Description of Voacanga puberula K.Schum.
Voacanga puberula K.Schum is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of West Africa, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria. It is also commonly found in Cameroon, Angola, and Congo. The plant is known by various local names, including "Alama" in Nigeria and "Akoma" in Ghana.
General Appearance
Voacanga puberula K.Schum grows to a height of about 5 to 10 meters. The tree has a rounded crown and is usually single-stemmed. Its bark is grayish-brown and has fissured or rugose texture. The tree's leaves are simple, broad, and have a glossy surface. They are dark green on the upper surface and paler on the lower surface. The flowers of Voacanga puberula K.Schum are white and strongly fragrant. They grow in tight clusters and are followed by fruit capsules that contain oval-shaped seeds.
Uses
The parts of the Voacanga puberula K.Schum plant have various medicinal uses. In traditional African medicine, its bark, roots, leaves, and seeds are used to treat various ailments, including stomach pains, fever, rheumatism, and snakebites. Additionally, the plant is used in rituals and ceremonies, particularly by the West African tribe Igbo. They believe that the tree has spiritual powers and use it to communicate with their ancestors.
The seeds of Voacanga puberula K.Schum are also used in the production of medicines. The seeds contain various alkaloids, including voacamine, which has shown potential in treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Moreover, some studies have also suggested that voacamine may have anti-cancer properties. The plant's seeds are also used to produce insecticides, particularly against mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
Aside from its medicinal benefits, the Voacanga puberula K.Schum's wood is used in carpentry and woodcrafts. Its dense and durable wood is suitable for making furniture, cabinets, and construction materials.
Light Requirements
Voacanga puberula K.Schum. typically grows in shaded areas or under the canopy of larger trees. As such, it prefers a moderate level of shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause wilting. It is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive filtered or partial sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Voacanga puberula K.Schum. is native to tropical regions and prefers warmer temperatures. Ideally, the plant should be kept in an environment with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause the plant to become dormant and eventually die.
Soil Requirements
Voacanga puberula K.Schum. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged as excess water can lead to root rot. A soil pH between 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for the plant. It is recommended to add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its nutrient content.
Cultivation methods
Voacanga puberula K.Schum. is a small tree that can be grown outdoors or indoors in a pot. It prefers a warm and humid climate, so it is suitable in areas with temperatures between 21°C and 29°C. It needs sunlight but not too much direct exposure to it. For outdoor growth, the soil should be well-drained, fertile, and have a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. For indoor growth, a well-draining and nutrient-rich potting mix is recommended.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot. Outdoor plants may need more water during hot and dry weather. Indoor plants may benefit from occasional misting to maintain humidity around the leaves.
Fertilization
Voacanga puberula K.Schum. responds well to regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Increase the fertilizer amount once monthly during the growing season, but avoid fertilizing during the winter months. For outdoor growth, fertilizer can be applied to the soil around the tree. For indoor growth, liquid fertilizer can be added to the watering can.
Pruning
The plant generally grows in a natural tree form and does not need pruning if grown outdoors. However, indoor plants may need to be pruned to control their height and shape or to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and sharp and clean pruning tools should be used to prevent damage to the plant. The plant sap may be toxic and irritating, so wearing gloves is recommended when pruning.
Propagation of Voacanga puberula K.Schum.
Voacanga puberula K.Schum. can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method of propagating Voacanga puberula K.Schum. The seeds must be collected from mature fruits and soaked in water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be dried and sown in well-prepared soil in a sunny area. Seedlings are expected to emerge after 3-4 weeks, and they should be transferred to a container that is shaded from direct sunlight until they establish well.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done by rooting stem cuttings of Voacanga puberula K.Schum. The stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants with young shoots in spring when there is active growth. These cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones and planted in sandy soil in a moist and shaded area. The rooting process takes about 3-4 weeks, and after rooting, the cuttings should be gradually exposed to sunlight until they establish well.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a common method of propagating Voacanga puberula K.Schum. Cuttings can be taken from young and healthy stem tips that are about 15-20cm long. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone solution. Afterward, the cutting should be planted in a soil mixture of perlite and peat moss, and watered regularly. The rooting process takes about 3-4 weeks, and after rooting, the cutting should be gradually exposed to sunlight until it establishes well.
Disease and Pest Management for Voacanga puberula K.Schum.
Voacanga puberula K.Schum., commonly known as African arrow poison or Red Forrest tree, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is a beautiful plant, but many pests and diseases can damage its growth and vigor, making it important to manage these issues. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Voacanga puberula and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes leaves and the stem to wilt and turn yellow or brown. The fungus spreads through infected soil and water. To prevent fusarium wilt, grow the plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant has contracted the disease, remove and discard it to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Root and stem rot: Root and stem rot are caused by the fungus Phytophthora. The leaves turn yellow or brown, and the roots and stem become soft and die. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant to prevent the fungus from spreading to other plants. Avoid watering the plant's foliage and stem and ensure the soil is well-drained.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to wilt and yellow. To eradicate aphids, spray the plant with soapy water or insecticidal soap. Alternatively, introduce natural predators like ladybugs to prey on the pests.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to discolor and drop. To control spider mites, prune the infected leaves or the entire plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eradicate the pests.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that produce a white, cotton-like substance on the leaves. They can cause leaves to yellow and stunt plant growth. To control mealybugs, wipe the plant with a mixture of alcohol and water. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove the pests.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender, winged insects that damage the plant's foliage and flowers. They suck sap, causing leaf distortion, and they can spread plant viruses. To control thrips, use a combination of insecticidal soap and neem oil to eradicate the pests.
Proper care, including pruning, regular watering, and appropriate soil type, goes a long way in keeping Voacanga puberula healthy, avoiding pest, and disease problems.
