Origin
Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu, commonly known as African cabbage, is a perennial herb that is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon.
Common names
African cabbage is known locally by various common names such as Omumu in Nigeria, Mokok in Cameroon, and Nzam in Gabon, among others.
Uses
Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu is known for its medicinal properties and is used by traditional healers to treat various ailments. The leaves and stems of the plant are used in the treatment of diarrhea, stomach ailments, and fever. The plant is also used in the preparation of a local soup delicacy in Gabon.
General appearance
African cabbage is a small, bushy shrub that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has oval-shaped or slightly lobed leaves that are about 5-10 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. The plant produces small, white or pinkish flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruits are small, spherical or elongated capsules that are about 2-3 cm in length. The plant has a woody stem and the leaves have a slightly bitter taste and a pungent odor.
Light Requirements
Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei thrives under full sunlight. Therefore, it is ideal to expose them to direct sunlight for around 6-8 hours every day. Inadequate lighting can lead to weak stems and stunted growth. In contrast, too much sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing irreparable damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei is between 24-28°C. These plants are known to be hardy and can survive in fluctuating temperatures, but too much cold can slow down their growth and damage the leaves, while too much heat can dry out the soil and dehydrate the plant.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The soil should have excellent water-holding capacity with good aeration. Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. großei can grow well in sandy loam, clay loam, or loam soil. It is advisable to add organic matter, such as compost or manure, to the soil to improve its structure and nutrient content.
Cultivation Method
Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu typically grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in areas with well-draining soils and partial sunlight. The plant is typically propagated via seeds or stem cuttings. Prior to planting, prepare your soil by mixing in organic matter like compost or manure. Select a sunny spot in your garden and dig a hole large enough to fit the root ball of the plant. Once planted, cover the soil with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.Watering Needs
Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu requires regular watering. Aim to water the plant at least once a week or when the soil around the plant feels dry. During long dry spells, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the plant from drying out. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and development, it's important to fertilize Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every four to six weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to fertilizer burn and damage the plant.Pruning
Pruning Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu is important to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Prune the plant regularly to remove dead or damaged branches and leaves. Use sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts close to the stem. Pruning also helps improve air circulation and prevents pests from infecting the plant.Propagation methods of Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu
Propagation of Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu can be achieved by using different techniques such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu by seeds is the most common method. The seeds are collected from the plant and sown during the rainy season in well-drained soil. The seeds take about 3 to 4 weeks to germinate and can be transplanted after 3 to 4 months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu can also be done by taking stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the rainy season in the early morning. The cutting should be about 15-20 cm long with 2 to 3 nodes and should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist. The cuttings will develop roots in about 4 to 6 weeks and can be transplanted after 3 to 4 months.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a method used to propagate Zenkerella capparidacea (Taub.) J.Léonard subsp. grotei (Harms) Temu when other methods have failed. The rootstock used should be healthy, disease-free and compatible with the scion. The scion should be collected from a healthy and vigorous plant. The graft should be done during the active growth period. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment with moderate sunlight until the graft has taken. The grafted plant can be transplanted after 6 to 8 months.
Disease Management for Zenkerella capparidacea subsp. grotei
Zenkerella capparidacea subsp. grotei is relatively disease-resistant. However, it may occasionally be affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
To manage these diseases:
- Remove infected plant parts immediately and dispose of them properly.
- Provide adequate spacing between plants to ensure good air circulation and prevent the spread of fungal spores.
- Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
- Apply a fungicide according to the instructions on the label.
Pest Management for Zenkerella capparidacea subsp. grotei
There are several pests that may attack Zenkerella capparidacea subsp. grotei, including:
- Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove affected plant parts and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: These small insects can quickly reproduce and cause significant damage to the plant. To manage aphids, remove affected plant parts and spray the plant with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These tiny insects cause distorted or discolored leaves, and they may also spread viruses. To manage thrips, remove affected plant parts and spray the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pests and promptly addressing any issues can help prevent infestations from becoming widespread and causing significant damage.
