Origin
Bersama coriacea Baker f. is a plant species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly found in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Senegal.
Common Names
Bersama coriacea Baker f. goes by many names across its native region. Some of the common names include African blackwood, Glaucous-leaved yellowwood, Senegal yellowwood, and Bitter bark.
Uses
Bersama coriacea Baker f. has many traditional medicinal uses among African communities. It is known to be an effective remedy for malaria, fevers, stomach aches, and various infections. The plant's bark, roots, and leaves are used in various preparation methods to provide the desired effects.
The wood of Bersama coriacea Baker f. is also in high demand for its hardness and durability. It is commonly used for making furniture, carvings, and decorative items. The wood's dark color and fine grains make it a popular choice for high-end products.
General Appearance
Bersama coriacea Baker f. is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The plant has shiny, dark green leaves that grow alternately on the stem. Its bark is dark brown, rough, and deeply furrowed. The flowers of the plant are small, white, and fragrant, growing in clusters. The fruit is a small, round capsule that turns bright red when it matures. The wood of the tree is dark, smooth, and hard.
Growth Conditions for Bersama Coriacea Baker f.
Bersama coriacea Baker f. is a large plant that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is native to the southeastern region of Africa and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. The plant requires specific growth conditions to thrive, including adequate lighting, temperature, and soil conditions.
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It grows well in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. When exposed to full sunlight, the plant tends to grow larger, while plants in partially shaded areas tend to have smaller leaves. Inadequate lighting may lead to stunted growth, poor foliage, and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
For optimal growth, Bersama coriacea Baker f. requires an average temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius but may suffer from frost damage at temperatures below this point. Additionally, temperature fluctuations should be avoided as it can cause harm to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bersama coriacea Baker f. requires well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers loose and moist soils rich in organic matter. It is important to note that the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot. Additionally, the plant can be grown in sandy or loamy soils, provided it has adequate nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Bersama Coriacea Baker f.
Bersama coriacea Baker f. is a tropical plant commonly found in parts of Africa and Madagascar. It grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive and can tolerate moderate shade.
When planting, ensure that the soil is free from weeds and other plants that may compete for nutrients. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in a hole that is twice the size of their root ball to allow for proper root development.
Watering Needs for Bersama Coriacea Baker f.
Bersama coriacea Baker f. is a drought-resistant plant that can survive periods of little to no rainfall. However, for optimal growth, the plant needs regular watering during its early stages of development.
When watering, avoid over-saturating the soil and ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil to reach the roots. The frequency of watering depends on the soil type and weather conditions. In general, water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization for Bersama Coriacea Baker f.
Regular fertilization is necessary to provide the plant with the essential nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once every two months during the growing season.
Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, making sure not to get it on the leaves or stem. Water the plant after fertilization to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.
Pruning for Bersama Coriacea Baker f.
Pruning is essential to control the size and shape of the plant. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dormant season (winter) or early spring before new growth begins.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, branches, or stems. Cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to improve air circulation and light penetration. Use sharp and sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Bersama coriacea Baker f.
Bersama coriacea Baker f., also known as the African Ebony or the Gutta-percha tree, is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is native to southern Africa and is commonly found in East Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The plant has several medicinal and industrial uses, making it a valuable plant species.
Propagation methods
Bersama coriacea can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Bersama coriacea. To propagate the plant through seed, collect mature and healthy pods from the parent plant. The collected pods should be stored in a cool and dry place to enable them to dry and release the seeds naturally. Sow the seeds in a nursery bed or container filled with well-drained, sandy loam soil, and cover them lightly with soil. Water the container and place it in a greenhouse, conservatory, or a well-lit area. Germination takes 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots after germination.
Vegetative propagation
In vegetative propagation, cuttings from the parent plant are used to produce a new plant. Take cutting from mature stems of the parent plant and propagate them under controlled conditions in a greenhouse or a mist chamber. Use the cutting with at least two nodes to ensure successful rooting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones before planting them in a rooting medium. The cutting may take 4-6 weeks to root and should be transplanted to a growing medium after the successful establishment of roots.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture involves the in-vitro propagation of plant parts using explants. In the case of Bersama coriacea, young leaves, shoot tips, or axillary buds are used as explants. The explants are grown in nutrient media under sterile conditions containing hormones and growth regulators. The culture is maintained under controlled conditions in a growth chamber or greenhouse. After the tissues have multiplied, they are transferred to rooting media to induce root formation and establishment of the plantlets. Tissue culture ensures the propagation of true-to-type and disease-free plantlets.
Disease Management
The plant Bersama coriacea Baker f. is susceptible to various diseases. One of the most common diseases is anthracnose. It is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum sp. which attacks the leaves, twigs, and fruits of the plant. The infected plant parts develop small, sunken spots that enlarge and merge over time, leading to the death of the affected tissues. To manage anthracnose, it is advisable to prune and destroy infected plant parts, apply fungicides such as copper-based sprays and maintain proper plant hygiene by removing fallen leaves and debris.
Another disease that might affect Bersama coriacea Baker f. is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe sp. It leaves white, powdery spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to keep the plant foliage dry by watering at the base, prune and destroy infected plant parts, and apply sulfur-based or neem oil-based fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant Bersama coriacea Baker f. is also vulnerable to various pests. One of the most common pests is the mealybug. Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that cause the plant to weaken and develop yellow leaves, curled leaves, and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, it is advisable to prune and destroy the heavily infested parts, apply horticultural oils, such as neem oil and insecticidal soap, and encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Another pest that might affect the plant is the scale insect. Scale insects are also sap-sucking insects that cause the plant to weaken and develop yellow leaves, defoliation, and death. To manage scales, it is advisable to prune and destroy heavily infested parts, apply horticultural oils, and spray with insecticides such as pyrethroids or neonicotinoids.
Finally, the plant might be prone to spider mites which cause yellowing of leaves and appearance of webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to hose the plant with water, prune and destroy heavily infested parts, and spray with miticides such as insecticidal soap and neem oil.
