Afzelia Macrophylla (nutt.) Kuntze - >>dasistoma Macrophylla

Overview of Afzelia macrophylla

Afzelia macrophylla (Nutt.) Kuntze is a tropical deciduous tree species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is also known by its common names Doussie, Lingue, Apa, and Chanfuta. It is widely distributed throughout the African continent, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Description of Afzelia macrophylla

Afzelia macrophylla has a large, spreading crown with an open canopy and may reach a height of 45 m tall and a diameter of 2.5 m. It has a smooth, greyish-brown bark that is fissured longitudinally, and its leaves are pinnate, with 5 to 8 pairs of leaflets measuring up to 20 cm in length. The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that are about 2 cm long, arranged in clusters, and are followed by flattened, brownish pods that measure 20-30 cm in length and contain up to six seeds.

Uses of Afzelia macrophylla

Afzelia macrophylla is a valuable timber tree, and its wood is prized for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay and insect attacks. The wood is used in construction, furniture-making, and boat-building. It is also used in the production of veneers, plywood, and flooring. In addition to its economic value, various parts of the tree have medicinal properties. The bark is used to treat fever, malaria, and dysentery, while the leaves and twigs are used to treat skin infections. The seeds are also edible and have a nutty flavor.

Furthermore, Afzelia macrophylla has cultural significance, and it is used in traditional African rituals such as the making of masks, drums, and other musical instruments. It is also used in the production of handicraft items such as baskets, carvings, and sculptures.

Lastly, Afzelia macrophylla is a favored ornamental plant due to its beautiful appearance and its ability to provide shade during hot weather conditions. It is also planted in agroforestry systems to provide shade for cocoa trees and other crops.

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Light Requirements:

Afzelia macrophylla prefers full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant requires sufficient light to grow to its full potential and produce seeds.

Temperature Requirements:

Afzelia macrophylla is a tropical tree species that grows best in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C.

Soil Requirements:

Afzelia macrophylla thrives in well-draining, sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. The tree can grow in a wide range of soil pH, including acidic soil, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0 - 7.5). The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging or compacted soils.

Cultivation

Afzelia macrophylla (Nutt.) Kuntze, commonly known as the Mexican Afzelia, is a tropical tree that flourishes in warm, humid climates. The plant needs to be grown in soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best grown in areas that receive filtered sunlight, and it cannot tolerate extreme cold and frost.

Watering Needs

Watering the tree is essential, especially during the dry season. It is best to water Afzelia macrophylla during early mornings or late afternoons when the temperatures are cooler. The plant requires moderate watering, but it should not be overwatered. The soil around the roots should not be soggy, as this can cause root rot.

Fertilization

Fertilizing Afzelia macrophylla is necessary to maintain its growth and health. It is best to apply a slow-release fertilizer during the wet season, which will provide the necessary nutrients for the entire year. Fertilizers should be applied around the plant roots and should not be placed directly on the stem or leaves.

Pruning

Pruning is necessary to shape Afzelia macrophylla and control its growth. It is best to prune the plant during the dry season, when there is less growth. It is important to remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. To ensure healthy growth, it is best to avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's branches at a time.

Propagation of Afzelia macrophylla (Nutt.) Kuntze

Afzelia macrophylla (Nutt.) Kuntze is propagated both sexually (by seed) and asexually (by cuttings and grafting).

Propagation by Seed

Afzelia macrophylla (Nutt.) Kuntze produces viable seeds that can be collected and used for propagation. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits that have fallen naturally from the tree. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place.

Before sowing the seeds, they should be scarified to break their hard seed coat, thereby allowing for better and faster germination. The scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water (80-90°C) for 5-10 minutes. The water should then be drained, and the seeds should be left to cool for 24-48 hours.

The scarified seeds can then be sown in seedbeds with well-drained soil at a depth of 3-5 cm. The seeds should be watered regularly and kept moist until they germinate, which can take approximately 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.

Propagation by Cuttings

Afzelia macrophylla (Nutt.) Kuntze can also be propagated by cuttings taken from mature trees. The cuttings should be taken from the previous season's growth and should be free of any diseases or pests.

The cuttings should be approximately 20-25 cm long, and the leaves should be removed from the lower two-thirds of the cutting. The cuttings should then be treated with rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining rooting medium, such as sand or perlite.

The cuttings should be placed under high humidity and kept moist until roots have developed, which can take between 2-3 months. Once the cuttings have rooted and developed new growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.

Propagation by Grafting

Afzelia macrophylla (Nutt.) Kuntze can also be propagated by grafting, especially for selected high-yielding cultivars. The scion should be collected from a mature tree with desirable characteristics, such as yield, disease resistance, and growth habit.

The rootstock should also be selected carefully, considering its compatibility with the scion, its growth rate and vigor, and its resistance to pests and diseases. The grafting process should be carried out during the active growing season, and the cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock should be closely matched to ensure good contact.

The grafted plant should be kept under high humidity and monitored for any signs of graft incompatibility, such as wilting or dieback. Once the graft union has healed, the plant can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.

Disease Management

Afzelia macrophylla is subject to various diseases that can impact its growth and survival. Some common diseases that affect Afzelia macrophylla include:

• Fungi: Fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew can all impact the health of Afzelia macrophylla. To manage these diseases, it is important to prevent the conditions that favor their growth. This can be achieved by ensuring proper drainage and irrigation, improving soil health, and providing adequate air circulation around the plant.
• Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial infections can also affect Afzelia macrophylla, causing wilting and leaf spot. The use of resistant cultivars is often the best way to manage bacterial diseases, but maintaining good plant hygiene can also help prevent their spread. Any plant materials that show signs of disease should be removed and destroyed.
• Viral Diseases: Viruses can cause a range of symptoms in Afzelia macrophylla, including stunted growth, yellowing, and distorted leaves. There are no known cures for viral diseases, so management generally focuses on preventing their spread by removing infected plant materials and controlling insect vectors.

Pest Management

Several pests can impact Afzelia macrophylla, leading to reduced growth and productivity. Common pests that affect the plant include:

• Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of Afzelia macrophylla, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage infestations, you can use insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or natural predators such as ladybugs.
• Aphids: Aphids attack the leaves of Afzelia macrophylla, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. To prevent infestations, it is important to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, as well as to remove any weeds or other plants that may attract aphids.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of Afzelia macrophylla, leading to webbing, yellowing, and leaf drop. To manage infestations, you can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or thrips.