Origin
Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. is a plant species in the Fabaceae family that is native to southern Africa. It is found in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Umbila in Nyanja, Mshawa in Swahili, and Mbuvu in Shona.
Uses
The bark of Albizia welwitschioides is used as a traditional medicine for treating various ailments. The bark is boiled and the liquid is used to rinse the mouth and treat toothaches. The bark is also used to treat stomachaches, dysentery, and constipation. Additionally, the bark is used as a poison for fishing. The wood of the tree is used for fuelwood and carpentry.
General Appearance
Albizia welwitschioides is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The trunk is usually straight and has a diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is gray-brown and has vertical fissures. The leaves are bipinnate, with 9-15 pairs of pinnae. The pinnae are 7-12 cm long and have 30-60 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong and have a rounded tip. The flowers are pinkish-white and occur in spherical inflorescences. The fruit is a dark brown dehiscent pod that is 12-20 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The seeds are brown and flat.
Typical Growth Conditions for Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f.
Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. is a perennial plant that can grow to a height of up to 20 meters.
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sun to thrive, though it can tolerate partial shade. The more exposure to sunlight it gets, the better its growth. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an open area with direct access to sunlight,
Temperature Requirements
Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. is native to tropical regions and grows well in temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is best to plant the tree in warm areas with regular rainfall.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in humus. It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7 for optimal growth.
The tree can tolerate drought conditions and can grow well in areas with low rainfall. However, regular watering during the first year of planting is essential to help the tree establish a healthy root system.
Overall, Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. is an easy to grow plant that can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions. It is a great addition to any garden or landscape and provides numerous benefits, such as shade, aesthetic beauty, and air purification.
Cultivation methods
Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f., also known as the Welwitschia-leaved Albizia, is a robust tree that requires moderate care and maintenance. To cultivate this plant, start by planting it in well-draining soil in a spot that receives partial to full sunlight. Also, ensure that the soil is not too acidic and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5.
The plant has a moderate growth rate and can adapt well to different environmental conditions. As such, it is not a high maintenance plant, and with proper care, it can thrive well in various environmental conditions.
Watering Needs
Like most trees, Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. requires adequate water to thrive. Although it is a drought-tolerant plant, it requires moderate watering during the hot and dry months.
Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Generally, the plant will require watering once every week or every two weeks, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. A good indicator of when to water is to check the soil's moisture content. Water the plant when the top one to two inches of the soil feel dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. requires adequate nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You can also use an organic fertilizer, such as well-rotted manure or compost. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant and water it in thoroughly to ensure that the nutrients reach the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant in good shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant during its dormant season, which is usually in the late winter or early spring. Remove damaged or diseased branches and cut back any leggy branches to promote denser growth.
You can also shape the plant by cutting back branches that are growing out of shape or too close to each other. Ensure that you use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant or spreading disease.
Propagation of Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f.
Propagation is defined as the process of reproducing plants either sexually or asexually with the aim of increasing the number of plants in a given area. In the case of Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f., propagation can be achieved through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used in propagating Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. The seeds are harvested from mature pods and cleaned of any external debris before planting. The seeds are then planted in a nursery bed or tray filled with well-drained soil and watered moderately until germination occurs. Transplanting should be done once the seedlings have attained a height of 10-15 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation method can be used to propagate Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. This method involves taking cuttings of young, succulent stems, preparing them and planting them in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of rooting and subsequent growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method used to propagate Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. This method involves girdling a branch of the parent plant and applying a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The branch is then covered with a moist material such as sphagnum moss or a rooting medium and then tied securely. Once roots develop, the branch is detached from the parent plant and planted in a nursery bed or a prepared location in the field.
Disease Management
Albizia welwitschioides Schweinf. ex Baker f. is susceptible to several diseases that may affect its growth and productivity. One of the common diseases that affect Albizia welwitschioides is stem canker, which is caused by the fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum. The disease mainly affects the stem of the plant, resulting in wilting and death of the plant.
To manage the stem canker disease, it is essential to remove the infected plant parts using sterilized pruning tools. Also, avoid wounding the plant during pruning, as it can provide entry points for the pathogen.
Another disease that affects Albizia welwitschioides is root rot, caused by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium and Phytophthora. Root rot causes the roots to decay, reducing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, and may lead to stunted growth and plant death.
To manage root rot, it is important to avoid planting in poorly-drained soil and ensure proper drainage. Also, avoid overwatering and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Albizia welwitschioides is also vulnerable to pest infestations that may affect its growth and productivity. The common pests that attack Albizia welwitschioides include aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
To manage pest infestations, it is important to regularly monitor the plants for any signs of infestation. Early detection is crucial in preventing the pests from spreading. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control aphids and mealybugs. For scale insects, use horticultural oils, and for spider mites, use a forceful spray of water to wash away the mites.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial in ensuring optimum growth and productivity of Albizia welwitschioides. Proper cultural practices, such as good drainage, pruning, and the use of fungicides and insecticides, play a significant role in controlling disease and pest infestations.
