General Overview
Balanites angolensis (Welw.) Welw. ex Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. welwitschii (Tiegh.) Sands, commonly known as the Desert Date, is a plant species in the family Balanitaceae. It is a slow-growing small to medium-sized tree or a shrub that is widely distributed throughout Africa. The plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties and provides a range of useful products.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to the hot and dry regions of Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and down to South Africa. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including savannas, dry forests, and near riverbanks in arid regions. The Desert Date is known to withstand harsh environmental conditions and is often found in semi-arid and arid areas with annual rainfall ranging from 200mm to 900mm.
Appearance
The Desert Date is a slow-growing tree that could grow up to 10m in height and has a distinct umbrella-shaped crown. The bark is fissured and rough, with some older trees appearing black in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape with a leathery texture and dark green color. The plant produces small, scented flowers that are creamy-white, which develop into small, reddish-brown fruit that becomes sweet and edible when ripe.
Uses
The Desert Date is highly valued for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. It is used to treat malaria, respiratory infections, stomach pains, and skin diseases, and also has antimicrobial properties. The fruit is edible and can be eaten raw, dried, or roasted. The oil extracted from the seeds is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used in skincare and hair products. The timber from the plant is also used for carving, fuel, and construction.
In conclusion, the Desert Date (Balanites angolensis) is a versatile and valuable plant that is widely distributed throughout Africa. It has medicinal properties, provides food, oil, and useful products, and plays an important role in the economy and livelihoods of many people in Africa.
Light Requirements
Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii typically requires full to partial sun exposure. This plant can grow in areas with some shade, but it prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth. Therefore, planting it in an area that receives direct sunlight for most of the day is recommended.
Temperature Requirements
Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate heat, drought, and frost to some degree. However, the optimal temperature for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Very high or very low temperatures can negatively affect the growth and development of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii grow well in various types of soil, but prefers well-draining soils that retain moisture to some extent. It prefers loamy or sandy soil that should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil and therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage. Additionally, it prefers a slightly fertile soil, and adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its overall health and growth.
Cultivation Methods
Balanites angolensis (Welw.) Welw. ex Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. welwitschii (Tiegh.) Sands is native to southern Africa and thrives in hot, arid climates. This plant requires full sun to grow, so it should be planted in an open area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-draining, as this plant is susceptible to root rot in wet soil. If grown in a container, ensure proper drainage.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering this plant, less is more. It can tolerate long periods of drought, so it is important not to overwater the plant. Water the plant sparingly during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out fully before watering again. This plant may show signs of dehydration, such as leaf curling or yellowing, but it will recover once it receives proper hydration.
Fertilization
Balanites angolensis (Welw.) Welw. ex Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. welwitschii (Tiegh.) Sands does not require fertilization, as it can grow and thrive in nutrient-poor soil. However, adding organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, in the planting hole or as a top dressing can help improve the texture and fertility of the soil, providing additional benefits to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the health of Balanites angolensis (Welw.) Welw. ex Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. welwitschii (Tiegh.) Sands but can be done for aesthetic purposes. Trim any damaged or dead branches to encourage new growth, and prune to shape the plant if desired. If grown in a container, prune roots by repotting to a larger container every few years.
Propagation of Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii
Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii can be propagated through different methods, including by seed, cuttings, and root suckers.
Propagation by seed
The easiest and most common way to propagate Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii is by seed. The seeds are viable for about a year and can be sown directly into the ground or in pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 2 cm and watered regularly until they germinate. Germination usually occurs within 3 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii can also be propagated by cuttings taken from mature trees. The cuttings should be approximately 20 cm long and taken from the current season's growth. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they have rooted, which usually takes several months. It is advisable to plant multiple cuttings since not all of them will successfully root.
Propagation by root suckers
Balanites angolensis subsp. welwitschii can also produce root suckers which can be transplanted to propagate new plants. This method is less common since not all trees produce root suckers. The root suckers should be dug up with care and transplanted into a well-draining soil mix. They should be kept moist until they have established a root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Balanites angolensis (Welw.) Welw. ex Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. welwitschii (Tiegh.) Sands
Balanites angolensis (Welw.) Welw. ex Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. welwitschii (Tiegh.) Sands, commonly known as the torchwood tree, is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and a wide range of soils. However, it is not immune to diseases and pest attacks.
Common Diseases
Balanites angolensis can be affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot, stem canker, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is a common disease caused by several fungi that result in the formation of circular or irregular leaf lesions. Stem canker, on the other hand, manifests as dark, sunken lesions on the stems of the plant, eventually leading to stem breakage. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant.
Disease Management
To manage leaf spot, it is advisable to remove and destroy affected leaves and stems to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides such as copper-based products can also be used to control the disease. Stem canker is best controlled by pruning the affected parts of the plant and treating the wounds with fungicides. Powdery mildew can be prevented by reducing humidity levels and watering the plant at the base to avoid wetting the leaves and stems. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Balanites angolensis can be attacked by insect pests such as scales, aphids, and mealybugs. Scales appear as small, immobile bumps on the stems and leaves of the plant and suck sap from the plant. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Mealybugs secrete a white, waxy substance that covers their bodies, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow.
Pest Management
To control scales and other sucking insects, one can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils that suffocate the pests. For aphids, spraying the plant with a strong jet of water can dislodge and kill the pests. Alternatively, insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also be used to control aphids. Mealybugs can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or neem oil.
