Plant Description
Afrormosia angolensis (Baker) De Wild. var. subtomentosa (De Wild.) Louis, commonly known as Afrormosia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is a medium to large-sized hardwood tree that can grow up to 50 meters tall with a trunk that may reach up to 2 meters in diameter. The plant has a straight, cylindrical bole with a dense, rounded crown consisting of dark green and glossy leaves. The leaves grow in a pinnate arrangement with up to 7 pairs of leaflets per leaf.
Origin
Afrormosia angolensis (Baker) De Wild. var. subtomentosa (De Wild.) Louis is native to central and western Africa. The plant is found in the rainforests of several African countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
Afrormosia angolensis (Baker) De Wild. var. subtomentosa (De Wild.) Louis is commonly known as Afrormosia, Kokrodua, African Teak, Assamela, and Obang.
Uses
The wood of Afrormosia angolensis (Baker) De Wild. var. subtomentosa (De Wild.) Louis is used for furniture making, flooring, decking, boatbuilding, and other high-end applications. It is a well-regarded timber because of its remarkable strength, durability, and resistance to decay. The wood is also used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and headache.
Light Requirements
Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa thrives best in a tropical rainforest environment and requires filtered, dappled light. It cannot tolerate full sunlight or deep shade. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in a location with partial shade, for instance, beneath taller trees of the forest canopy.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa is between 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. This species is intolerant to frost and should only be grown in regions that do not experience extreme cold conditions. Freezing temperatures can kill the plant, and even short periods of cold can damage its growth and cause defoliation.
Soil Requirements
A well-drained soil type that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 suits Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, as this species requires good nutrition to grow. This plant does well in sandy or loamy soils, and while it is moderately drought tolerant, it thrives with adequate watering.
Cultivation Methods
Afrormosia angolensis (Baker) De Wild. var. subtomentosa (De Wild.) Louis commonly known as African teak is native to equatorial regions of Africa. It grows in tropical evergreen forests and performs best in a humid climate with well-drained, fertile soil. When growing it as a houseplant, plant it in a pot with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
Propagation is usually through seed germination. The seeds require pre-soaking in hot water for 24 hours to enhance germination. Sow the seeds in pots that contain soil mixtures of equal parts of sand, loam, and peat moss. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the pot moist throughout the germination process, which takes about four weeks.
Watering Needs
African teak prefers consistently moist soil. While it does not tolerate standing water, it is highly sensitive to under watering. Water the plant frequently during the growing season, especially when the humidity is low. During the winter, reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can weaken the plant and lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizing African teak during the growing season promotes healthy growth. Using a balanced fertilizer, apply it every two weeks. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer, which provides nutrients over a more extended time. It is best to avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter as it can affect its natural growth cycle.
Pruning
African teak does not require frequent pruning. However, it is essential to remove weak, dead, or damaged parts of the plant to promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in the spring to encourage new growth. Cut the stems just above a leaf node, and avoid cutting beyond the node as it can cause the plant to be stressed and take longer to recover.
Additionally, one can control the plant's size and shape by pruning. It is essential to ensure that the plant has fully recovered from transplant shock before beginning to prune. Prune in the spring and summer, the plant's active growing season. Avoid pruning excessively as it can affect the plant's growth and overall health.
Propagation of Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa
Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa, commonly known as "Makore," is a tree species that is native to Africa. The species is highly valued for its attractive and durable wood, which is used in making furniture, flooring, and other high-end wood products.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa. The seeds are collected from mature trees and are sown in a seedbed prepared with a mixture of sand and loamy soil. The seedbed should be kept moist and shaded to provide a favorable environment for the germination of the seeds. Seedlings should be transplanted to individual containers after they have grown to a height of 10-15 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is also a suitable method for propagating Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa. Cuttings should be collected from mature trees during the dormant season, i.e. the late fall or early winter. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone powder and planted in a rooting medium made of sand and organic matter. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment at a temperature of 20-25°C until they are rooted and ready for transplantation.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa. This method involves wounding a branch of a mature tree by removing a ring of bark. The wounded area is covered with a rooting medium and a plastic wrap to keep the area moist. Roots will develop at the wounded area and can be cut from the mother plant once they are of sufficient size. The rooted cutting can be transplanted to individual containers filled with a mixture of sand and loamy soil.
Propagation of Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa requires a lot of care and attention. The appropriate propagation method will depend on various factors such as availability of planting materials, environmental conditions, and the intended use of the species. Successful propagation will result in the production of high-quality planting materials that will ensure sustainable production of this valuable tree species.
Disease Management
Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa is known to be susceptible to several diseases. These include:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Treatment includes applying fungicides such as sulfur or copper-based sprays.
- Leaf spot: This disease causes circular spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and drop off. It is caused by a fungal infection and can be prevented by removing fallen leaves and pruning any infected branches. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. It is often a result of overwatering or poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure the plant is not overwatered and that the soil has adequate drainage. Affected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Pest Management
The following pests are known to infest Afrormosia angolensis var. subtomentosa:
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf damage and stunt plant growth. They are often found on the undersides of leaves. Treatment includes applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. Handpicking the caterpillars can be effective, as well as applying insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Scale insects: These insects appear as small bumps on the plant's leaves and stems and can cause yellowing or distortion of the leaves. Treatment includes applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and can cause stunted growth and leaf drop. Treatment includes removing affected leaves and applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
