Beilschmiedia Zenkeri Engl. - A Detailed Description
Beilschmiedia Zenkeri Engl., also known as Greenheart or Akoga, is a large tree belonging to the family Lauraceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, where it is commonly found in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Nigeria.
Common Names
Beilschmiedia Zenkeri Engl. goes by a variety of common names, including:
- Greenheart
- Akoga
- Abura
- Ogwe
- Inki
Uses
The Beilschmiedia Zenkeri Engl. tree has a variety of uses, including:
- Construction: The wood of the tree is extremely durable and is used for heavy construction. It is popularly used for making railway sleepers, bridges, and floors.
- Medicinal: The leaves and bark of the tree have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as wounds, stomachache, fever, and diarrhea.
- Timber: The wood of the Beilschmiedia Zenkeri Engl. tree is used to make furniture, veneer, and carving.
- Culinary: The tree's leaves and fruit are used in cooking and are a popular seasoning in West and Central African dishes.
General Appearance
The Beilschmiedia Zenkeri Engl. tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of 1-2 meters. The bark of the tree has a dark brown color and is deeply grooved. The leaves are oblong, leathery, and glossy, with a length of up to 20cm. The flowers of the tree are small and yellow, and the fruit is a round berry with a diameter of up to 2cm. The wood of the tree is hard, heavy, and durable.
Light Requirements
Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. When growing this plant, it is essential to provide it with enough exposure to sunlight to allow for the photosynthesis process to take place effectively. Artificial lighting can also be used to supplement the natural sunlight, especially during the plant's early growth stages.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures, ranging from 20-30°C. It requires a relatively high temperature and humidity for optimal growth. Low temperatures can negatively affect the growth rate, while high temperatures can lead to wilting or scorching of the plant's leaves. The plant is best suited for tropical and subtropical regions, where the temperatures and humidity remain consistent throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy loam, silt loam, and clay soils. However, it does not do well in poorly-drained soils, and waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl.
Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl., commonly referred to as pepper-bark tree, is native to Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. This plant prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It thrives in areas with full to partial sunlight, sandy-loamy soils, and adequate moisture.
Watering needs
Proper watering is crucial to the success of Beilschmiedia zenkeri. This plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot and dry regions. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to avoid waterlogging the soil. It is important to avoid watering the foliage to minimize the risk of fungal infections.
Fertilization
To maintain optimal growth and health, Beilschmiedia zenkeri requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to supplement the soil's nutrient levels.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the pepper-bark tree. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid disrupting the plant's growth. Diseased, damaged, and dead branches should be removed to promote healthy growth. Light pruning can also be done during the growing season to manage the plant's shape or to remove any crossing branches.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl.
Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. is a rare species of evergreen tree that is indigenous to Nigeria, West Africa. Although it is commonly found in the wild, this tree species has significant ornamental value and is increasingly grown as a shade tree and ornamental feature in gardens and landscapes. Propagation of Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. is possible by several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. seeds are usually collected from mature trees, dried and cleaned before sowing. Freshly collected seeds have a higher germination rate than seeds that have been stored for a long time. The seedling germination period ranges from four to six weeks depending on the quality of the seed, temperature and humidity conditions. Seedlings should be transferred into individual pots after the second or third leaf has appeared, and should be well cared for until they are strong enough to be planted in the field.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method for propagating Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. This method involves taking hardwood cuttings from mature trees and rooting them in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be taken during the dormant season and treated with rooting hormone before planting in root-promoting medium. Propagation by grafting or budding is also a viable option for propagating Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. The use of vegetative propagation typically results in a higher survival rate of the propagated plant.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a relatively new and advanced technique for propagating Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. It involves the growth of plant cells, tissues, and organs in vitro under controlled environmental conditions. Tissue culture techniques such as micropropagation have been successful for conserving and propagating threatened plant species like Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. in vitro. This method may not be cost-effective for commercial propagation of the species, but it is useful for scientific studies and conservation efforts.
Disease and Pest Management of Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl.
Beilschmiedia zenkeri Engl. is a sturdy and resilient plant that is relatively resistant to most pests and diseases. However, various factors such as poor maintenance, environmental stress, and other factors can make it susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes brown spots on the plant's leaves. It can be caused by excessive moisture, poor air circulation, and high humidity. To manage leaf spot disease, it is essential to remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Treating the plant with a fungicide can also be effective.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots and causes them to decay. The disease is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and soil-borne pathogens. To manage root rot, it is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. The use of fungicides can also be effective in controlling the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on new growth and cause the plant's leaves to curl and turn yellow. They spread quickly and can cause severe damage to the plant if left unchecked. To manage aphids, it is crucial to remove them by hand or use insecticides specifically designed for aphids.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are soft, green, and brown insects that feed on the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruit. They can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage caterpillars, manual removal is necessary. Alternatively, one can use insecticides that are effective against caterpillars.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause discoloration and yellowing of the leaves. They thrive in warm and dry environments. To manage spider mites, the use of miticides, insecticidal soap, or neem oil is effective.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help identify any disease or pest infestation early. Early management can prevent significant damage and maintain the plant's overall health and productivity.
