Overview
Acacia etbaica subsp. platycarpa Brenan, also known as Etbaic Acacia or Gomero, is a subspecies of the Acacia etbaica Schweinf. plant, belonging to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, and grows in dry, rocky areas, between 1000-2000 meters above sea level.
Appearance
The Etbaic Acacia is a small, thorny shrub that grows up to 2-4 meters tall. It has a densely branched stem, with a rounded or flat crown. The leaves are greyish-green in color, bipinnate, and composed of numerous small leaflets that are densely arranged on the branches. Flowers are typically yellow and occur in spikes at the axils of the leaves. The fruits are legumes that contain seeds which are dispersed through animals or water.
Uses
The Etbaic Acacia has various uses, both medicinal and practical. The bark is rich in tannins and is used for tanning leather, while the wood is used for fuel or as a construction material for rural homes. The plant also has ethnomedicinal properties, with the crushed root bark used to treat a variety of ailments in traditional Ethiopian medicine such as wound healing and as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders. In recent years, the plant has gained popularity in the cosmetic industry due to its anti-aging and skin-moisturizing properties.
Cultivation
The Etbaic Acacia is a hardy plant that thrives in arid and semi-arid climates. It prefers well-drained soils and can withstand high temperatures and low rainfall. Propagation can be done through seed or cuttings, and the plant requires regular pruning to maintain a desirable shape and promote new growth.
Light Conditions:
The Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It cannot survive in shaded areas and requires at least eight hours of direct sunlight in a day to thrive. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an open area free from the shade of larger trees.
Temperature:
The plant Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It is a hardy plant that can adapt to high temperatures but performs well in moderate temperatures. The ideal range for growing this plant is 15 to 35 °C. The plant cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements:
The Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy or clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils and can grow in soils with a pH of acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can be affected by soil salinity, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is not too salty.
Cultivation
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that thrives in warm, arid conditions. It can be grown in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Propagation of the plant can be done using both seeds and cuttings. Seeds can be planted directly in the soil, but it is recommended to pre-soak them for faster germination. Cuttings taken from mature plants should be planted in well-draining soil mixtures.
Watering Needs
While Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan is drought-resistant, young plants require regular watering until they become established. After that, the plant can survive on very little water and is best left to grow on its own. During the dry months, the plant may require occasional watering.
Fertilization
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan doesn't require frequent fertilization since it can obtain nutrients from the soil. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can help the plant grow and remain healthy.
Pruning
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. The plant should be pruned after the flowering season and only if necessary. Pruning should not exceed more than one-third of the total plant size.
Propagation of Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan can be propagated through different methods. These propagation methods include:
Seed propagation
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan seeds can be collected from the parent plant and sown directly in the planting site. The site should be cleared of any debris and the seeds sown as soon as they are collected. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, and the site watered regularly. The seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks, and the young seedlings can be transplanted after they have developed two true leaves.
Cutting propagation
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant's semi-hardwood stems, and the cutting's leaves should be removed. The cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder and planted in soilless mix. The soilless mix should be kept moist but not soggy, and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area. After 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted.
Air layering propagation
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan can also be propagated through air layering. This method involves wounding a branch of the parent plant and covering it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. A plastic wrap is then wrapped around the soil/moss to maintain moisture. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks, after which the rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management for Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan is known for its resistance to many diseases, but it is still susceptible to a few. One of the common diseases that affect this plant is root rot caused by fungal pathogens such as Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia.
To manage root rot, start by avoiding over-irrigating or watering the plant. This will help to reduce the moisture level in the soil, which is conducive to the growth of fungal pathogens. If you notice any infected plants, remove them as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan
Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan is relatively resistant to pests. However, it can still be affected by a few pests such as mites and thrips.
To manage mites, you can introduce predators such as mite-feeding predators or apply miticides. You can also use insecticidal soaps to control thrips, which are another common pest of Acacia etbaica Schweinf. subsp. platycarpa Brenan. Additionally, it is essential to maintain good hygiene levels, remove any infected plant materials, and ensure proper sanitation practices to prevent the spread of pests.
