Overview
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. is a species of plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is commonly known as African Teak, Ovangkol, or Amazique.Origin
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in countries such as Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. It grows naturally in tropical forests, particularly in areas with a high amount of rainfalls.General Appearance
The African Teak can grow up to 30 meters high with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. Its bark is dark brown to grey and heavily fissured. The leaves are clustered towards the end of the branches and are pinnately compound with up to 10 leaflets. The flowers are yellow to greenish-yellow in color and grow in dense clusters. The fruit of the plant is a woody, flattened pod that contains several seeds.Uses
African Teak is a highly valued timber tree in West and Central Africa due to its strength and durability. The wood is used to construct furniture, flooring, and decorative objects. It is also used in boat building and heavy construction. Additionally, the leaves and bark of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever and various other ailments.Light Requirements
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. thrives well when exposed to moderate to high light intensity. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for proper growth. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an open space where there is little or no obstruction of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Berlinia verdickii De Wild. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 28°C. The minimum temperature for the plant's growth should not fall below 16°C, and it is essential to avoid exposing the plant to frost as it can cause significant damage.
Soil Requirements
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as it can cause root rot. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5. It is also necessary to ensure adequate soil aeration and avoid planting the plant in excessively compacted soil.
Cultivation of Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. is a medium-sized, evergreen tree that is native to central Africa. It thrives in a tropical climate with high rainfall and does well in full to partial sun exposure. It is important to choose a suitable location that provides adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds and frost. The tree is hardy and adaptable, and it can grow in a range of soils, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It requires a well-draining soil with good organic content to ensure healthy growth.
Watering Needs of Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. requires consistent watering during the growing season. A deep and thorough watering once a week is sufficient, but it is important to monitor the soil moisture level closely. The tree does not tolerate waterlogged roots, so it is essential to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. During the dry season, it may require more frequent watering to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. It is also important to provide mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization of Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two to three months. It is also important to apply a layer of organic compost around the base of the tree to provide additional nutrients and promote healthy growth. Care should be taken to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaker branches that are prone to breakage.
Pruning of Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. requires minimal pruning, but it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, as this reduces the risk of shock to the tree. It is also important to prune any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as this can cause wounds and lead to weakened branches. Care should be taken to avoid removing more than 25% of the tree's foliage, as this can cause stress and slow down growth.
Propagation of Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
Berlinia verdickii De Wild. is a tropical tree native to Africa that can reach heights of up to 40 meters. It is often used for its hard and durable wood, but it also has medicinal and cultural significance in some regions.
Propagation of Berlinia verdickii De Wild. is typically done through two methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for Berlinia verdickii De Wild. Seeds can be collected from mature trees and directly sown in a nursery bed or container, typically in the months of May to July. Seeds require a well-draining growing medium with good aeration to avoid waterlogging and subsequent rot. Seedlings normally emerge within 4-6 weeks and require significant watering and proper nutrition for healthy growth to continue.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation refers to asexual reproduction of the plant using vegetative parts such as cuttings, grafting or layering. Due to the tree's size, air layering is the most common vegetative propagation technique. It involves removing a section of bark, and treating the area with rooting hormone powder, then covering it with a moist medium usually made of sawdust and wrapping it with plastic. In 5-6 months, roots typically form in the medium from which the clone can be transplanted into a container or planted directly in soil. Vegetative propagation is advantageous, as it allows propagation of selected traits such as high yield, resistance to pests or disease, or desirable tree structure.
Regardless of the propagation method used for Berlinia verdickii De Wild., the seedlings or clones require significant care and monitoring to achieve proper growth. Quality nutrition, correct watering schedule, and pest management are essential factors that help produce high-quality plants for cultivation or reforestation purposes.
Disease and Pest Management for Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
Berlinia verdickii De Wild., also known as African elm, is an important timber species in Africa. This plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can affect its growth, yield, and overall health. Effective disease and pest management can help to minimize the damage caused by these threats.
Common Diseases of Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
One of the most common diseases that affect Berlinia verdickii De Wild. is stem canker, caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina. This disease can cause stem rot, which can lead to dieback and eventually death of the tree. To manage this disease, prune affected branches and apply fungicides to the affected areas.
Another common disease that affects the plant is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. This disease can cause leaves to turn brown and fall off, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves and apply fungicides to the affected areas.
Common Pests of Berlinia verdickii De Wild.
Several pests can also attack Berlinia verdickii De Wild., including the moth Gonimbrasia belina, which can defoliate the tree, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage this pest, use pheromone traps to capture and kill adult moths, and apply insecticides to the larvae.
The caterpillar of the sawfly Pachyschelus secedens can also feed on the foliage of the plant, causing defoliation. To manage this pest, remove affected branches and apply insecticides to the affected areas.
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures can go a long way in minimizing the damage caused by diseases and pests. These measures include planting disease-resistant varieties of the plant, maintaining good soil health, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding injury to the plant. By incorporating these measures into your farming practices, you can effectively manage diseases and pests, ensuring healthy growth and increased yield of the plant.
