Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel: Overview
Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as "Bois clair" or "Umbrella tree", is a tree species that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is native to West Africa, specifically in the countries of Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
General Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 25m tall, and it has a straight trunk with a rounded crown. The leaves are opposite, ovate, and glossy green. The inflorescence it bears are umbels with yellow flowers, which later produce fruits that resemble a woody capsule containing several seeds.
Uses
Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel is a well-known medicinal plant in Africa. The plant extract has been used for centuries for various purposes, particularly for treating a wide range of skin conditions, like eczema, dermatitis, and acne. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the tree species is also valued for its high-quality timber, which is commonly used in construction, joinery, and furniture-making. The bark of the plant is used as a dye, and the plant's resin is a source of gum.
Growth Conditions for Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel is a tropical West African tree species that typically grows in the understorey of moist forests, where it thrives well in well-drained soils. The following are the typical growth conditions for this plant species.
Light Requirements
Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel grows well in shady conditions, making it an ideal plant for the understorey of moist forests. The plant cannot survive under direct sunlight and should be grown under shade in greenhouses or indoor environments.
Temperature Requirements
This species grows best in tropical climates with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 20°C would slow its growth, and temperatures below 10°C could kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The best soil pH range for optimal growth is between 5.5 and 7.5. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excess water could lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial to obtain optimal growth in Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every three months to provide adequate nutrients for the plant.
Propagation
The plant can be propagated through both sexual and asexual reproduction methods. The most common asexual propagation method is through stem cuttings, while sexual propagation involves planting the seeds in well-draining soil and keeping the soil moist until germination.
Cultivation methods for Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant that thrives in tropical regions, especially in West and Central Africa. To cultivate it, you'll need to provide a warm and humid environment. It prefers well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Plant the seedlings in a shaded spot, and use a stake to support the plant as it grows.
Watering needs for Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel
When watering Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel, make sure that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water the plant deeply once a week, and more frequently during the dry season. Ensure the soil is not left to dry out as that could affect the plant's growth.
Fertilization for Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel
For optimal growth and blooming, use a balanced granular fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Feed the plant every three months during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize as it can cause root burn and negatively affect the plant's growth.
Pruning Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Prune the plant frequently to maintain its shape and size. Remove any dry or diseased branches and trim the plant to the desired height. Ensure to sterilize the pruning tools before use to avoid the spread of diseases. Spring is the best time to prune the plant before the growth phase.
Propagation of Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Psorospermum umbellatum Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as Guinea plum or African prune, is a small evergreen tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall, native to Africa. The plant produces lovely, five-petalled, yellow flowers that turn into large berries. The propagation of Psorospermum umbellatum can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seed propagation is a simple and effective method for Psorospermum umbellatum. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect mature seeds from the plant when the fruit ripens and falls off.
- Clean the seeds with water and dry them under the sun for a few days until the moisture content reduces.
- Soak the seeds in warm water for about 24 to 48 hours to soften the seed coat.
- Sow the seeds in pots with a soil mix of sand, loam, and compost in equal parts.
- Water the seeds regularly and place the pot in a warm place with filtered sunlight.
- The seeds should germinate in about four to six weeks.
- Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and take care of them until they are ready to plant in their permanent location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another effective method to propagate Psorospermum umbellatum, and it's a quicker method for obtaining new plants. Follow these steps:
- Choose a healthy stem from the parent plant, free from any diseases and pests.
- Take a cutting from the stem that has at least two nodes using a sharp knife.
- Remove all the lower leaves, leaving only about two to three leaves at the top.
- Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
- Prepare a pot with moist and well-draining soil and make a hole in the center.
- Insert the cutting gently into the hole and firm the soil around it.
- Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and place it in a shaded area.
- After four to six weeks, check for signs of root growth by gently tugging on the cutting. If there is resistance, the roots have formed.
- Remove the plastic bag, and transplant the cutting to a larger pot or its permanent location.
Propagation of Psorospermum umbellatum through seeds and cuttings is easy and straightforward. By following the steps above, you can successfully grow new plants from either method.
Disease Management
P. umbellatum is susceptible to different fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases. One of the most common fungal diseases that affect the plant is anthracnose, which causes the leaves to develop brown or black spots. The disease is prevalent in warm and humid climates. Another common fungal disease that affects the plant is Powdery Mildew, which causes the leaves to develop a white powdery substance.
To manage anthracnose, prune and remove all infected plant parts and maintain proper hygiene. Avoid planting new plants close to infected plants and apply fungicides to control the spread of the disease. To manage Powdery Mildew, prevent leaf wetness, provide adequate ventilation, and avoid over-fertilization. Apply fungicides as a preventive measure.
The plant is also susceptible to viral diseases like leaf curl and mosaic virus. These types of diseases have no cure, and the infected plant parts must be removed and destroyed. Practice proper plant hygiene, avoid overcrowding, and use healthy planting material to prevent viral infections.
Pest Management
P. umbellatum is prone to pest attacks by insects like scales, mealybugs, and aphids. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause a reduction in growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventually death.
Regularly monitor the plants for pest infestation and conduct appropriate pest control measures. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural remedy to control soft-bodied insects like aphids and mealybugs. For scale insects, alcohol can be used to kill the pests. Regular pruning of the plant helps prevent overcrowding and the spread of pests.
Ensure adequate water and nutrients to the plants, as healthy plants are less susceptible to pest attacks. Always practice good plant hygiene, regularly remove fallen leaves and plant debris, as these can harbor pests and diseases.
