Overview
Beilschmiedia corbisieri (Robyns) Robyns & R.Wilczek is a plant native to Central Africa. It belongs to the Lauraceae family, which includes common cooking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaves.
Common Names
Beilschmiedia corbisieri is known by several common names, including Bofeko, Ngum, and Lekwa.
Uses
Various parts of the Beilschmiedia corbisieri plant have medicinal properties and are used in traditional African medicine to treat ailments such as fever, cough, and stomach problems. The bark and roots are used to create decoctions and infusions, and the leaves are often chewed or made into a paste for topical applications.
The wood of Beilschmiedia corbisieri is also commonly used in construction, furniture making, and carving due to its durability and attractive grain pattern.
Appearance
Beilschmiedia corbisieri is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 40 meters in height. Its leaves are simple, glossy, and oblong in shape, ranging in size from 7-20cm in length. The tree's small, greenish-white flowers are arranged in clusters, and its fruit is a round, purple-black drupe that is approximately 3-4cm in diameter.
The bark of Beilschmiedia corbisieri is smooth and greyish-brown in color, with horizontal lenticels that give it a distinctive appearance.
Light Requirements
Beilschmiedia corbisieri requires bright but filtered light to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade but should not be kept in deep shade for prolonged periods. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. The optimal temperature range for Beilschmiedia corbisieri is between 20C and 30C. It can tolerate cooler temperatures but growth may slow down. Conversely, very high temperatures can cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Beilschmiedia corbisieri will thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be kept moist but should not become waterlogged. Regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can help the plant grow well.
Cultivation methods
Beilschmiedia corbisieri, commonly known as Robyns & R.Wilczek, is a small to medium-sized tree that is endemic to tropical African forests. It requires warm, humid conditions to grow and prefers loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant is relatively slow-growing, so it is best to propagate it through seeds or stem cuttings in the spring. Once planted, it is important to provide sufficient shelter from strong winds and direct sunlight until the plant establishes.
Watering needs
Beilschmiedia corbisieri requires frequent watering to keep the soil consistently moist. It is important not to let the soil dry out between watering sessions, as this can have detrimental effects on the plant's growth. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can also cause root rot and other fungal diseases. During the dry season, be sure to water the plant more frequently and deeply to ensure it stays healthy.
Fertilization
The Beilschmiedia corbisieri plant benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. It is recommended to use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring, followed by an organic fertilizer in late summer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates, as over-fertilizing can result in environmental damage and harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Beilschmiedia corbisieri is necessary for shaping and controlling its growth. It is best to prune during the winter dormancy period, as this minimizes the risk of damaging the plant. It is recommended to prune only the damaged, diseased or dead branches to maintain the plant's natural form. Avoid pruning a significant amount of the plant at once, as this can have negative consequences on its general health and growth.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia corbisieri
Beilschmiedia corbisieri (Robyns) Robyns & R.Wilczek is a rare species of flowering plants native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to its scarcity, propagating this species is highly desirable for conservation efforts. The following are the methods used to propagate Beilschmiedia corbisieri:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Beilschmiedia corbisieri via seeds is feasible but tricky due to the low seed viability. Fresh trees are potential seed sources; therefore, a long-term seed banking process becomes essential. The best time for seed collection is when the fruits are fully mature and starting to drop on the ground. Extraction of the seeds requires flesh removal and processing through sun drying to reduce seed moisture content. A germination rate of approximately 60-70 %can be achieved by cleaning and stratifying the seeds for long-term storage. The stratification process entails storing the cleaned seeds under refrigeration between 2 to 5 degrees Celsius for 3-4 months to initiate germination. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a lightly shaded area rich in organic matter with well-drained soils. Germination can take several weeks or months to occur, and the seedlings can be transplanted after two or three leaves appear.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Beilschmiedia corbisieri via cuttings is highly viable and has a faster growth rate than seed propagation. The most successful type of cutting to use is the semi-hardwood stem. When selecting cuttings, use stem tips or a side branch with a diameter of 4-6 mm and a length of 10-15 cm. Leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the stem, while the top is left with two or three leaves. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone, plant them in pre-prepared rooting media, and cover with a transparent cover or plastic bag to maintain high humidity levels. Place the stem cuttings in a shaded area with moderate temperatures (22-25 degrees Celsius) until the roots develop, which may take several weeks. Once the roots have formed, transplant the cutting to a larger pot for further growth.
Air-layering Propagation
Propagation of Beilschmiedia corbisieri via air-layering is a less common method but can be effective. This method involves creating a notch at the base of a young stem, applying a rooting hormone to the cut area, and covering the cut with moist sphagnum moss. The moss is wrapped with plastic to create a mini greenhouse effect, and the area is kept moist for several weeks. During this time, new roots develop; once a sufficient number of roots are formed, the plant is severed from its parent branch and potted separately. This method is a great way to create genetically identical plants, as the propagated stems will likely have the same genetic makeup as the parent plant.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia corbisieri is a promising way to conserve this rare species. Various propagation methods, such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air-layering, can help to produce more individual plants while also improving the species' genetic diversity.
Disease Management for Beilschmiedia corbisieri
Beilschmiedia corbisieri is generally a healthy plant but can be susceptible to certain diseases under certain conditions. Some common diseases are as follows:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: These are caused by various fungal pathogens that cause circular or irregular spots on leaves. The infected leaves will eventually yellow and drop. To manage, ensure good sanitation by removing infected leaves and practice proper irrigation to prevent prolonged leaf wetness.
- Canker: This is caused by fungi that infect the bark and in severe cases, can kill the plant. To manage, prune infected branches and apply fungicides as necessary.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes irregular leaf spots and can cause defoliation in severe cases. To manage, prune infected branches and apply fungicides as necessary.
Pest Management for Beilschmiedia corbisieri
Beilschmiedia corbisieri can be affected by several pests that can cause damage or death to the plant. Some common pests are as follows:
- Caterpillars: These can eat away the leaves and young shoots causing defoliation. To manage, handpick or use insecticides as necessary.
- Scale Insects: These can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth and can be challenging to control. Use insecticides or horticultural oils as needed, but ensure thorough coverage for efficacy.
- Mealybugs: These can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth and can be effectively controlled with insecticides or horticultural oils, ensuring thorough coverage on leaves and stems.
