Overview
Exomicrum coriaceum is a shrub belonging to the family Melastomataceae. This plant species is indigenous to tropical Africa.
Common Names
Exomicrum coriaceum is commonly known by several vernacular names in different indigenous communities. Some of the popular names include "Mangalala" and "Mugere" by the Bantu tribes in East Africa.
Appearance
Exomicrum coriaceum is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a leathery texture. These leaves feature a dark-green glossy surface that contrasts with the underside's lighter shade. The plant produces tiny flowers that are white or pink-violet. The fruit is a green capsule, which later turns red when mature and can contain up to 30 seeds.
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The bark and roots are boiled and used to relieve several ailments, including toothaches, diarrhea, and fever. The leaves and bark produce astringent compounds that have antidiarrheal properties. The tannins present in this plant also contributes to its use in traditional medicine. The fruit has been identified as an excellent source of edible pulp that can be utilized in making jams.
Exomicrum coriaceum is also used in landscaping due to its attractive oval-shaped leaves and small white flowers. As such, it can be planted in parks and gardens to enhance their aesthetic value.
Light Requirements
Exomicrum coriaceum requires bright, indirect light in order to thrive. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves and stunt growth. North or east-facing windows provide ideal lighting conditions for this plant. fluorescent lighting or artificial grow lamps may be used in lower light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Exomicrum coriaceum is between 16ºC to 27ºC. The plant should be kept away from cold drafts. Temperatures below 10ºC may cause the plant to become stunted and may lead to the death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Exomicrum coriaceum must be well-draining and of good quality. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for this plant. It requires a neutral to acidic soil pH between 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, with the top layer allowed to dry out before watering again.
Cultivation methods
The Exomicrum coriaceum plant prefers a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. It can be grown in well-drained soil in partial shade or diffused light.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings that are taken during the early summer period. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a humid environment until they begin to root.
Watering needs
The Exomicrum coriaceum plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During the winter period, the plant requires less water as it enters a dormant state.
Avoid over-watering the plant as it can lead to root rot and other fungal infections. It is best to use room temperature water to water the plant.
Fertilization
The Exomicrum coriaceum plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter period when it is dormant. Over-fertilization can lead to salt build-up in the soil and damage the plant's roots.
Pruning
The Exomicrum coriaceum plant requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant during the early spring period before it begins to produce new growth.
Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any overgrown branches to a third of their original height. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter period as it may cause stress and inhibit new growth.
Propagation of Exomicrum coriaceum
Exomicrum coriaceum is known as a rare tropical plant that grows in the evergreen forests of West and Central Africa. Its propagation is vital to maintain its population and availability in the market. The propagation of Exomicrum coriaceum can be done using two methods: seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Exomicrum coriaceum by seeds is the most common method. The seeds of the plant can be obtained from mature fruits. These fruits will fall off the plant when they are mature. Collect them from the ground and extract the seeds. After cleaning and drying the seeds, sow them in a seedbed or potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the soil mix to keep them moist, and maintain a temperature of around 25°C. Germination should occur within two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
The propagation of Exomicrum coriaceum by cuttings can be done by using a stem cutting. Choose a healthy stem from the mother plant and cut it at an angle of about 45 degrees. The cutting should be about 5-10cm long, with at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Insert the cutting in potting mix, and cover it with a plastic bag to keep it moist. Place it in a warm, shaded spot and mist it frequently. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks, at which time the plant can be moved to a larger pot or planted in the ground.
Both methods of propagation can be effective if done correctly. However, propagation by cuttings is a faster method that produces plants with characteristics similar to the parent plant. Propagation by seeds may result in genetic variation.
Disease Management for Exomicrum Coriaceum
Exomicrum coriaceum is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Below are some common diseases that can affect Exomicrum coriaceum and how to manage them.
Fungal Diseases
Exomicrum coriaceum may suffer from fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. One way to manage fungal diseases is to apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides on the affected areas of the plants. Another way to manage fungal diseases is to maintain proper spacing between the plants to allow good air circulation and avoid overhead watering that can encourage the growth of fungus spores.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and black rot can also affect Exomicrum coriaceum. To manage bacterial diseases, it is advisable to remove and destroy any infected plant immediately to avoid the spread of the disease to healthy plants. It is also important to ensure proper sanitation and disinfection of tools and equipment used on infected plants.
Pest Management for Exomicrum Coriaceum
Like any other plant, Exomicrum coriaceum is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Below are some common pests that can affect Exomicrum coriaceum and how to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that may infest Exomicrum coriaceum. To manage aphids, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap, which can help to control their population. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to control aphids.
Mites
Mites can cause severe damage to Exomicrum coriaceum by feeding on the leaves. To manage mites, you can use acaricides such as spinosad or neem oil. You can also introduce predator mites, which can help to control their population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can cause significant damage to Exomicrum coriaceum by feeding on the leaves. To manage caterpillars, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide, which is a natural pesticide that can kill caterpillars. You can also use sticky traps to prevent caterpillars from reaching the plants.
By following the above disease and pest management practices, you can ensure optimal growth and yield of Exomicrum coriaceum. Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of disease or pests can help to identify the problem early and prevent it from spreading to other plants.
