Origin:
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle is native to Africa, specifically to the tropical regions of Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It grows in dry deciduous woodland and savanna regions.
Common Names:
This plant has various common names, such as Mibombo, Muela-muela, Mwimbo, Ngangu, and Mwenge.
Uses:
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle has different uses depending on the African region. In Tanzania, the bark is used to treat gastrointestinal problems, while in Zambia, the bark is used to make a local alcoholic beverage. The leaves are used for fodder, and the wood is used for charcoal production, construction, and firewood.
General Appearance:
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a dense, rounded crown and a straight trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is dark grey to brown and deeply fissured. The leaves are compound, with 6 to 11 pairs of leaflets that are elliptical in shape and have a length of up to 10 cm. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in spike-like inflorescences. The fruit is a flat, elliptical pod, up to 18 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, which contains one to four seeds that are edible.
Light Requirements
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis requires full sun to partial shade for adequate growth. In its natural habitat, it is commonly found in the savannahs and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, where it receives plenty of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can be grown in both tropical and subtropical regions. However, it thrives best in warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The ideal temperature for its growth and development is between 20°C and 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate acidic soils but cannot thrive in waterlogged or compacted soils, which can limit root development. Organic matter, such as compost or manure, can be added to improve soil fertility and structure.
Cultivation methods
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle, commonly known as Mupapa or Miombo tree, is a deciduous tree that is native to tropical Africa. It is best grown in warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C.
It can be easily propagated from seed, which should be sown in well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Transplanting should be done when the seedlings are large enough to handle.
When planting, ensure that the tree is located in a well-drained area with enough sunlight. The tree has shallow roots and does not like waterlogged soils.
Watering needs
Watering should be done consistently, especially during the dry season. The tree requires constant moisture but does not like waterlogged soils. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Instead, water deeply and frequently.
When planting, make sure to incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve water retention. Mulching can also help to maintain soil moisture and reduce water evaporation.
Fertilization
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle does not require much fertilization. However, adding organic matter such as compost or manure during planting can help to provide the tree with essential nutrients.
If necessary, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season. Avoid excessive use of fertilizers as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle does not require much pruning. However, in situations where its size needs to be controlled, pruning can be done during the dormant season to avoid damage to the tree.
Pruning should be done selectively, targeting dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid tearing the bark or bruising the branches.
Propagation Methods for Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle, commonly known as Mpal tree, belongs to the family Fabaceae. The tree is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it is popularly used as a source of fuel, timber, and fodder. Propagation is an important process in the cultivation of the species. There are various methods of propagating Mpal tree.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the methods of propagating Mpal tree. Seeds are collected from the pods of the mature Mpal tree. The seeds can be sown in a nursery, and they will germinate within three to four weeks. The nursery should be well-drained, and the soil should be kept moist always. The seedlings can be transplanted to the field after six months of growth. Seed propagation is a cost-effective method since the seeds are readily available from the trees.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Mpal tree is by cuttings. Stem cutting is preferred in this method. Cuttings are taken from the Mpal tree at the beginning of the rainy season. The cuttings should be eight inches long with two pairs of leaves at the top. The lower pair of leaves should be removed, and the cuttings dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings are planted in a nursery filled with sandy soil/compost. The stem cutting method is effective since it has high success rates.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is a method that involves inducing roots to form on the stem of a plant while the stem is still attached to the parent plant. The Mpal tree stem is partly cut and then wrapped with soil or moss and kept constantly moist. After some time, small roots will form around the cut area, and the stem can be removed and transplanted unto the field. This method is suitable for propagating Mpal trees that are hard to root.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a method that involves transplanting a portion of one plant (the scion) onto another plant (the rootstock) to create a new hybrid plant. For Mpal tree, the rootstock used should be Brachystegia longifolia since it is resistant to drought. The scion to be grafted should be selected from a Mpal tree with desirable genetic traits. Grafting requires skilled expertise to assemble the parts successfully.
Disease Management
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle may face different types of diseases that affect both the leaves and stems. Some common diseases that affect the plant include leaf blight, powdery mildew, and root rot. The following are the ways to manage these diseases:
- Leaf blight: Use fungicides such as copper or mancozeb to control leaf blight. It is also essential to maintain proper plant hygiene and remove infected leaves.
- Powdery mildew: Provide adequate ventilation and spacing to prevent powdery mildew. Use of fungicides such as sulfur can also help to control the disease. Ensure to remove any infected plant debris.
- Root rot: Practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Use of fungicides such as metalaxyl or mefenoxam can help to control the disease.
Pest Management
The Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. var. mpalensis (Micheli) Hoyle is susceptible to several pests such as termites, aphids, and caterpillars. The following are ways to manage these pests:
- Termites: Use of insecticides such as chlorpyrifos can help to control termites. It is also essential to maintain proper plant hygiene and remove any infected plant debris.
- Aphids: Use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help to control aphids. Encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybugs can also help to control aphids.
- Caterpillars: Handpicking of caterpillars can help to control them. Use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also help to control caterpillars.
