Introduction
Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. is a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, which is commonly known as the swallowtail plant or Berlinia. The plant is native to tropical Africa, where it is widely distributed in savannah and woodland habitats.
Appearance
The Berlinia chevalieri plant is a medium-sized, evergreen tree that typically grows up to 20 meters tall. The tree has an elongated trunk, light brown bark, and an irregular canopy of branches. The leaves are dark green, pinnate, and about 10–20 cm long, with up to eight leaflets that are elliptical in shape. The flowers are small and whitish-yellow, and are clustered together in drooping inflorescences. The fruit is a cylindrical pod that is 10–15 cm long, and contains several black seeds.
Common Names
Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. is known by a variety of common names, such as swallowtail plant, Berlinia, and Djansang. In Nigeria, the plant is also known as "Onyina" or "Onyinauwa" in the Igbo language, which means "fruit that brings unity".
Uses
The bark, leaves, and roots of the Berlinia chevalieri tree are used for various medicinal purposes, including treating fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. The plant is also used to make traditional African remedies for infertility and sexual impotence. In addition to its medicinal uses, the tree is sometimes used for timber and firewood, and the leaves and pods are used as animal feed.
Light Requirements
Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. typically grow in areas with full sun exposure. The plant requires at least four hours of direct sunlight daily to grow properly. It is best to avoid placing the plant in shaded areas or areas with low light intensity as it may prevent the plant from thriving healthily.
Temperature Requirements
The recommended temperature range for Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures or frost and may suffer damage when exposed to such conditions. It is, therefore, important to ensure that the plant is grown in areas with warm temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH ranging between 6.0 to 6.5. The plant is best grown in loamy soil but can also tolerate sandy or clay soils. It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this may lead to root rot, which can damage the plant's growth.
Cultivation of Berlinia chevalieri De Wild.
Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. is a small to medium-sized tree commonly found in tropical West Africa. It is often grown for its timber and medicinal properties, and it can also be cultivated as an ornamental tree.
The plant prefers well-draining soils with moderate to high fertility. It does well in soils with pH ranges of 5.5 to 6.5. Young plants may benefit from shading, but mature trees need ample sunlight to thrive.
Watering Needs
Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. requires regular watering during the dry season, especially if grown in a container. Watering should be done thoroughly, but care must be taken not to create standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is crucial for the growth and survival of Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are recommended. Applying organic fertilizers is also beneficial to the plant. The frequency and amount of fertilizer applied should be determined based on the plant's growth rate and soil nutrient levels.
Pruning
Pruning is not a requirement for Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. However, it can be done to improve the tree's shape and promote healthier growth. Pruning should be done during the tree's dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring. Diseased, damaged, or dead stems and branches should be removed first. Then, any branches that obstruct airflow or light to the tree's interior should be eliminated. If you are not sure about how to do it, you can hire a professional arborist to help you.
Propagation of Berlinia chevalieri De Wild.
Berlinia chevalieri De Wild., commonly known as the Lagos ironwood, is a fast-growing evergreen tree that is native to West Africa. The tree is well known for its high-quality wood and medicinal properties. Propagation of Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. can be achieved through the following methods:
Seed propagation
Propagation by seed is the most common method of propagating Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. To propagate through seeds, fresh ripe seeds should be collected from a mature tree. The seeds should be sown directly into a prepared seedbed in a nursery or planting bed. The seedbed should be kept moist, but not too wet, to ensure that the seeds germinate. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days. When the seedlings have produced 2-3 pairs of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual polybags or pots to be grown until they reach the desired size for planting in the field.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation, which involves the use of vegetative parts of a plant, can be achieved through stem cuttings and air layering.
Stem cuttings: Propagation by stem cuttings is the most commonly used method of asexual propagation for Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. Semi-hardwood stem cuttings of about 20-25 cm long and 1 cm in diameter can be taken from the parent tree in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a prepared rooting medium. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, and place the cuttings in a shaded area until they have developed roots. Then they can be transplanted into individual polybags or pots to be grown until they reach the desired size for planting in the field.
Air layering: Air layering is a technique often used for plants that are hard to root from cuttings. It involves girdling a branch of the parent tree, removing the bark, and applying rooting hormone to the exposed area. A rooting medium and a plastic cover are applied to the exposed area to promote root growth. After a few weeks, roots will appear at the cut area. The rooted portion of the branch can then be removed from the parent tree and transplanted into a polybag or pot to be grown until they reach the desired size for planting in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Berlinia chevalieri De Wild.
While Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. is a relatively disease-resistant plant, it can still be affected by fungal and bacterial infections. Likewise, pests can also attack the leaves and trunk, threatening the overall health of the plant. To maintain healthy growth, it is important to implement disease and pest management strategies.
Common Diseases
Two of the most common diseases that can attack Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. are anthracnose and leaf spot. Anthracnose is a fungal infection that causes sunken lesions on the leaves and can be spread through wind and water. Leaf spot, on the other hand, is a bacterial disease that causes circular spots on the leaves, eventually causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage these diseases, it is important to remove and destroy affected leaves, as well as to apply fungicide or antibiotic treatments. Additionally, maintaining proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can prevent diseases from developing in the first place.
Common Pests
Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. can also be attacked by several pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. Mealybugs are small insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. Similarly, spider mites can cause leaves to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance, while scales cause a sticky substance to ooze from the leaves. To manage these pests, it is important to remove and destroy affected leaves and to use insecticidal soap or pesticides. Predatory insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also be introduced to the environment to help control pest populations naturally.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, Berlinia chevalieri De Wild. can maintain healthy growth and minimize the risk of infections and pests. Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial in preventing and managing these issues.
