Overview
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is a plant species from the family of Ebenaceae. This plant is commonly known as West African ebony, and it belongs to the genus Bakerisideroxylon. It is widely distributed across West Africa and can be found in several countries, including Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone.Appearance
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is a tree species that can grow up to 45 meters in height and have a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark of the tree is blackish-brown, and the leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy green in color. The tree also produces small, fragrant flowers, which are green to yellowish-brown in color.Uses
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is a highly valuable timber plant that is used for various purposes, including furniture making, carvings, musical instruments, and ornamental purposes. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine, especially in the treatment of toothaches, wounds, and stomachaches. The fruits of the tree are edible and are consumed by locals in some parts of West Africa. In conclusion, Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is an important plant species of West Africa. Its beautiful appearance and valuable timber have made it an important natural resource in the region. Its medicinal properties also make it an essential plant in traditional medicine.Light Requirements
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In their natural habitat, they grow in a semi-deciduous forest, which provides them with dappled sunlight. When grown indoors, this plant should be placed near a window that receives bright light for several hours a day. Without adequate light, the growth of this plant may become weak and leggy.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This plant is native to West Africa, where the climate is tropical, and the temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F). When growing the plant indoors, try to maintain temperatures within this range. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or air conditioning vents, as they can cause stress to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant is a combination of potting soil, sand, and perlite. The sand and perlite help to improve drainage, preventing waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil helps improve soil fertility and promotes healthy growth.
Cultivation of Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev.
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev., commonly known as African teak, is a towering evergreen tree that can grow up to 60 meters tall. The species is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of West and Central Africa. It's cultivated for its valuable timber, which is used for flooring, furniture, and construction.
The African teak prefers tropical or subtropical climates with high humidity and rainfall between 1,500 and 4,000 mm per year. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy loams to clayey soils, but it grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs of Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev.
African teak requires regular watering during the first two years after planting to establish a strong root system. Afterward, the tree can tolerate seasonal droughts. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging since African teak is susceptible to root rot.
Water the tree deeply and frequently during the dry season, especially in the first two years of growth, to ensure sufficient moisture uptake into the root system.
Fertilization of Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev.
African teak is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and timber production. Apply a balanced commercial fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 14-14-14 or 20-20-20 in the first year of planting and increase the application rate as the tree grows.
Top-dress the tree with organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or mulch to improve soil fertility and moisture retention. However, avoid applying too much nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as they can stimulate vegetative growth at the expense of timber production.
Pruning of Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev.
African teak does not require frequent pruning, but it's essential to shape the tree to ensure a straight and smooth trunk that produces high-quality timber. Prune the lower branches that are shaded by the upper canopy to prevent them from becoming weak and prone to breakage.
You can also prune the apical meristem of the tree to promote lateral branching and increase the diameter of the tree's trunk. However, avoid over-pruning, as it can weaken the tree's structure and reduce timber production.
Propagation of Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev.
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. can be propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture method.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. can be collected from fruits that are mature and have turned yellow. The seeds should be extracted and sown immediately in well-drained soil mixed with organic manure. The seedlings will start to emerge after 2-3 weeks, and they should be transplanted into individual pots after 6-7 weeks. The seedlings can then be transplanted into the field after 10-12 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. can be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings and grafting. For stem cutting propagation, mature branches should be cut and treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in the nursery and kept under shade until rooting occurs. After rooting, they can be transplanted into individual pots and then to the field. For grafting, a scion from a desirable plant should be grafted onto an appropriate rootstock to produce a desired plant.
Tissue Culture Method
The tissue culture method involves the use of plant tissue to produce numerous plants with identical genetic makeup. Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. can be propagated through tissue culture techniques such as somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis. In somatic embryogenesis, somatic cells such as hypocotyls are used to produce embryos that can be grown into plants. In organogenesis, organs such as leaves are used to produce plantlets that can be grown into mature plants.
Overall, Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is a plant that can be propagated through different methods such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture, making it easier for farmers and botanists to multiply desirable plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev.
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is a sturdy tree that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, it is not entirely immune, and some common problems may occur.
Diseases
One of the most significant diseases that affect Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is Leaf spot. Leaf spot causes brownish-black spots on the leaves, which can merge to form large blotches and ultimately affect the entire leaf. To manage this problem, it is advisable to remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, spraying a fungicide containing copper may help control the spread of the infection.
Another common disease is root rot, which is caused by waterlogged soil. Symptoms of this disease include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering and ensure the soil is well-draining. If root rot has already set in, uproot and destroy the affected tree to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is susceptible to aphids. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves, causing stunted growth and curling leaves. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils on the affected tree. You can also attract natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control the aphid population.
Caterpillars are also common pests affecting Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. Caterpillars are known to chew the leaves and bore into the stem, causing damage to the tree, slowing growth, and reducing yield. You can pick the caterpillars off by hand or use a pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
Conclusion
Although Bakerisideroxylon djalonense A.Chev. is a hardy plant, it is still vulnerable to diseases and pests. With proper management practices, such as regular inspections, adequate watering, and the application of appropriate pesticides, you can protect your plant from pests and diseases. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a healthy and productive plant.
