Overview
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is a rare species of flowering plant that belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is a tree native to Angola and Namibia, with a range that extends from the northern provinces of Angola to the central areas of Namibia.
Common Names
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. has several common names, including “African teak,” “Zambezi teak,” and “Mukusi.” In Angola, it is commonly known as “Mukusi,” while in Namibia, it is referred to as “Zambezi teak.” The tree is named after Suzanne Jovet-Ast, a French botanist who studied the flora of Angola and discovered the species.
Uses
The wood of Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is highly valued for its strength, durability, and high resistance to decay. It is used for various purposes, including flooring, furniture, and construction. The tree is also important for providing shade and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The bark and leaves of the tree have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, including treating stomach ailments and skin conditions.
Description
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter, and a rounded or spreading crown. The bark of the tree is dark brown or blackish, with deep fissures and vertical lines. The leaves are compound, with 3-6 pairs of leaflets that are ovate to elliptical in shape. The leaflets are leathery, dark green in color, and up to 12 cm long. The flowers are bright pink to reddish-purple, and appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a flat, woody pod that is up to 15 cm long and contains several seeds.
Light Requirements
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is a species that thrives in high-light conditions. Ideally, it should be placed in a location that receives full sun for the most part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate heat quite well. In general, temperatures between 25 and 35°C are optimal for growth. However, it can also endure cooler temperatures, as long as the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Soil Requirements
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. grows best in well-drained, sandy soil. It requires a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. It is also drought-tolerant and cannot survive in areas with high rainfall. Therefore, a well-draining soil is critical to prevent any excess water from accumulating and causing root rot.
Cultivation of Baikiaea Suzannae Ghesq.
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is a drought-tolerant plant that is best grown in a sunny spot in well-draining soil. It is a slow-growing plant, so should not be watered too frequently in order to prevent root rot.
Proper Watering Techniques
Baikiaea suzannae is a plant that can thrive in both wet and dry conditions, but too much water generally leads to root rot. As a result, it is suggested that you use a well-draining soil mix and water it only once a week, or when the soil is completely dry. Water until you see some of the water flowing out of the pot's bottom and into the saucer. Discard any remaining water after approximately 30 minutes.
Fertilization
The Baikiaea suzannae plant strives in nutrient-rich soil, so use a slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season to keep it healthy. A liquid fertilizer can be used on plants that are struggling to grow.
Pruning
Pruning of Baikiaea suzannae is not necessary too frequently, but any dead or diseased branches should be removed immediately. If you notice the plant becoming too bushy, you can prune its top growth to keep its size in check.
Propagation of Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq.
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq., commonly called kiaat or Rhodesian teak, is a tree species that is native to southern Africa. It is a highly valued timber species because of its durability, strength, and resistance to decay. The plant is propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is through seeds. The seeds are collected from the ripe pods during the dry season, between September and November. The seeds should be collected as soon as possible after the pods have ripened to prevent loss of viability.
The seeds are then cleaned, dried, and stored until planting time. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in hot water to aid in germination. The seeds should be sowed in seedling trays or pots filled with suitable potting soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seedlings should be kept in partial shade until they have developed their first set of true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. can also be propagated through cuttings. semi-hardwood cuttings of about 100–150 mm in length should be taken from the parent tree during the early morning (before noon) and dipped into rooting hormone.
The cuttings should be placed in rooting media such as soil or sand, with their leaf area exposed to the sun. bottom heat of about 25–30°C and high humidity should be maintained for up to one month until the cuttings root and produce new shoots. The cuttings should then be transplanted into individual pots and grown under appropriate conditions.
Air Layering
Air layering is a method of propagation that involves inducing roots to form on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. To air layer Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq., a section of bark should be removed from a branch of about 30 cm in length during the early morning (before noon).
The exposed area should be packed with rooting hormone and covered with a ball of moistened sphagnum moss. Plastic film is used to wrap the moss and cover the entire treated area so that it remains moist and dark. New roots should form in about six weeks, after which the branch should be cut off below the rooted area and planted in a pot.
Propagation of Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. can be a slow process, usually taking between one and two years to produce a sapling that is large enough to be planted in the field. However, with proper care and attention, the plant can be propagated successfully.
Disease and pest management for Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq.
Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is a durable and sturdy plant species that is highly resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may still be affected by some diseases and pests. To maintain good health and prolong the life of your plants, preventive measures and prompt treatment are necessary.
Common diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is root rot caused by fungi such as Phytophthora spp. and Rhizoctonia solani. Over-watering or poor drainage can trigger this condition. Yellow wilting leaves and stunted growth are common symptoms. The best way to manage root rot is to promptly remove affected plants and avoid over-watering. Using fungicides can also be effective in controlling the disease.
Another pathogen that may infect Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is Fusarium wilt, which causes yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. It is caused by Fusarium spp. and is usually transmitted through soil or plant debris. Proper sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant debris and using disease-free soil, can help prevent the spread of Fusarium wilt. Using fungicides can also help control the disease.
Common pests
The most common pests that may affect Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. are mealybugs and scale insects. Both of these pests suck the sap from the plant cells, causing yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop. Mealybugs can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, which can effectively remove the waxy coverings of these insects, making them more vulnerable to treatments. Similarly, scale insects can also be managed using horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil.
Another pest that can be found in Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. is spider mites. These tiny creatures can be identified by the presence of webbing and yellow stippling on the leaves. Early detection is essential, as mites reproduce rapidly and can cause extensive leaf damage. Using miticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps can effectively control spider mites. Regularly washing the leaves of affected plants can also be helpful.
Preventing and managing diseases and pests in Baikiaea suzannae Ghesq. starts with maintaining good cultural practices, such as proper watering, light exposure, and soil quality. Prompt identification and treatment of any issues that may arise are also crucial to maintain the plant's overall health and vitality.
