Origin
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. is a tree species that belongs to the plant family Burseraceae. It is native to tropical Africa, specifically in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant Balsamea africana is commonly known by several names, including Copalier d'Afrique, African Elemi, and African Copal. In some African countries, it is also referred to as the Mbengele tree.
Uses
The Balsamea africana is used for various purposes in African traditional medicine. Its resin, bark, and leaves have medicinal properties, and they are used in the treatment of several ailments, including cough, sore throat, skin infections, and rheumatism. The resin from the tree is also used to make incense, perfumes, and varnishes.
Aside from its medicinal properties, Balsamea africana is also used in the manufacturing of high-quality timber. The wood from the tree is strong, durable, and resistant to termite attacks. It is used in making furniture, construction, and boat-building.
General Appearance
The Balsamea africana is a tall tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height, with a straight trunk that measures about 100 cm in diameter. The tree has a cylindrical shape, with a rounded crown that is made up of spreading branches and dense foliage. The oval-shaped leaves are dark green, glossy, and grow in alternate arrangement. The tree produces small yellow or greenish flowers that are followed by fruit-like capsules that are red when ripe. The bark of the tree is smooth, grey-brown, and exudes a fragrant oleoresin when injured.
Light Conditions
Balsamea africana thrives in partially shaded to fully exposed areas. It requires ample sunlight to grow and should be planted in areas where sunlight is readily available. In areas with high temperatures, it should be grown in a shaded environment to prevent scorching of leaves and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature is an important growth factor for Balsamea africana. The plant needs warm temperatures of about 20-29°C for optimal growth. In cold seasons, the plant becomes dormant and requires protection from frost. Temperatures below 20°C affect the plant's growth and may cause it to fail.
Soil Needs
Balsamea africana requires good drainage to grow successfully. It grows best in soils that are well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. The plant also prefers soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. If the soil is too acidic, then it can be neutralized using lime or other soil conditioners. The plant grows well in sandy soils, loamy soils, and in rocky terrains with good drainage.
Cultivation of Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill.
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. is a tough evergreen plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It flourishes in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients and has a moderate tolerance to drought conditions. The preferred pH range is neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
The plant grows well in full sun to light shade areas. It prefers fertile, loamy soil that is well-draining and that can hold moisture and nutrients. When it comes to propagation, Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If propagating through seeds, it is advisable to soak the seeds for about a day to soften the seed coat before sowing in seedbeds at a depth of about 1cm. If propagating through cuttings, it is advisable to take semi-hardwood stem cuttings that are about 10-15cm long, treat them with rooting hormones, and plant them in prepared suitable soil.
Watering Needs for Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill.
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. has moderate water requirements. The plant should be watered whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. However, it's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Irrigation should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization of Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill.
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. requires periodic fertilization to maintain its growth and health. The fertilizer should contain equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Fertilizer application should be done in the early morning or late afternoon when the soil is moist to minimize the risk of burning the plant roots. Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in the soil, which can be harmful to the plant.
Pruning Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill.
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. requires pruning to maintain its shape, size, and vigour. The ideal time to prune Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. is during the onset of the dry season, just before the wet season begins. Pruning should be done using sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid injuring the plant tissues. Pruning should encourage even growth, light penetration, and improved air circulation throughout the plant canopy.
It's important to note that Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. has a resinous sap that can be irritating to the skin, so it's advisable to wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning the plant.
Propagation of Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill.
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. is primarily propagated through seeds. The use of cuttings is also possible but less common. Nevertheless, the switch from seeds to cuttings has been suggested to overcome problems with seed germination and ensure genetic uniformity.
Seed Propagation
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. seeds require scarification to enhance germination. Scarification is often done manually by nicking or scratching the seed coat. It can also be achieved biologically through seed passage through the digestive tract of animals or mechanical passage through soil or leaf litter. After scarification, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance germination rates. The seeds are then sown in germination trays or pots filed with a seedling mix of forest soil and sawdust. Germination usually takes place within two weeks, and monitoring is required to avoid damping-off disease. After the seedlings have three or four true leaves, they are transplanted into individual pots or plastic bags with standard nursery mix to allow for adequate root growth. Seedlings are maintained under shade and watered regularly to ensure proper growth until they are ready for planting in the main field.
Cutting Propagation
Balsamea africana (A.Rich.) Baill. cuttings have been reported to have a low rooting capacity. However, positive results have been obtained from wild-collected plant material and mature wood cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature trees and be 20 to 25 centimeters long with two to three nodes. The base of the cuttings should be wounded, treated with rooting hormone, and planted in a mixture of sand and peat or soil and sand. Bottom heat should be provided to encourage rooting. The cuttings require high humidity and should be maintained under shade. After about two months, the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers with standard nursery mix and maintained under regular shade.
Disease and Pest Management of Balsamea africana
Balsamea africana is a tree with several economic and medicinal benefits. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that may affect Balsamea africana and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot Diseases: Balsamea africana can be affected by fungal diseases causing leaf spots, such as Mycosphaerella leaf spot. These diseases can cause premature leaf drop and defoliation, leading to a significant reduction in growth and yield. To manage these diseases, it is essential to avoid overhead irrigation and keep the area around the plant free of plant debris and weeds. In severe cases, fungicides can be used to control the disease.
Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that affects the stems and leaves of Balsamea africana. Symptoms include dark lesions on the leaves and collapsing of stems. To control anthracnose, it is essential to prune and destroy infected plant parts, use disease-resistant cultivars, and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These are tiny insects that infest the leaves and stems of Balsamea africana and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. The honeydew attracts other insects and can lead to the growth of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, it is important to prune and destroy infected plant parts, use insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can also attack Balsamea africana, particularly the African armyworm. These caterpillars can cause significant damage to the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth. To manage the caterpillars, it is essential to handpick them and destroy their nests or use chemical insecticides.
Termites: Termites can cause severe damage to Balsamea africana by feeding on the roots and stems of the plant. To manage termites, it is essential to remove any decaying wood or plant debris from the area around the tree, use insecticide barriers around the plant, or use bait stations to attract and kill the termites.
Overall, managing diseases and pests is crucial for the growth and yield of Balsamea africana. By implementing appropriate management practices and taking swift action when necessary, it is possible to prevent or mitigate the damage caused by these threats.
