Origin
Vepris tabouensis (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) Mziray is a plant species native to Madagascar. It can be found growing in the dry deciduous forests of the country.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Tabouensis, Taboue, and Vokatry.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and roots of Vepris tabouensis are widely used in traditional medicine in Madagascar. They are believed to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties. The bark and leaves are also used as a spice to flavor food dishes, while the wood is used for carving and making furniture.
General Appearance
Vepris tabouensis is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 m tall. The bark is gray, rough, and fissured with age. The leaves are compound, made up of 3-7 leaflets that are elliptic to ovate in shape and have a glossy green color. The flowers are small and white, while the fruit is a small, spherical, and purple berry that contains one seed.
Light Requirements
Vepris tabouensis grows naturally in full sun to partial shade. When growing this plant indoors, it is essential to provide bright filtered light to ensure proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Vepris tabouensis is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to temperature extremes, which can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Vepris tabouensis grows best in well-draining acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. When growing this plant in a container, it is advisable to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Vepris tabouensis (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) Mziray is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15°C-30°C). To cultivate this plant, choose a well-draining pot with a diameter of at least 4 inches (10 cm).
Plant the sapling in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and provides, good aeration, and drainage. Place the sapling in indirect sunlight and water it regularly.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering the Vepris tabouensis (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) Mziray plant, it's essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the sapling once every week or when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Watering too often can damage the plant.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every four months for the Vepris tabouensis (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) Mziray plant's growth and development. Avoid applying too much fertilizer, which can lead to burned roots and potentially harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Vepris tabouensis (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) Mziray plant is essential to maintain its shape and promote growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and stems to promote better growth.
During pruning, sterilize the pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. Trim the tips of the branches to encourage branching and improve the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Vepris Tabouensis
Vepris tabouensis, also known as the Tabou orange, is a small to medium-sized tree species that is native to Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common and easiest way to propagate Vepris tabouensis. The seeds should be collected from the tree after the fruit has ripened, which is usually from November to January. Clean the seeds and soak them in water for at least 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and keep them in a warm and moist environment. Germination will occur in 2-3 weeks, and once the seedlings have developed leaves, they can be potted individually.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from a mature tree and rooted to create new plants. Use sharp and sterile pruning shears to take cuttings from the semi-hardwood branches in the early spring. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip it in rooting hormone, and insert it into a potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and keep it in a partially shaded area. Roots should develop within 6-8 weeks, and once the cutting has become established, it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and is recommended for experienced gardeners. Grafting can be done using a scion (a small, woody stem) from a mature tree and grafting it onto a rootstock of a closely related species. The rootstock should be at least 1 year old and the same diameter as the scion. After grafting, the plant should be kept in a humid area and protected from direct sunlight. The graft should take within a few weeks, and once it has developed leaves, it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Overall, Vepris tabouensis can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method should depend on individual conditions and circumstances.
Disease Management
Vepris tabouensis is prone to various fungal and bacterial infections. One of the common diseases that infect the plant is anthracnose. The symptoms of anthracnose include leaf spotting, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage the disease, remove the infected plant debris and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering since it increases the chances of spreading the infection. Use fungicides and bactericides to prevent further infections.
Another disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew. It is characterized by a white, powdery coating that appears on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Black spot is another fungal disease that affects the plant. The symptoms include black spots that appear on the leaves, stems, and branches. To manage black spot, prune infected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Use fungicides to prevent further infections.
Pest Management
The most common pests that attack Vepris tabouensis are aphids, mites, and scales. Aphids are small green or black insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mites are tiny insects that appear as small white or brown dots on the leaves of the plant. They also suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate them and prevent further infestation.
Scales are small brown or black insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, sucking the sap and causing the plant to wither. To manage scales, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate and kill the insects. Pruning the infected parts of the plant also helps to control the spread of the infestation.
