Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae. This plant is native to the African country of Gabon, where it is typically found in the dense, lowland forests of the coastal plain.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Mkulu (meaning "big" in Swahili) in Gabon, as well as Kaseri in the Fang language.
Uses
Various parts of Beilschmiedia pellegrinii are used in traditional medicine by local communities in Gabon. For example, the bark is used to treat stomach aches, while the roots are used to treat back pains and other musculoskeletal disorders.
The tree is also prized for its timber, which is used for furniture and construction.
General Appearance
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, typically reaching between 10 to 20 meters in height. The tree has a cylindrical trunk with bark that is smooth and grayish-brown in color. Its leaves are elliptical in shape, leathery in texture, and measure between 5 to 15 cm in length. The tree also produces small greenish-yellow flowers and small, round fruits that turn red when ripe.
Of note, Beilschmiedia pellegrinii is one of several species in the genus Beilschmiedia that are known for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are actively studying these plants for their potential use in medicine.
Growth Conditions for Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to Cameroon and Gabon. It typically grows in humid, moist, and well-drained soils in lowland forests. Here are some typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé prefers partially shaded conditions. It thrives in areas with filtered light or where it receives a couple of hours of sun per day. Direct and harsh sunlight can be detrimental to the plant and cause its leaves to wilt.
Temperature
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé thrives in moderate temperatures that range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) throughout the year. Extreme temperatures can negatively impact its growth and survival. It is not tolerant of frost or freeze, and in such conditions, it is likely to die or suffer significant damage.
Soil
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé grows well in soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH of 5 -7. It prefers well-draining soils that retain moisture but are not waterlogged. The tree requires adequate moisture, and therefore it's crucial to regularly mulch the soil to retain moisture.
Additionally, the plant is sensitive to salt levels in the soil, and therefore, it's crucial to avoid using saline water or fertilizers. Finally, it's essential to keep the soil clean and free of any debris or litter, which can attract pests that can harm the plant.
Overall, proper light, moderate temperature, and adequate moisture levels are some of the crucial growth conditions necessary for the healthy growth and development of Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé.
Cultivation of Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé is a tropical plant that can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It is commonly grown in pots or containers due to its compact size, making it an ideal houseplant. When picking a pot for this plant, it is important to consider drainage as stagnant water can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs of Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé has moderate watering needs. It is essential to ensure that the soil remains moist, but not water-logged. Watering frequency is dependent on a few factors, including the season, temperature, and humidity levels around the plant. This plant tolerates drought conditions better than over-watering.
Fertilization of Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé
This plant responds well to fertilization during the growing season, especially spring and summer. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizer every four weeks to prevent nutrient deficiencies and promote healthy growth.
Pruning Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé
To maintain a compact and bushy shape, it is advisable to prune this plant regularly. Pruning can also help remove diseased or damaged parts of the plant. It is best to prune the plant towards the end of winter or early spring before the growing season starts.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation from Seed
Freshly collected seeds from the Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé plant can be sown directly in well-draining soil. The seeds take around 3-4 months to germinate, and they're capable of maintaining their viability for a relatively long time. When sowing, the seeds' preferable orientation is utilizing their long axis perpendicularly. It is recommended to maintain the soil moisture consistently, avoid waterlogging, and guard against pest attack to ensure a healthy germination rate.
Vegetative Propagation
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé can be propagated vegetatively via cuttings, layering, and budding. Cuttings taken from the plant's softwood shoots that are around 8-10cm long and contain a node have a higher success rate, which may take around 30-40 days for root development while keeping the soil moisture content consistently for healthy growth. Layering is another propagation method wherein we bend down a lower branch of the plant towards the soil surface, which may root in about 6-8 weeks, and then detached from the parent plant. Lastly, budding method utilizes a healthy rootstock plant that is grafted with the buds of Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé; this may take about 3-4 weeks for the bud to take and around three months for the whole operation to become established.
Disease Management
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé can be affected by various diseases. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: This is caused by fungal pathogens like Cephaleuros virescens. It can be controlled through regular pruning to increase air circulation and the application of copper-based fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. It can be controlled through the application of sulfur-based fungicides.
- Root and Stem Rot: This is caused by fungal pathogens like Phytophthora and Pythium. It can be controlled through the application of fungicides and proper watering techniques to prevent waterlogging.
Pest Management
Beilschmiedia pellegrinii Fouilloy & N.Hallé can also be affected by various pests. Some common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing damage to the leaves. They can be controlled through the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale Insects: These are soft-bodied insects that produce a protective coating over their bodies, making them difficult to control. They can be controlled through the application of horticultural oil or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. They can be controlled through the application of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) or spinosad.
Regular inspection of the plant is necessary to detect the presence of pests and diseases. Infected plants should be isolated and treated immediately to prevent the spread of the problem to other plants. Also, it is important to follow proper cultural practices like removing dead plant material and keeping the plant healthy through proper watering and fertilization to prevent stress and make it less susceptible to pests and diseases.
