Overview: Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek
Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek, also commonly known as "bois de fer," "mbokila," or "molundu" is a flowering plant species belonging to the Lauraceae family. This slow-growing evergreen tree is indigenous to the tropical regions of Central and West Africa, including Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Appearance
The Beilschmiedia diversiflora is a tall tree, reaching up to 35 meters in height. The tree's diameter measures up to 1 meter. The leaves are alternate, dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, with prominent veins. The plant's bark is grey to brown, rough and fissured slightly. The flowers of the plant are small and yellowish-green, and the fruit produced is a drupe that is spherical and smooth.
Uses
The Beilschmiedia diversiflora has a wide range of uses, and all parts of the plant have medicinal properties. The tree's bark and leaves have been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including fever, stomach aches, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases. In addition, its wood is very hard, durable and termite resistant, making it a valuable timber species that is used in making furniture, boats, and other wood products. The fruits are edible and used for making traditional dishes.
The Beilschmiedia diversiflora is also used in traditional African religions and is considered to have spiritual powers.
Due to its valuable wood, the Beilschmiedia diversiflora is facing over-exploitation and deforestation, which has raised conservation concerns on the sustainability of this species.
Growth Conditions for Beilschmiedia Diversiflora
Beilschmiedia Diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek, commonly known as the Bongor tree, is an evergreen tree native to Central and West Africa. It can grow up to 25 meters tall, and is usually found growing in tropical lowland rainforests, at elevations of up to 500 meters above sea level.
Light Requirements
The Bongor tree requires a moderate amount of shade to grow. It can grow in areas with dappled sunlight, filtered sunlight, or partial shade. It is not recommended to plant it in areas with full sun, as too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn on the leaves and damage the tree.
Temperature Requirements
The Bongor tree requires warm temperatures to grow. It thrives in areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C, which can cause permanent damage to the tree. It prefers areas with high humidity, as low humidity can cause the leaves to dry out and wilt.
Soil Requirements
The Bongor tree requires a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It cannot tolerate soils that are too dry or too wet. The ideal soil pH for the Bongor tree is between 5.5 and 6.5. It can also grow in sandy or loamy soils, as long as the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. It is important to avoid planting the Bongor tree in areas with heavy clay soils, as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek
Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek requires a warm, humid environment to thrive. It is best grown in soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5-6.5. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs of Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause stress to the plant. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization of Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek
The plant benefits from regular applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth and development.
Pruning Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek
Pruning can be done to promote bushier growth and maintain the desired shape of the plant. It is best to prune the plant during the winter months while it is dormant. It is important to only remove small branches and avoid cutting back into old wood, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek
Beilschmiedia diversiflora Pierre ex Robyns & R.Wilczek can be propagated through different methods:
Seed propagation
The propagation of Beilschmiedia diversiflora is commonly done through seeds. The seeds must be collected when they are mature, and they are usually round and black. Once collected, they must be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. After the soaking period, the seeds should be sown in trays filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and humid place. The germination process usually takes two to three months, and once the seedlings have reached the size of 5-6 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. The best time to take the cuttings is during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Ideally, the cuttings should have a length of 10-15 cm with 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and humid place. The rooting process usually takes four to six weeks, and once the cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Beilschmiedia diversiflora. This method is ideal for older plants that are difficult to root through cuttings. The process involves choosing a healthy branch and making a 2-3 cm cut in the bark, then covering the area with sphagnum moss and wrapping it with plastic to maintain moisture. After a few weeks, roots should start to appear, and the branch can be cut below the air layer and potted up or planted directly into the ground.
Overall, Beilschmiedia diversiflora can be propagated through different methods, but it is essential to follow the proper techniques to ensure successful propagation.
Disease Management
Beilschmiedia diversiflora is susceptible to several different diseases that can impact its growth and overall health. One common disease is leaf spot, which causes spots or lesions on the leaves and can lead to defoliation and reduced vigor. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant healthy by providing good soil drainage, adequate sunlight, and proper nutrient levels. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damage to the plant or harm to the environment.
Another disease that can affect Beilschmiedia diversiflora is stem canker, which can cause girdling or death of the stem tissue. This disease is typically caused by a fungal pathogen and can be managed by removing infected branches and providing good cultural practices. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease, but again, it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Beilschmiedia diversiflora can be affected by several different pests, including scale insects, spider mites, and leaf miners. Scale insects can be managed by using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, which suffocate the insects and prevent their spread. Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity levels around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf miners can be managed by removing affected leaves and using insecticides as necessary.
Another pest that can affect Beilschmiedia diversiflora is the Asian citrus psyllid, which can transmit a deadly disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB) to the plant. Management of this pest is crucial to prevent the spread of HLB, and may involve the use of insecticides or other integrated pest management strategies such as introducing natural predators.
