Beilschmiedia nitida Engl.: A Plant Description
Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Lauraceae family. It is commonly known as the white beechwood or shiny leaved beechwood and is native to the tropical regions of Africa, particularly in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria.
General Appearance
The tree grows up to 30 meters high and has a wide crown of glossy, evergreen foliage. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color and can have some vertical fissures. The leaves are alternate, elliptic, and have a shiny, dark green color with a leathery texture. They measure between 7 and 13 cm in length and 3.5 to 6 cm in width. The tree's flowers are small, yellowish-white, and grow in short clusters. The fruit is a small, rounded berry-like drupe that turns black when ripe.
Uses
Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. has several uses in traditional medicine and timber. The bark, leaves, and roots have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and toothache. The tree's wood is hard, durable, and used for carpentry, furniture-making, and construction of boats, houses, and bridges. The wood is also used for fuel and charcoal production.
In conclusion, Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. is an important plant species with numerous benefits to the environment and communities in Africa. Its beautiful appearance provides aesthetic value in parks and gardens, while its medicinal and timber value contributes to the health and economic growth of various communities.
Light Requirements
Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. thrives well under partial to full sunlight conditions. It is suitable to be grown in areas where there is a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, providing too much exposure to direct sunlight may lead to leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm, humid environment with a temperature range of 15°C to 30°C. It can tolerate cold temperatures, but not frost. Beilschmiedia nitida may suffer from damage or stop growing when exposed to temperature extremes.
Soil Requirements
Beilschmiedia nitida requires a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil to grow well. The ideal pH range is from 6.0 to 7.0. This plant can tolerate different soil types, but it thrives best in soils with adequate organic matter content. Proper drainage is essential as it prevents waterlogging, which may cause root damage.
Cultivation Methods
Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. is a tropical forest tree that prefers warm and humid climates. It can be grown in a wide range of soil types, but well-draining loam soil is the best. The climate should be warm and humid, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate partial shade, though full sunlight is ideal for its growth and development. This plant is propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. are moderate. Ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter season to prevent waterlogging. Water the plant at the base to avoid damaging the leaves or the stem, and avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertilizer to achieve optimum growth and development. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, preferably with a balanced liquid or granular fertilizer applied at the base of the plant or as foliar spray. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to ensure that the plant has all the essential nutrients required for growth.
Pruning
To maintain Beilschmiedia nitida Engl.'s shape and size, pruning is vital. Prune the plant regularly, preferably in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any diseased or damaged branches and trim off any overgrown branches. This will promote new growth, encourage more flowering and fruit production and keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia nitida Engl.
The Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces small round berries that contain seeds. Once the berries are ripe, they fall off the plant. To propagate through seeds, collect the berries and remove the pulp. Rinse the seeds and let them dry. Once dry, store the seeds in a cool and dry place until ready to plant.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep moist. Germination may take up to several months, and it's important to keep the soil moist during this time.
Propagation through Cuttings
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings taken from a healthy plant. Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the tip of a stem just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a potting mix, making sure to bury at least one node in the soil. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Place the cutting in a warm, bright, and humid area. Rooting will occur in about four to six weeks.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is a form of propagation that involves joining two plant parts to create a new plant. It's commonly used to propagate Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. because it can be difficult to grow from seeds or cuttings.
To graft, take a stem cutting from the desired plant stock and make a diagonal cut at the top. Take another stem cutting from the desired scion plant and make a diagonal cut at the bottom. Join the two plant parts at the cut ends and wrap them tightly with grafting tape.
Place the grafted plant in a warm and humid environment. After a few weeks, the graft should be successful, and the plant can be transplanted to the desired location.
Disease Management of Beilschmiedia Nitida Engl.
Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it is still susceptible to some common fungal diseases like:
- Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that is common in humid environments characterized by the white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To control this disease, regularly prune the affected parts of the plants, maintain good air circulation, and avoid overcrowding of plants. Neem oil and copper fungicides are also effective in curbing the spread of this disease.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease manifests as small brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. Prune the infected parts of plants and remove fallen leaves from the soil as they act as a breeding ground for the fungus. Copper fungicides and neem oil can also be used to control this disease.
- Root Rot: This is a common fungal disease that occurs as a result of overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent this disease, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and reduce watering during the cool season. Application of fungicides containing Trichoderma will keep a check on the spread of this disease.
Pest Management of Beilschmiedia Nitida Engl.
Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Below are some common pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl or deform. Spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the aphids. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the infestation.
- Caterpillars: This insect attacks the leaves of the Beilschmiedia nitida Engl. plant, which leads to a reduction in the plant's growth and yield. Remove caterpillars by hand or spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) which is an environmentally friendly pesticide.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing of leaves or stippling effect on the foliage. Regularly spraying water on the plant leaves keeps the mites at bay. Predatory mites or insecticidal soaps are also effective in controlling spider mites infestations.
