Origin of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens
Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens, also known as yellow-fruited voacanga, is a plant species belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to several African countries including Cameroon, Ghana, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens
Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens is known by several common names, including yellow-fruited voacanga, poison arrow tree, and Voacanga tree. In Ghana, it is known as Oman tamba and in Nigeria, it is called Awelawa.
Uses of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens
The yellow-fruited voacanga plant has several medicinal uses. The bark, roots, leaves, and seeds of the plant contain alkaloids, which have been used traditionally for treating various ailments such as fever, malaria, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The plant is also known for its pain-relieving properties and has been used to manage arthritis and other forms of pain.
Additionally, the seeds of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens are used as a stimulant and are sometimes used recreationally as a hallucinogen. The bark of the tree is used for making fishing nets, basketry, and ropes.
General Appearance of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens
The yellow-fruited voacanga plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20m tall. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk that is grayish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, oblong, and leathery, with a glossy green upper surface and a pale green underside. The tree produces small yellow or orange fruit, which is edible but very bitter. The seeds are small and black, with a hard outer shell.
Light Requirements:
Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon thrives best in bright but indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can damage or burn the leaves. It is recommended to keep the plant near a window with sheer curtains or in an area with filtered light. Lack of adequate lighting may cause the plant to grow slowly or become stunted.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C. During winter, it is essential to keep the plant away from any draught or excessively cold area. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 21°C and 24°C during the day and should not fall below 18°C at night.
Soil Requirements:
Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon requires well-draining, rich soil to grow healthily. It is preferable to use a potting mix that includes loose materials such as perlite or sand to increase drainage and aeration. A pH level ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 is considered ideal for the plant to grow and thrive. Adequate moisture is required, but it's essential to ensure that the plant's root system doesn't remain soggy, which can rot the plant's roots.
Cultivation of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens
Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens is a native plant to tropical regions of Africa and requires warm ambient temperature for optimal growth. The plant prefers a location that is exposed to partial shade or indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves.
The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is characterized by high organic matter content. Adding peat moss and vermiculite to the soil mixture will not only improve drainage but also provide the necessary nutrients for proper growth.
Watering
Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens requires moderate watering as the plant cannot tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant thoroughly until the water starts to drain out from the bottom of the pot. Avoid watering the plant too frequently as this can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant during the growing season (spring and summer) every four weeks, but reduce the frequency to once every two months during the winter months when the plant is in its dormant stage.
Pruning
Prune the plant to maintain its shape and control its size. After the blooming season, trim off any dead flowers or leaves. If the plant has become too large for its container, prune the roots and repot the plant into a larger container that has good drainage.
Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens is susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to regularly check the leaves and stems for signs of infestation. If you notice any signs, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or a fungicide depending on the type of infection present.
Propagation of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon
There are several methods to propagate Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon, including:
1. Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon is through seed propagation. The seeds are usually collected from ripe fruit that has fallen from the tree. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before they are sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 cm and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about 2-4 weeks. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
2. Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy, mature plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and humid environment until roots have formed, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
3. Layering
Another method of propagating Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon is through layering. This method involves bending a lower branch of the plant down to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be wounded where it is in contact with the soil, and then held in place with a stake or rock. Over time, roots will grow from the wounded area, and a new plant will form. Once the new plant is well established, it can be separated from the parent plant and planted in its own pot or in the ground.
4. Grafting
Grafting can also be used to propagate Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens (Stapf) Pichon, but it is not commonly done. This method involves taking a scion from a desired plant and grafting it onto a rootstock of a related plant. This method is usually only used for plants that are difficult to propagate through other means.
Disease Management of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens
V. africana Stapf var. lutescens has good resistance to pests and diseases. However, sometimes it may suffer from fungal and bacterial infections, which require proper management to avoid severe damage. Common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease causes yellowish-brown spots on the leaves and stems, which eventually turn black and cause the affected parts to die. It can be managed by removing the infected areas and using fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This disease causes small black or brown spots on the leaves, which can spread and join to form larger patches. Affected leaves may fall prematurely. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering, removing infected leaves, and using fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several fungi that attack the plant's roots. It causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering, improving soil drainage, and using fungicides.
Pest Management of Voacanga africana Stapf var. lutescens
Like diseases, pests also pose a threat to V. africana Stapf var. lutescens. Common pests that might infest the plant include:
- Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves, resulting in stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. They can be managed by removing them manually or using insecticides.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant's leaves. They cause yellowing and may cause webbing to form on the underside of the leaves. They can be managed by removing them manually or using insecticides.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing curled or distorted leaves. They can be managed by removing them manually or using insecticides.
- Whiteflies: These are small, winged insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually die. They can be managed by removing them manually or using insecticides.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect pests and diseases early, preventing severe infestations. Cultural practices like pruning, removing dead plant debris, and avoiding overcrowding can also help manage pests and diseases. Using organic amendments and biological control agents can also help maintain a healthy plant.
