watering needs may vary depending on the soil drainage and the temperature of the environment. It is advisable to water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant twice a month during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce the frequency of fertilization during the dormant season. Use a half-strength solution, especially during the winter.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas plant. It should be pruned immediately after flowering and any diseased or damaged parts removed. Make sure to use clean shears and sanitize them with alcohol before use.
Propagation of Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas
Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas can be sown directly into well-draining soil or in seedling trays. The seeds must be clean and dry. Germination of the seeds takes about 1-2 months. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas. Take stem cuttings of about 10-15cm length, making sure that each cutting has at least two or three leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder. Insert the stem cuttings into a pot with well-draining soil and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is important to keep the pot in a shaded area and to mist the stem cuttings regularly. Rooting of the stem cuttings takes about 3-4 weeks. Once the stem cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
The plant Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas can be affected by several diseases. One of the most common is the fungal disease called anthracnose, which causes leaf spotting and can lead to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and to apply a fungicide to prevent further spread. Another disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that produces a white powder-like substance on the leaves and can slow plant growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to apply a fungicide and to maintain good air circulation to reduce humidity levels.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, several pests can attack Uvaria poggei Engl. & Diels var. anisotricha Le Thomas. One of the most common pests is spider mites, which are small arachnids that can cause leaf damage and reduce plant growth. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with a miticide and to maintain good air circulation and humidity levels. Another pest that can affect this plant is mealybugs, which are small, white insects that can produce a sticky substance on the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove infected areas, apply insecticidal soap, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
