Overview:
Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. is a tropical plant species in the family Apocynaceae. It is known by several common names, including African arrow poison, Ogbukwe, and Devil pepper. The plant is native to the Congo Basin and other regions of Central Africa but is also found in Madagascar, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It grows best in tropical, humid environments with moderate to high rainfall.
Appearance:
Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are green, glossy, and elliptical in shape, with a length of about 12-20 cm and a width of 5-10 cm. The tree produces white, fragrant flowers that are about 2 cm in diameter, followed by small, round, fleshy fruits that are about 3-4 cm in diameter. The fruit is orange when ripe and has a slightly sweet taste.
Uses:
The plant has a long history of traditional medicinal uses among African communities. The bark and roots of Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. contain various alkaloids, including voacangine, voacamine, and ibogaine. These compounds are used as stimulants, hallucinogens, and pain relievers. In addition, the plant's bark is used to treat fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases, while its roots are used as an antidote to arrow poison and snake bites. In recent years, the plant has gained attention in the field of pharmacology due to its potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of addiction, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Light Requirements
Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It does not grow well in shaded conditions. Therefore, it is important to plant it in an area with direct sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive. It grows best in temperatures between 25°C to 30°C but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°C. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to cold temperatures below 10°C as it can lead to stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good moisture retention capacity. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. can be grown in both indoor and outdoor environments. It is generally a slow-growing plant that prefers partial shade, but can also tolerate full sunlight. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, but seeds are recommended because they are more stable.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. You should water the plant frequently but in small amounts, especially during the growing season. During the winter, reduce the frequency of watering but make sure that the soil does not completely dry out. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize the plants every four weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be water-soluble and applied at half strength, as using full strength can lead to salt buildup which can be toxic to the plant. Nitrogen and potassium are the primary elements required. During the winter, reduce the frequency of fertilization and skip it entirely during the dormant period.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not required for Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. however, if you see any damaged, infected, or dead branches or leaves, they can be removed. Doing so will help keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth. Otherwise, pruning can be used to manage the size of the plant. If you want to keep the plant compact, you can prune the branches immediately after flowering in the summer. You should avoid heavy pruning as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Voacanga Boehmii K. Schum.
Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. is a plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This tree species is native to Central Africa and is commonly found in the dense forests of Cameroon, Gabon, and Republic of Congo.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. can be achieved through various methods. These include;
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is one of the most popular methods. The seeds of Voacanga boehmii K.Schum can be sown in a nursery bed or directly in the field. Stratification of the seed at 10-15°C for three months before planting can be beneficial.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also a viable method for Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the mother plant and planted in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be placed in a well-lit area and kept moist until rooting occurs.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering can also be used to propagate Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. A section of the stem is wounded and wrapped with a rooting hormone and a moist medium such as sphagnum moss. Roots will then develop at the wound and can be separated from the mother plant once established.
Propagation of Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. requires care and attention. However, once established, the plant can be maintained through regular watering, fertilization, and pruning.
Disease Management
Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. is susceptible to a few diseases. Some common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Canker disease: This disease causes the bark to split and oozes a sticky substance. It can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage, providing adequate air circulation, and avoiding mechanical damage to the plant. Infected parts of the plant should be pruned and destroyed immediately.
- Anthracnose: This disease causes leaf spots, defoliation, and cankers on stems and branches. It can be prevented by pruning infected parts of the plant, improving air circulation, and providing adequate water drainage.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease causes a white powdery substance to form on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be prevented by pruning infected parts of the plant, improving air circulation, and providing adequate water drainage.
To manage diseases in Voacanga boehmii K.Schum., it is essential to keep the plant healthy by providing optimal growing conditions. Infected parts should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides may be used when necessary. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease can also help to prevent its spread.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Voacanga boehmii K.Schum. is also susceptible to pest attacks. Some common pests that affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing damage to the leaves and stems. To manage an aphid infestation, spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap can help. Horticultural oil and insecticidal soap may also be used.
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and can cause visible damage to the plant's leaves, making them appear speckled. To prevent these pests, maintain a humid environment and keep the plant's foliage clean.
- Scale insects: These insects form a hard shell on the plant's leaves and stems, causing damage to the plant. Prune and destroy infected parts of the plant and use insecticides when necessary.
To manage pest infestations in Voacanga boehmii K.Schum., it is essential to keep the plant healthy and to regularly inspect it for signs of pests. Natural predators can also be introduced to the environment, such as Ladybugs, praying mantis, etc. Insecticides should only be used as a last resort and should be used as per the manufacturer's instructions.
