Overview
Berlinia kerstingii Harms, commonly known as African whitewood or in the local dialect, "Abang" is a deciduous tree species native to tropical West Africa. It belongs to the family of Leguminosae-Caesalpinoideae and is one of the largest trees in the Legume family, growing up to 40 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters.General Appearance
The Berlinia kerstingii Harms has a large round or conical crown with a thick trunk and grayish-brown bark. The leaves are compound and can reach up to 20 cm in length, with six to ten leaflets that are ovate to elliptical. The flowers are bisexual and occur in inflorescences that are erect, axillary, and measure up to 9 cm long. The fruit of the African whitewood is large, flattened, and woody, measuring up to 12 cm long and 7 cm broad.Uses
The Berlinia kerstingii Harms is a valuable timber tree that has become increasingly scarce in its natural range due to over-harvesting. The timber from African whitewood is highly valued because of its exceptional resistance to decay and termites. It is used for heavy carpentry, furniture, and construction purposes, such as building poles, bridges, and flooring. The African whitewood bark is also used traditionally in natural medicine remedies to treat various illnesses. Moreover, the tree also inhabits areas used for ecotourism excursions.Habitat and Distribution
The African whitewood occurs naturally in the lowland and swampy regions of tropical African countries such as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon. It grows primarily in the evergreen or semi-deciduous forest habitats and produces attractive wood for commercial purposes. Due to this species' high demand in the international market for its strong and resistant wood, the African whitewood is threatened by over-exploitation and deforestation.Growth Conditions for Berlinia kerstingii Harms
Light: This plant thrives in an environment with bright, indirect light. It is best to place it in an east- or west-facing window where it will receive moderate sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.
Temperature: Berlinia kerstingii Harms prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause harm to the plant. Additionally, avoid placing the plant close to drafts or air conditioning units, which can also damage it.
Humidity: This plant requires moderate to high humidity levels between 50% to 70%. If the air in your home is dry, consider placing a humidifier near the plant or placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Soil: Berlinia kerstingii Harms needs well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is an ideal potting mix. Do not use heavy, clay-rich soil, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Water: Water this plant regularly but avoid over-watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, water it once a week, and reduce the frequency during the dormant season. Avoid using hard or chlorinated water, which can damage the plant.
Fertilizer: Feed Berlinia kerstingii Harms with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Overall, providing Berlinia kerstingii Harms with the right amount of light, the ideal temperature, humidity, soil, water, and nutrients will help it thrive.
Cultivation of Berlinia kerstingii Harms
Berlinia kerstingii Harms is a tropical tree that grows well in warm and humid climates. It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils and can adapt to different types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
For best results, plant Berlinia kerstingii Harms in an area that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. When planting, ensure that the space between each tree is at least 15 feet to provide ample room for growth.
Watering Needs for Berlinia kerstingii Harms
Proper watering is crucial to the growth and development of Berlinia kerstingii Harms. Water the tree regularly, especially during the dry season, to prevent water stress.
However, ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. To prevent waterlogging, ensure that the soil drains properly by adding sand or gravel to the planting hole.
Fertilization of Berlinia kerstingii Harms
Berlinia kerstingii Harms requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the tree during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
Additionally, you can add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve soil fertility and provide necessary nutrients to the tree.
Pruning of Berlinia kerstingii Harms
Regular pruning of Berlinia kerstingii Harms is necessary to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too bushy. Prune the tree during the dormant season, late fall or early winter, to remove dead or diseased branches.
When pruning, ensure that you make clean cuts to minimize damage to the tree and prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, avoid pruning too much as this can lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Berlinia kerstingii Harms
Berlinia kerstingii Harms, commonly known as the “Ax handle wood,” is a tree species found in tropical Africa. The plant belongs to the family of Fabaceae and is primarily propagated using seeds. Propagation of Berlinia kerstingii Harms is moderately easy, provided the planting procedure and environmental factors are properly managed.
Seed Propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagating Berlinia kerstingii Harms is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature pods, and only the seed with a fertile embryo should be used for planting. The planting can be done either in a nursery, poly bag or directly into the soil.
If planting in a nursery bed, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard shell, and then planted in a pre-prepared nursery bed. The soil should be fertile and moist but well-drained. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm apart and covered with a thin layer of soil. The nursery bed must be shaded to prevent direct sunlight and watered regularly to maintain moisture.
After germination, which usually takes between 2-4 weeks, the seedlings should be thinned out to at least two seedlings per nursery bag. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after 4-6 months when they have grown to about 30-40 cm in height.
When planting directly in the soil, the seeds are also soaked in water for 24 hours and then planted in a well-drained soil of about 1-2 cm deep. The plantation should be covered with straw or mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent direct sunlight. The seeds will germinate within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be thinned to 2-3 plants per hole.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Berlinia kerstingii Harms, but it requires more effort, technical know-how, and time. Plant cuttings are taken from the mother plant and are usually from the lateral branches of the plant.
The cuttings must be well-prepared and treated with a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings are then planted in a pre-prepared soil mixture of equal parts of soil, sand, and compost, and covered with transparent polythene bags to maintain a humid and moist environment. The bags should be removed once the cuttings have developed roots, and the young plants can be transplanted.
In conclusion, seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Berlinia kerstingii Harms. It is cost-effective and requires minimal effort. However, cutting propagation can also be used to propagate the plant but involves more technical expertise and effort.
Disease and Pest Management for Berlinia kerstingii Harms
Like all plants, Berlinia kerstingii Harms is vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some common ailments and strategies for managing them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves of the plant. It can also cause lesions on the trunk and branches. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and spray a fungicide on the remaining foliage.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes circular, brown spots on leaves. It can eventually cause the leaves to fall off the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs when the roots of the plant become waterlogged and start to decay. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove and destroy infected plants.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and curling. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand, or use a blast of water to knock them off the plant. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that live on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling and discoloration. To manage spider mites, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. They can chew holes in leaves, and can defoliate a plant if left unchecked. To manage caterpillars, pick them off the plant by hand, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or birds.
By being vigilant and taking appropriate action when disease or pests strike, you can help keep your Berlinia kerstingii Harms plant healthy and thriving.
