Overview
Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a flowering tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is commonly found in Eastern and Central Africa and is known for its medicinal and economic value.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, including "Gesho," "African birch," "Tallow," and "Gum-myrrh."
Appearance
The Anogeissus schimperi is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has a broad and rounded crown with rough, gray bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, and they have a strongly serrated margin and a pointed tip. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers in dense clusters, and the fruit is an oval-shaped drupe that contains a single seed.
Uses
The Anogeissus schimperi has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and fruits of the tree are used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, cough, sore throat, and wounds. The bark also has astringent properties and is used to produce a red dye that is used in the textile industry. The tree's gum-resin has antimicrobial properties and is used as a natural preservative for food and medicine. Anogeissus schimperi is also used for erosion control, as it has an extensive root system that can stabilize slopes and riverbanks.
Light Requirement
The Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant grows best in areas with plenty of sunlight. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature
Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 40°C. However, the optimal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 25°C and 35°C.
Soil Requirement
The Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel plant grows best in fertile and well-drained soils. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the ideal soil pH for the plant is slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0 to 7.5. Soil fertility is also important, with the plant requiring adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel thrives best in well-drained soil and full sunlight. The plant prefers a sandy, loamy, or clay soil type with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is a slow-growing plant, and its propagation is commonly done through cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
An adequate supply of water is crucial during the initial planting stages. Afterward, the plant is drought tolerant, and frequent watering is unnecessary. It is best to allow the plant to dry out partially between watering to avoid root rot
Fertilization
Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel requires minimal fertilizer. However, it is beneficial to add aged compost or manure around the base of the plant during the growing season. Fertilization should be done sparingly to prevent excessive growth, which can attract pests and reduce the plant's viability.
Pruning
Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel requires minimal pruning. The plant tends to grow dense, and cutting off the lower branches can enhance the plant's health and appearance. Pruning is best done in the early spring before the growing season starts. It is essential to use sterilized pruning tools to prevent infecting the plant with diseases.
Propagation of Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds of the Anogeissus schimperi plant are the primary means of sexual propagation. They are known to have a short lifespan and tend to lose their viability within a year. Seed collection should, therefore, be done between October and December, when the seeds are mature and have turned a brown color. The collected seeds can be stored for up to six months at room temperature. Before sowing, the seeds need to be pre-treated by soaking them in water for some hours to eliminate the seed coat's dormancy. Soil used for seed germination should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. It takes about 17 to 28 days for the seeds to germinate under favorable conditions.
Asexual propagation
Anogeissus schimperi can also be propagated through vegetative means such as hardwood stem cuttings, softwood stem cuttings, and root cuttings.
Hardwood stem cuttings are harvested during the plant’s dormant period (November to January). The cuttings, which are preferably 15 to 20 cm long, are treated with rooting hormones before planting them in a soil mixture containing sand and organic matter. Rooting of hardwood cuttings takes place within four to six weeks.
Softwood stem cuttings are prepared from newly formed shoots that are 7 to 10 cm in length. Cuttings are treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Softwood stem cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight and should remain moist throughout the rooting process. Rooting of softwood stem cuttings occurs after 10 to 15 days under suitable conditions.
Root cuttings are obtained from the plant’s fibrous and fleshy roots. Root cuttings should be about 5 to 8 cm in length and planted horizontally in soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Rooting of root cuttings takes place within three to four weeks under favorable conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a sturdy tree species that is native to Africa. The tree is highly valued for its timber, fruits, and medicinal properties. However, like all plants, it is prone to some diseases and pests that can affect its growth, health, and productivity. Here is an overview of some common diseases and pests that affect Anogeissus schimperi and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, defoliation, twig dieback, and cankers. The fungus thrives in warm, humid conditions, and can spread rapidly from infected plant debris. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation and drainage to reduce humidity, and apply fungicides as recommended.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that causes reddish-brown spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. It can also cause deformation and stunting of the plant. The fungus thrives in cool, moist conditions and can spread through splashing water and wind. To manage rust, remove infected parts, improve air circulation and spacing, and use fungicides as recommended.
Common Pests
Termites: Termites are wood-boring insects that can cause extensive damage to the roots, stems, and branches of Anogeissus schimperi. Infected trees may show wilting, yellowing leaves, and death if left untreated. To manage termites, use physical barriers, such as wire mesh, around the base of the tree, and apply appropriate insecticides to the soil and stem.
Scale insects: Scale insects are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing, wilting, and reduced growth of infested trees. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes fungal growth, which can further damage the plant. To manage scale insects, prune heavily infested parts, apply horticultural oils or insecticides to kill and repel them, and maintain good hygiene.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that can cause defoliation and reduced growth of Anogeissus schimperi. They feed on the leaves and flowers, leaving behind large holes and skeletonized foliage. To manage caterpillars, handpick them, prune and destroy infested parts, use biological control methods such as introducing natural predators, and use insecticides as a last resort.
By implementing good cultural practices, regular monitoring, and appropriate pest and disease management techniques, you can maintain healthy, productive Anogeissus schimperi trees that will continue to provide benefits for many years.
