Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev.
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is a tree species that belongs to the family Lauraceae. It is a native plant of the tropical rainforests of Africa, specifically found in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo Basin.
Common Names
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is commonly known as the Tisseran's beilschmiedia in honor of the French botanist Julien Tisserant who discovered the species in the early 20th century. Other vernacular names for this tree include "Mkalalasi" in Swahili and "Mungunzi" in Lingala.
General Appearance
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is a tall tree that can reach a height of up to 40 meters. The trunk is typically straight, and the bark is gray-brown and smooth when young. As the tree matures, the bark becomes rough and scaly. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate-lanceolate-shaped, with a glossy dark green color on the upper side and a dull green on the underside. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers which are followed by fruit that is berry-like, 4 to 5 centimeters long when ripe, and dark purple.
Uses
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. has various uses in traditional medicine, especially in Africa. The bark and leaves of the tree are used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, headaches, cough, and malaria. In addition, the tree's leaves can be brewed into a tea and used as an insecticide. The wood of this species is also used for construction, furniture-making, and as a source of fuelwood. Furthermore, because of its tall stature and glossy foliage, Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is commonly planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens in tropical regions.
Growth Conditions of Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev.
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is a tropical evergreen tree species found in the Central African region. It typically grows to a height of 20-30 m and has a straight trunk with a diameter of about 1 m. The tree has a dense and rounded crown consisting of branches covered with glossy leaves.
Light Requirements
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. The tree prefers to grow in areas with full sun exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade. In areas with insufficient sunlight, the species may exhibit slow growth or even fail to grow altogether.
Temperature Requirements
The tree species grows best in warm and humid conditions. The optimal temperature range for Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). The species cannot tolerate frost and requires a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) to survive.
Soil Requirements
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. prefers deep, well-drained, and fertile soils. The species is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers soils that are rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate moderately acidic to alkaline soils, with a pH range of 5.5-8.0.
The species has moderate to high water requirements and grows well in areas with an annual rainfall of between 1500-2000 mm. It can also tolerate short periods of drought but requires irrigation during prolonged dry periods to survive.
Overall, Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is a versatile and hardy tree that can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. With the right growing conditions, the species can thrive and provide numerous benefits, including timber, oil, fruits, and medicinal properties.
Cultivation
The Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. plant thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and partial shade. It can be grown in various types of soils as long as it is well-draining. It is recommended to plant the seedlings at least 3 feet apart to give them enough room to grow.
Watering Needs
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, but care should be taken not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. to grow strong and healthy. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every three months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be used.
Pruning
Regular pruning is not necessary for Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev., but it can help shape the plant and improve its overall appearance. Pruning can be done in the spring after flowering or when dead or damaged branches need to be removed. Care should be taken not to remove too much foliage at once as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev.
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through seeds
The plant produces small fruits that contain one or several seeds, which can be collected for propagation. The seeds need to be extracted from the fruit and cleaned before sowing. It is recommended to sow them immediately after harvesting, using a well-draining substrate and keeping them moist. Germination can take several months or even up to one year.
Propagation through cuttings
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from a healthy Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. plant for propagation. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a substrate. The substrate should be kept moist and the cuttings should be placed in a warm and humid environment until roots develop.
Propagation through layering
Layering is another method of propagating Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. It involves bending a lower branch to the ground and partially burying it, leaving the tip exposed. The part of the branch that is buried will develop roots, while the tip will continue to grow. After several months, the rooted branch can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is a hardy plant that can resist some diseases. However, it is still susceptible to a few diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are the common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot
- Anthracnose
- Powdery Mildew
To manage these diseases, here are some effective control measures:
- Remove and destroy infected plant parts as soon as they are noticed.
- Avoid overhead watering.
- Apply fungicides as a preventative measure or when the disease is still in its early stages.
- Ensure proper air circulation to reduce humidity and minimize the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Beilschmiedia tisserantii A.Chev. is also prone to some pest infestations that can negatively affect its growth. Here are some common pests that may attack the plant:
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- Caterpillars
Here are some effective pest management strategies:
- Use natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control aphids and caterpillars.
- Prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts.
- Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to control scale insects.
- Use organic and chemical pesticides as a last resort.
