Origin
Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon, also known as the African Poison Tree, is a Caribbean and African medicinal plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family.
Common Names
The African Poison Tree has many other common names, including Ubehebe in Swahili, Oghene Omafume in Edo, and Gabon Poison Tree in English.
Uses
This plant is used extensively across Africa and the Caribbean for traditional medicine, and it has been used for centuries to treat a range of ailments such as diarrhea, fever, rheumatism, snake bites, and mental illness. The bark, roots, and leaves are used for medicinal purposes, and the plant has also been used as an aphrodisiac. In some parts of Africa, the dried seeds are used to induce hallucinations for spiritual and ritualistic purposes.
Appearance
The African Poison Tree is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has dark green, shiny leaves that are up to 15 cm in length and 7 cm in width. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a two-horned follicle that contains up to 20 seeds. The bark of the African Poison Tree is gray-brown and has a rough texture.
Light Requirements
Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon thrives in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow and spread. Too little sunlight may cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the tree.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Voacanga africana var. glabra is between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Any extreme temperatures can harm the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant prefers a loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. It can also grow in sandy soils but requires more frequent watering. Addition of compost or manure in the soil improves soil fertility, texture, and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade conditions. In areas with intense sunlight, shade cloth or similar materials may be necessary to reduce the intensity of the light. It is essential to keep the plant free from weeds that might compete for nutrients or water. Start by planting the seeds or the cuttings in a hole about twice the size of the root ball. After planting, water the plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist.
Watering Needs
It is essential to water Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon regularly to keep the soil moist. The plant requires more water during the growing season and less during winter, except in areas with mild climates. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat of the day. The amount of water required will depend on the weather and other factors like soil type, humidity, and wind. It is important to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot or other problems.
Fertilization
Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and bloom. Fertilizers high in nitrogen should be avoided, as they may promote too much foliage growth and reduce flowering. A balanced fertilizer with a mix of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is recommended. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, typically starting in spring and finishing in fall. It is important to follow the recommended application amounts and avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the roots or cause other problems.
Pruning
Pruning Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon is generally not required, as the plant has a natural shape and growth pattern. However, pruning may be necessary to remove dead or damaged branches or to shape the plant. It is best to prune during the dormant season or after flowering to avoid interrupting the blooming cycle. Use sharp, clean pruning tools and make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle. Avoid cutting too close to the trunk or the main stem, as this may cause unnecessary damage to the plant.
Propagation of Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon
Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon is generally propagated through seeds. The plant produces smooth, ovoid or globose fruits containing two to four seeds. The seeds are brownish-yellow and are around 1 cm in diameter. The seeds should be collected from fully matured fruits, and the fleshy outer layer should be removed before propagation.
The seeds of Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra can be sown directly in the garden bed or raised in seed trays filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of around 1 cm and watered regularly. The optimum temperature for germination is between 25 to 30°C, and germination can take up to 21 days.
It is also possible to propagate Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra by stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The stem cuttings should be around 20 cm in length and should include a few leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be watered thoroughly and kept in a partially shaded area. Rooting can take around four to six weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon
Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon is a plant known for its medicinal properties and is used for treating various diseases like fever, malaria, and high blood pressure. However, the plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common pests and diseases that affect Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon and how to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied insects that can damage the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems. They also secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages the growth of fungi. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the infestation is severe, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause discoloration and wilting of leaves. They are difficult to spot but can be identified by the fine webbing they produce. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also increase the humidity in the environment to discourage their growth and reproduction.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can cause deformation and discoloration of leaves. They feed by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the sap. To manage thrips, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like mites or lacewings.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots can be yellow, brown, or black. To manage leaf spot, you can remove and destroy infected leaves. You can also use fungicides like copper-based products.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. The affected leaves can turn yellow and dry out. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove and destroy infected leaves. You can also use fungicides like sulfur-based products.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. To manage root rot, you need to improve the drainage of the soil and reduce the moisture content. You can also use fungicides like copper-based products.
By following these pest and disease management practices, you can ensure that your Voacanga africana Stapf var. glabra (K.Schum.) Pichon plants remain healthy and productive.
