Overview
Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. var. schimperi (Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel) Aubrév. is a plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is also commonly referred to as the African birch.
Origin
The plant is originally from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The African birch has several common names, including Anogeissus, Marke, Manjia, and Mbaro.
General Appearance
The African birch is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20m tall. It has a dense, spreading canopy with a rounded crown. The bark is grey, rough, and scaly with deep furrows around the trunk. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler on the lower surface. The flowers are small and creamy white and are arranged in dense, drooping clusters. The fruit is a small, woody capsule that contains a single seed.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and roots of the African birch have various medicinal properties and are often used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. The bark is particularly useful for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery. The leaves and bark are also used for treating fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. The wood of the tree is also durable and used for making furniture, floors, and agricultural tools. Additionally, the leaves and fruit provide a valuable food source for livestock.
Light Requirements
Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi prefers full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shading, but prolonged periods of low light intensity may have negative effects on its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and therefore thrives in warm temperatures. Its optimal temperature range for growth and development is between 25-30°C (77-86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi grows well in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH range of the soil should be between 5.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it grows best in soils with adequate moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods
Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It is typically propagated from seeds or stem cuttings, and once established, it requires minimal care. The plant prefers well-draining soils and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in some conditions. It can also tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.Watering Needs
As a drought-resistant species, Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi requires relatively low levels of water. In fact, it is better to underwater than overwater this plant, as excessive watering can lead to root rot and other issues. During the growing season, it is best to water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering intervals. In the winter months, the plant can survive on occasional rainfall.Fertilization
Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi is not a heavy feeder and requires only minimal fertilization. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is also beneficial to incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility and structure.Pruning
Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi is a slow-growing plant that generally does not require much pruning. However, occasional trimming can help to maintain a more compact and attractive shape. Pruning can be done at any time of year, although it is best to avoid heavy pruning during the winter months. It is important to use sharp, clean pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant.Propagation of Anogeissus leiocarpa var. Schimperi
Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering. However, seed propagation is the most common method.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi are small, yellowish-brown, and flat. They should be collected when they are ripe and full, which is usually in October or November when they fall from the tree.
Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 12-24 hours to soften the seed coat. Then, the seeds can be sown immediately in pots filled with well-draining soil. The pots should be kept in a warm, bright location with regular watering. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood stems during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length, and the leaves on the lower half should be removed. The cuttings can then be treated with rooting hormone and inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and placed in a shaded area. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or in the ground.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Anogeissus leiocarpa var. schimperi. This method involves wounding the stem and then wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will form in the moss and can then be separated from the parent plant and potted.
Disease and Pest Management of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. var. schimperi (Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel) Aubrév.
Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. var. schimperi (Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel) Aubrév. is a hardy, pest and disease-resistant plant. However, there are still a few pests and diseases that might affect the plant and cause damage, hampering its growth and development.
Common Pests
The following are some common pests that might attack Anogeissus leiocarpa:
- Termites: Termites feed on the bark and wood of the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and finally death. Control measures include using termite-repellent chemicals or planting termite-resistant varieties of Anogeissus leiocarpa.
- Scale insects: They suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of leaves. Control measures include pruning infected parts of the plant, using organic pesticides or releasing natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on leaves, flowers and fruits of the plant. Their feeding leads to defoliation and stunted growth. Control measures include using organic pesticides, handpicking and releasing natural enemies such as birds and wasps.
Common Diseases
The following are some common diseases that might affect Anogeissus leiocarpa:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves to develop dark spots and fall off prematurely. Control measures include pruning infected parts of the plant and using fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This disease causes circular patches on leaves with a brown center and yellow edges. The disease might also lead to premature defoliation. Control measures include pruning infected parts of the plant and using fungicides.
- Root rot: This fungal disease causes the roots to rot, leading to yellowing of leaves and finally death. Control measures include improving soil drainage, limiting water supply and using fungicides.
Proper care and maintenance of Anogeissus leiocarpa, including regular watering, pruning and fertilization, can help prevent pest and disease attack. Additionally, planting disease-resistant varieties of Anogeissus leiocarpa can help avoid pest and disease attack.
