Origin
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns, commonly known as the African Bombax or Reflexed Bombax, is a tropical plant species that originates from Africa. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of West, Central, and East Africa.
Common Names
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns, also known by its common names: African Bombax, Ebony Tree, and Reflexed Bombax. Locally, it is called "gombe" in Nigeria or "njugu mawe" in Kenya.
Uses
The African Bombax tree is widely valued for its numerous uses. The tree provides important timber for making furniture, boats, and building houses. The fibers of its bark and leaves are used for making ropes, fabrics, and strings. The tree also serves as a medicinal plant, providing healing remedies for various ailments.
Aside from its practical applications mentioned above, the African Bombax tree is also valued for its ornamental purposes as an attractive tree. The tree produces bright red flowers that bloom in the dry season and a large, showy, greenish or brownish fruit that contains seeds with bright red arils, which attract birds.
General Appearance
The African Bombax is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to a height of 60 meters. It has grayish-brown bark with small thorns and a wide and powerful trunk that supports numerous branches that spread out into a wide canopy. Its leaves are large, palmate, and deep green in color. The tree produces bright red flowers that bloom in the dry season and a large, showy, greenish or brownish fruit that contains seeds with bright red arils.
The African Bombax is a hardy tree that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with plenty of rainfall, although it can tolerate drought to a certain extent. Its ability to grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, makes it an ideal plant for reforestation programs.
In summary, Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns is a versatile tree species that provides numerous practical and ornamental purposes. Its value has made it highly sought after in many parts of Africa and beyond.Light Requirements
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns require full sun exposure, which means that the plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant can thrive in partly shaded areas, but it may not grow as tall or produce as many flowers as it would in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns thrives in temperatures ranging from 20-35 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Soil Requirements
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The optimal pH range for the soil is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is crucial to avoid water-logged soils as the plant may develop root rot.
Cultivation
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns is a tree species that requires ample space to grow and develop. It thrives well in full sun, which should be a key consideration when selecting a planting site. It's recommended to choose a site away from tall structures, overhead power lines, and other obstructions that can interfere with its growth.
This species can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, so long as they are well-draining and not too acidic or alkaline. Young saplings should be planted at the beginning of the rainy season to give them enough time to establish themselves.
Watering
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns requires regular watering, especially during the first two years after planting. Giving it sufficient water ensures that its shallow root system is well-maintained and that it can take up essential nutrients and minerals from the soil.
While the frequency of watering depends on various factors such as weather and soil type, a general rule of thumb is to water the plant every 10 to 14 days. During dry spells, it may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and development, Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns should be fertilized regularly. Fertilization should be done at the onset of the rainy season to help the tree cope with the increased nutrient demands.
You can use organic or inorganic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers are quicker to release nutrients and have a higher nitrogen content compared to organic fertilizers. However, too much nitrogen can cause rapid growth that's susceptible to pest attacks. Organic fertilizers are slower to release nutrients but are more sustainable and promote healthier soil. When using fertilizers, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns requires minimal pruning, and only dead, diseased or damaged branches should be removed. However, pruning can be done to manage the tree size, improve its appearance, or redirect growth patterns.
Prune the tree during the dry season to avoid the increased risk of pest infestations and potential disease development. Before pruning, ensure that your pruning equipment is sharp and disinfected to prevent the spread of disease.
When pruning, avoid removing more than 20% of the total foliage as this can affect the tree's growth and health. Also, avoid over-pruning as this can lead to sunburn and increased water demand, which can stress the plant and lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns, commonly known as the monkey bread tree, is a popular ornamental tree in many regions of the world. The species can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods, providing horticulturists with various options to propagate the tree.
Sexual Propagation
The monkey bread tree requires pollination by bees or other insects. Once pollinated, the tree produces fruit that contains several seeds. Collect the seeds from the mature fruit and place them into a container filled with water. Allow the container to sit for a few days, stirring it occasionally to remove the seeds from the fruit pulp. Good quality seeds will sink to the bottom of the container. Discard the seeds that continue to float on the surface, as they are not viable.
Next, clean the viable seeds thoroughly and plant them in a well-draining soil mix in a pot with drainage holes. Leave the pot in a shady area and keep the soil moist. Seeds typically start to germinate within one to two weeks. Seedlings eventually need to be transplanted into larger containers before being planted in the ground.
Asexual Propagation
Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. subsp. reflexum (Sprague) A.Robyns also responds well to asexual propagation methods such as grafting and air layering. Grafting involves joining a cutting of a desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species. Air layering requires making a cut or a slit on a branch of the tree, applying rooting hormone on the wounded area, and covering it with soil. Once roots develop on the wounded area, the branch can be severed and potted in a new container. Both methods of propagation are successful, but air layering is more preferred for propagation of the monkey bread tree.
Disease Management
Bombax buonopozense subsp. reflexum is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal and viral diseases.
Fungal diseases such as Powdery Mildew can be prevented by ensuring proper airflow and reducing the humidity levels around the plant. Infected leaves should be promptly removed and destroyed to avoid the spread of the disease.
Viral diseases like Leaf Curling can be managed by removing infected parts of the plant and preventing the spread by avoiding the use of contaminated tools.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Bombax buonopozense subsp. reflexum are mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.
Mealybugs can be managed by washing the plant with soapy water or alcohol solution. Insecticidal soap can also be used to get rid of them. Regular inspections should be carried out to prevent their recurrence.
Aphids can be eliminated by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs is also a viable solution.
Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with water regularly to increase the humidity levels, as they thrive in dry conditions. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used. Avoiding over-fertilization and ensuring proper plant hygiene also go a long way in preventing a spider mite infestation.
