Overview
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn, also known as "worm-bark albizia", is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Mimosaceae family. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in regions of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Mauritania.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its leaves are bipinnate, meaning the leaflets are further divided into smaller leaflets. The leaflets are elongated and have a distinct midrib. The tree produces attractive, spherical flower clusters that bear fragrant, pinkish-white flowers.
Common Names
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. has various common names in different African languages, such as "Karrakki" in the Wolof language, "Law" in the Fulani language, and "Kigala" in the Bambara language. In English, it is known as "worm-bark albizia" due to the traditional use of its bark as a vermifuge.
Traditional Uses
The tree is known for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating parasitic worm infections. The bark of the tree contains various alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins which have anthelmintic properties. A decoction of the bark is traditionally used as a vermifuge and is believed to expel intestinal worms and parasites from the body. The tree also has various non-medicinal uses, including as a source of firewood, fencing material, and for traditional construction purposes.
Light Requirements
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. thrives in direct sunlight and also in partly shaded areas. The plant requires ample sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. Therefore, to achieve optimal growth, the plant needs to be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. grows well in tropical regions with warm temperatures. The plant thrives under average temperatures ranging between 20 - 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius may slow down the plant's growth rate, while temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius may cause the plant to wither.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained, moist soils with a pH of 4.5 to 7.5. Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. requires soils that are rich in vegetation and have adequate nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant also benefits from regular fertilizing and mulching to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods for Albizia anthelmintica Brongn.
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn., commonly known as the worm-cure Albizia, thrives in areas with a hot and dry climate. It is tolerant of poor soils and can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The seeds should be scarified to break the seed coat and enhance germination rates. The best time to plant seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy trees and planted during the dry season after the wounds have healed to prevent rot.
Watering Needs of Albizia anthelmintica Brongn.
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. requires little water once established. It can tolerate prolonged periods of drought but thrives with occasional watering. Irrigation is necessary during the first year of growth to encourage root development. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization of Albizia anthelmintica Brongn.
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. is not a heavy feeder and, therefore, requires minimal fertilizer. Fertilizer application can be done during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The best fertilizer for Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. is a slow-release, nitrogen-based fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied sparingly, and care should be taken not to overfertilize the plant. Overfertilization can lead to excessive growth, which can make the plant susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning of Albizia anthelmintica Brongn.
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. It should be done during the dry season when the plant is dormant to prevent bleeding. The first pruning should be done when the plant is one year old. The primary aim of the initial pruning is to establish the main stem and encourage lateral branching. Subsequent pruning should be done annually to remove dead and diseased branches. Care should be taken not to prune too much as it can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.
Propagation of Albizia anthelmintica Brongn.
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. is a tree species of the Fabaceae family, which is native to Africa and Madagascar. It is commonly known as Gesho, and it's widely used as a medicinal plant for deworming in humans and livestock. This plant can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. The seeds should be collected from the ripe pods and cleaned to remove any debris or mold. The seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until the planting season. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified or soaked in hot water for 24 hours to break the hard seed coat. The seeds should then be sown in a well-drained soil mixture, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a suitable method for Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. but may be challenging due to the plant's tendency to form taproots. The cuttings should be taken from young branches of the tree during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone powder and inserted into a rooting medium composed of sand and peat in equal parts. The cuttings should be misted and kept under shade until root development occurs.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering is another feasible method for Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch towards the ground and burying a portion of the stem underneath the soil. The buried part of the stem should be treated with rooting hormone, and the stem should be held down with a rock to keep it in place. The layer should be misted regularly, and roots will form at the buried stem in a few months. The rooted layer can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management
Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. is a relatively disease-resistant plant species. However, certain diseases may still affect this plant under certain conditions. Here are some of the most common diseases that might affect Albizia anthelmintica Brongn.:
- Leaf spots: Small, dark spots on the plant's leaves may be caused by a variety of fungi. To manage this disease, all infected plant parts should be removed, and a fungicide can be applied to prevent further damage.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by various fungi and can lead to plant death. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungus appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and flowers. Preventative fungicide treatments can help prevent this disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may affect Albizia anthelmintica Brongn. Below are some of the most common pests and how to manage them:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can cluster on the leaves and cause stunted growth. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control aphids.
- Scale insects: Scale insects appear as small, raised bumps on the plant's stems and leaves. These pests can be controlled by using insecticides or removing them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or soapy water.
- Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause discoloration and leaf drop. Mites can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
