Origin
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. is a plant species that commonly grows in the tropical regions of Africa such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The plant is known by several names including African arrow poison, Leopard’s bane, Mukdau, Gabon poison, and Voacanga.
Uses
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. is widely used in traditional African medicine due to its several therapeutic properties. The bark and roots of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments including fever, rheumatism, and pain. The plant contains ibogaine, a psychoactive compound that is known to have beneficial effects on individuals with drug addiction and depression. The plant is also used as a hunting tool. The bark of the plant is commonly used to make arrow poison, which is used to immobilize prey.
General Appearance
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 15 meters tall. It has a straight and slender trunk with a greyish-brown bark. The leaves of the plant are dark green, alternate, and simple. The plant produces small, white, fragrant flowers that typically bloom in clusters. The fruit is a woody capsule that is oval-shaped and contains several seeds.
Light Requirements
Voacanga Thouarsii Roem. & Schult. is a tropical plant that typically requires bright, indirect light to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant and cause leaf scorching. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives filtered or diffused light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Voacanga Thouarsii Roem. & Schult. is between 18°C to 28°C (65°F to 82°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but may experience stunted growth. Similarly, temperatures above 28°C (82°F) can harm the plant and cause leaf drop. It is recommended to maintain a moderate, consistent temperature for the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Voacanga Thouarsii Roem. & Schult. prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. It is recommended to add perlite or sand to the soil mixture to improve drainage. The plant can be fertilized bi-weekly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth.
Cultivation methods for Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. is a tropical evergreen tree that requires warm temperatures and high humidity for proper growth. It is typically grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 or in a greenhouse environment.
The plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best to add compost or other organic materials to the soil to improve its quality. Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.
Propagation can be done through seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination, which typically takes about two weeks. Stem cuttings should be taken from new growth and placed in a rooting hormone before being planted in moist soil.
Watering needs for Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. requires regular watering to keep its soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, the plant should be watered more frequently to prevent it from drying out.
It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot. To prevent this, make sure the soil has proper drainage and allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again.
Fertilization of Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied once every two weeks. High-quality organic fertilizers can also be used to improve soil fertility.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.
Pruning is not usually necessary for Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. However, the tree may benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or diseased branches, or to shape the tree for aesthetic purposes.
When pruning, use clean and sharp tools and make cuts just above a leaf node. This will encourage new growth and help keep the tree healthy and attractive.
Propagation of Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.
Propagation of Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. can be achieved through vegetative and seed propagation methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be around 15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil.
Rooting can take up to six weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots. Plants should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until they are established and can be moved to a sunny location.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. through seeds can be a bit challenging due to their hard seed coat. Seeds should be extracted from ripe fruit, be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before planting. Scarification of seeds can be done by nicking the seed coat with a blade or filing it gently before planting in well-draining soil in a propagation tray.
It is recommended to plant two to three seeds per container to increase the chances of germination. Container should be placed in a warm, humid environment, and seeds should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take between 3-8 weeks, and plants should be transplanted into individual pots when they reach 10 cm in height.
Disease and Pest Management for Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.
Good plant health is essential for the growth and development of Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult. Proper management techniques should be put in place to prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Stem and Root Rot: This disease is caused by several fungi that live in the soil. Symptoms include wilting, leaf drop, and stem collapse. The best way to prevent this disease is by providing well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which merge to form large patches. The leaves eventually turn yellow and drop. The best way to prevent leaf spot is by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed immediately.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes wilting, defoliation, and stem cankers. The best way to prevent anthracnose is by removing infected plants and avoiding overcrowding. Proper spacing and good sanitation practices can help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Spider Mites: These pests cause yellow, stippled leaves and webbing on the plant. The best way to manage spider mites is by avoiding over-fertilization and keeping the plant well-watered. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to manage spider mites.
Mealybugs: These pests excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and causes stunted growth. The best way to manage mealybugs is by removing infected parts of the plant and using insecticidal soaps and oils.
Aphids: These pests cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves and can transmit diseases. The best way to manage aphids is by removing infected parts of the plant and using insecticidal soaps and oils. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to control aphids.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to prevent pest and disease outbreaks. Proper management practices such as good sanitation and the use of organic fertilizers can also help to maintain the health of the plant.
