Voacanga africana VOACANGA (20 seeds)

Voacanga africana is a non-hardy exotic tree reaching up to 8 meters in height, belonging to the Apocynaceae family.
Its growth is very rapid, and it is primarily found in the tropical regions of Central Africa, notably in Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon.

Voacanga has opposite, elliptical to oblong leaves, generally measuring between 8 and 20 cm in length. They are dark green, glossy on the upper side and lighter underneath. The leaf margins are generally smooth.

Flowers of this African tree are highly fragrant and grouped in cymes. They are tubular and star-shaped, often cream or yellow in color. Flowering takes place during the summer period.

Its fruits are elongated capsules measuring between 5 and 10 cm long. They are usually green at first, then turn brown or orange as they ripen. The capsules may open at maturity to release the numerous seeds inside.

Voacanga seeds are oval-shaped and light to dark brown in color. They are often surrounded by fibers.

- Uses:

This tree contains an alkaloid called voacangine. In certain communities, shamanic practitioners use the plant for ritual purposes or spiritual ceremonies.
In traditional uses, it promotes physical and mental healing and combats pain and other infections.

It is sometimes prepared in the form of decoctions or infusions.

African shamans may also use it to enhance their ability to perceive messages from the spiritual world, thereby facilitating divination.
Do not consume for psychoactive or medicinal effects; cultivate solely for the preservation of the botanical species.

- Germination and sowing:

• The period for sowing Voacanga is between June and July, when temperatures reach 30°C.
• Soak the seeds for 4 to 8 hours in lukewarm water.
• Bury them under one centimeter of previously moistened peat.
• Cover them with 1 to 2 cm of substrate.
• Water the culture gently using a spray bottle.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse in a very warm spot at a temperature of at least 30°C.
• Germination will generally begin after several months.

- Soil type / substrate:

Voacanga needs soil with a slightly acidic pH if possible. Mix 10% horticultural potting soil with 90% peat; sand can also be added but in very small quantities. Ensure the bottom of the pot is well-drained.

- Watering / humidity:

African Voacanga must grow in a very humid environment. It is necessary to water it twice a week in summer, then once a week during the winter period. Never allow water to stagnate in the saucer.

- Exposure / light:

It acclimates to all kinds of light; it likes indirect sunlight as well as full sun. Regarding artificial lighting, prefer horticultural neon lights or MH (Metal Halide) bulbs.

- Temperatures / hardiness:

Voacanga grows very well when the temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C. Below this, the plant grows much slower. Be sure to bring the plant indoors at the end of autumn, as the plant does not resist negative temperatures.

- Multiplication / reproduction:

Voacanga reproduces exclusively through the sowing of its seeds.