Overview of Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild.
Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild, also known as the East African Albizia, belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is an indigenous plant to East Africa, specifically found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Sudan.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the East African Albizia, Kissinga or Mgambo in Swahili, and Otea in the Turkana language.Appearance
The Albizia obliquifoliolata is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. Its bark is dark grey to black and its young branches are hairy. The leaves of this plant are bipinnate, with 3-6 pairs of pinnae, each with 7-12 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are obliquely oblong in shape, and approximately 4-7 cm long. The flowers of the East African Albizia are creamy white, forming clusters of pedunculate heads. The plant’s pods are flat and straw-colored, approximately 6 to 10cm long and 1.5 to 2.5cm broad.Uses
The Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild has various uses. It is commonly used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as eye infections, coughs, and respiratory infections, among others. The bark of the tree is used to create a decoction for treating malaria, while the leaves are used in the preparation of infusions and poultices for local pain relief and reducing inflammation. The wood of this tree is moderately hard and durable, making it ideal for use in construction and making furniture. The leaves are also a source of fodder for animals, particularly during the dry season when there is limited vegetation. In conclusion, the Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild is a versatile indigenous plant that has various uses and benefits to the East African society.Light Requirements
Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild. grows best in areas with partial to full sun exposure. It requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive. Inadequate light exposure can cause stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Range
The plant prefers a warm and humid climate, with temperature ranges between 20°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild. grows in a range of soils, but prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 - 6.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. The plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering cycle.
Cultivation Methods
Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild. is a tree species that grows naturally in tropical Africa. If you want to grow it, make sure the climate and soil conditions are conducive.
The ideal temperature range for growing Albizia obliquifoliolata is between 20°C and 35°C. It requires well-draining soil, which can either be sandy or loamy with an acidic pH (5-6.5).
Watering Needs
Water is essential for the growth and development of Albizia obliquifoliolata, especially during the first few years after planting. Young trees need regular watering until they establish deep roots.
The recommended watering frequency is twice or thrice weekly, depending on the climate. During the dry season, you may need to water the tree more frequently.
Fertilization
Albizia obliquifoliolata thrives in nutrient-rich soils. For optimal growth, you need to fertilize the tree once or twice a year.
You can use organic or inorganic fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the wet season or in early spring to promote growth.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Albizia obliquifoliolata care. It helps promote healthy growth and enhances the tree's aesthetic value.
The best time to prune the tree is during the dry season or early spring. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, remove any branches that cross or rub against each other.
Trimming the tree's crown regularly helps maintain its shape and prevents it from growing too tall or too wide.
Propagation of Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild.
Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild., commonly known as African albizia, is a tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild. can be achieved through seeds. The seeds are best collected during the fruiting season when the pods are mature and begin to split open naturally. After collection, the seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their viability.
Prior to sowing, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften their hard seed coat. This is typically followed by nicking or scratching the seed coat to encourage germination.
Once the seeds are prepped, they can be sown in a seedbed or in individual planting bags or pots. A well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter is recommended. Seedlings should begin to emerge in 7-14 days and can be transplanted to larger containers once they have developed their true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild. can also be achieved through cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting off a mature tree and using it to develop a new plant. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growth stage, typically in the spring or early summer.
The cutting should be at least 6-8 inches long and should include at least one node. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then inserted into a well-draining rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment with bright, indirect sunlight.
If successful, the cutting will root within 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted into a larger container and then eventually to the planting site.
Disease management
Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild. is a relatively healthy plant when grown in optimal conditions. However, it is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial infections. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular lesions on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation practices, such as cleaning up fallen leaves and debris around the plant. Fungicides may also be applied as a preventive measure.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper air circulation around the plant, prune out infected parts, and apply fungicides at the first sign of infection.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to promptly remove infected parts of the plant and apply copper fungicides to prevent further infection.
Pest management
Albizia obliquifoliolata De Wild. is also susceptible to various pests. Here are some common pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and eventual defoliation. To manage this pest, it is important to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing weeds and debris around the plant. Natural predators, such as ladybugs, can also be introduced to control the population. In severe cases, miticides may be applied.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. To manage this pest, it is important to handpick and remove them from the plant or apply biological controls, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Flatid Planthoppers
Flatid planthoppers are pests that suck the sap from leaves and stems, causing wilting and yellowing. To manage this pest, it is important to prune out severely infected parts of the plant and apply insecticides, such as neem oil, to control the population.
