Origin
Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni, commonly known as the Mufala tree, is a deciduous tree species belonging to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to tropical Africa, particularly in the Zambezi basin, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Brachystegia tamarindoides has several common names depending on the region. In Zimbabwe, it’s called Mufala, in Zambia, it’s known as Musasa, and in Botswana, it's referred to as Mokola. In its native Angola, the tree is called Mufumbo.
Uses
The Mufala tree is highly valued for its many uses. Its bark and roots have medicinal properties that are used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach problems. The wood is used for construction purposes such as roofing, fencing, and making furniture. It's also used as firewood and charcoal. In addition, the leaves provide fodder for livestock, and the pods contain edible seeds that are rich in protein and are used to make a type of porridge.
General Appearance
The Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 18 meters tall. The tree has a thick trunk and a broad canopy with a rounded or spreading shape. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and clustering at the end of branches. The tree produces small yellowish-green flowers and small dry pods containing several seeds. The bark of the Mufala tree is rough and brownish in color.
Light Requirements
Brachystegia tamarindoides subsp. microphylla thrives in areas with high light intensity. The plant requires bright sunlight to grow properly. It is advisable to grow the plant in areas with direct sunlight exposure for several hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot survive in areas with extreme cold. The optimum temperature for growth is between 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is essential to ensure that the temperatures do not drop below 10°C (50°F) to prevent damage.
Soil Requirements
Brachystegia tamarindoides subsp. microphylla thrives in different types of well-drained soils. The soil must be rich in nutrients and organic matter, with a pH of 5.5-7.5. The plant cannot withstand waterlogged soils, and it is advisable to ensure adequate drainage.
Cultivation
Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni requires well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 7.5. It grows well in areas with high humidity and rainfall, with temperatures ranging between 22 to 28 degrees Celsius.
It is best to propagate Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni through seeds or cuttings. It is recommended to sow the seeds in well-prepared seedbeds or pots at a depth of 1 cm. After germination, the seedlings should be planted in a nursery for six months before transplanting them in their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Mulching can also help to retain moisture in the soil and reduce the frequency of watering. The mulch layer should be around 5 cm thick and placed around the base of the tree.
Fertilization
Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni does not require frequent fertilization. However, an application of organic fertilizer or compost during the planting and early growth stages can improve its growth and development. Fertilizer should be applied at the base of the tree, and the roots-watered immediately after application.
Pruning
Pruning of Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni is generally not necessary. It may only be done to remove dead or damaged branches or to control the tree's height for ornamental purposes. Pruning should be done during the tree's dormant season to avoid damaging the tree or affecting its growth.
Propagation of Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni
Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Brachystegia tamarindoides subsp. microphylla. The plant produces large pods containing several seeds each. The seeds should be collected when the pods are mature, usually in the fall. The seed coat is hard and impermeable to water, so it is necessary to soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hours before planting. The seeds should be sown in moist soil in a shaded area and kept moist until germination occurs, which can take several weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they are several inches tall.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Brachystegia tamarindoides subsp. microphylla. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the fall, and the leaves should be removed. The cuttings can be treated with rooting hormone and planted in sandy soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they form roots, which can take several weeks to several months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can be a more difficult method of propagation, but it is sometimes used for Brachystegia tamarindoides subsp. microphylla. The plant can be grafted onto a compatible rootstock from another plant in the same genus. This method is usually used for commercial production or for preservation of rare cultivars.
Common Diseases and Pests
Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni is vulnerable to several diseases and pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. Some of the common diseases that can affect the plant include leaf blight, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Leaf blight is a fungal disease that leads to the yellowing and wilting of leaves. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves and stem of the plant. It causes distorted growth in young shoots and negatively affects the plant's overall health. Root rot, on the other hand, is a soil-borne disease that infects the roots and causes wilting and stunted growth.
Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni is also vulnerable to several pests, including beetles, termites, and caterpillars. Beetles chew on the leaves, while termites can cause extensive damage to the roots, leading to stunted growth and wilted leaves. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the leaves and can defoliate the plant.
Managing Diseases and Pests
To manage leaf blight and powdery mildew, it is essential to keep the plant dry and ensure proper ventilation. Also, avoid overcrowding the plant and give ample spacing to allow air circulation. In case of root rot, it is advisable to use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering, which can create a conducive environment for the disease to thrive. Applying a fungicide can also help control the spread of the disease.
To manage pests, it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene and remove plant debris from the surroundings. Applying insecticides and pesticides can help control the infestation of beetles, termites, and caterpillars. Additionally, companion planting can deter pests and help boost the plant's immune system. For instance, planting marigolds or garlic cloves around the plant can repel pests.
Regular inspection and early detection of diseases and pests can help prevent severe damage to Brachystegia tamarindoides Welw. ex Benth. subsp. microphylla (Welw. ex Benth.) Chikuni. It is vital to employ sustainable management practices that avoid the use of harmful chemicals and promote the plant's health naturally.
