Description of Albizia Fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. Chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f.
Albizia Fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. Chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. is a tropical tree belonging to the family of legumes. It is commonly known as African albizia, false thorn, apple-ring acacia, and msassa in Tanzania. The plant is native to East and Southern Africa, ranging from Zimbabwe to Kenya, and it grows best in the moist deciduous forest and wooded grasslands.
Appearance
The African Albizia tree grows up to a height of 15m, with a diameter of about 50cm. The bark is smooth and gray, with young branches having dense, velvety hairs. The leaves of the tree are twice pinnately compound, with medium-sized leaflets that are about 2-4 cm in length. The tree produces beautiful, cream-colored flowers (fuzzy looking) and its fruit is a curved, cylindrically-shaped pod that is brown in color and about 8-20 cm long.
Uses
The African albizia tree has several uses:
- The tree's leaves are used to feed livestock in East Africa, while the bark is used for treating wounds and stomach ailments.
- The tree is used for shade purposes due to its dense foliage, and its wood is used for furniture-making and making charcoal.
- The plant is widely used in traditional African medicine for its antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-malarial properties.
- The flowers serve various purposes including; making honey, treating eye diseases, and reducing the effects of snake venom.
In conclusion, Albizia Fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. Chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. is a valuable plant species known for sustaining many forms of life in Africa, including wildlife, and it plays a significant role in the traditional African medicine system.
Light Requirements
Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. typically thrives in areas with full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop properly. Too much shade can cause stunted growth and reduce its overall health.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. is between 20°C to 32°C. Anything outside of this range might affect its growth and development. This plant requires warm temperatures to grow and cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. typically grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. This tree can tolerate different types of soil, including loam, sandy loam, and clayey soils. However, it will not thrive in waterlogged soil or areas with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. can be grown from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting in a well-drained soil mixture. Germination may take up to 4 weeks under optimal conditions. For cutting propagation, take cuttings from the current year's growth in the late spring or early summer. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained soil mix and keep moist until rooting occurs.
Watering Needs
The Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. prefers moderate watering. Water the plant thoroughly once every 7-10 days, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogged or excessively dry soil conditions as this may harm the plant.
Fertilization
Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every month from late winter to early fall. Avoid over-fertilizing, which may damage the plant's root system.
Pruning
Pruning Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Prune to shape the tree or remove any damaged or dead branches. It is also important to keep the canopy of the tree open, which will promote air circulation and sunlight penetration. Cut off any crossing or rubbing branches to prevent wounds and promote good growth.
Propagation of Albizia fastigiata var. chirindensis
Albizia fastigiata var. chirindensis is propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seed germination. The seeds are usually collected from mature pods, which are then dried and stored before sowing. Seeds are usually sown directly in the field, after the soil has been prepared and the weather conditions are favorable. The seeds can also be started in pots before being transplanted to the field.
Asexual Propagation
Albizia fastigiata var. chirindensis can be propagated asexually through vegetative propagation. The plant can be propagated through both stem cuttings and grafting.
Stem cuttings are usually collected from mature plants that are at least two years old. The cuttings are usually 15-20 cm long and are collected during the rainy season. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in a well-drained, sandy soil mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Rooting usually takes 4-6 months.
Grafting is another asexual propagation method used for Albizia fastigiata var. chirindensis. The plant is usually grafted onto rootstock of a closely related species, such as Albizia gummifera or Albizia zygia. Grafting is usually done during the rainy season and the grafted plants should be protected from direct sunlight and heavy winds.
Disease Management
Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Fungal infections: These can cause leaf spotting, discoloration, wilting, and eventually death of the plant. Common fungal diseases that might affect Albizia fastigiata include anthracnose, rusts, and powdery mildew.
- Viral infections: These can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted leaves. Viral infections are usually spread by pests such as aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.
- Bacterial infections: These can cause yellowing of leaves, wilting, and eventually death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene practices. This involves removing any dead plant material and disposing of it properly. Regularly monitor the plant for any signs of disease, and if detected, remove the infected parts immediately. Additionally, proper fungicide, insecticide, or bactericide applications can help control the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Albizia fastigiata (E.Mey.) Oliv. var. chirindensis Swynn. ex Baker f. is also vulnerable to attack by various pests. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves.
- Thrips: These tiny, slender insects feed on the plant, causing distorted leaves and discoloration.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves.
Integrated pest management practices can help control the spread of pests. This involves using chemical pesticides as a last resort. Instead, try cultural practices such as introducing natural predators, using sticky traps, or using organic pesticides. Additionally, maintaining proper plant nutrition and moisture can help strengthen plant defenses against pests.
