Origin
Campylospermum sulcatum (Tiegh.) Farron, commonly known as African walnut, belongs to the family of Lecythidaceae and is native to tropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. It is found in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
Common Names
Campylospermum sulcatum has a variety of common names depending on the region. In Central Africa, it is called Mbilinga or Abang, while in West Africa, it is known as Okwen in the Igbo language, Kusia in Ghana, and Gogolwe in Sierra Leone. The French call it noyer d'Afrique, and the English call it African walnut.
Uses
The fruit of Campylospermum sulcatum is edible, and the African people value it for its nutritional value. The seed contains oil, which is used in cooking and medicinal purposes. The oil is extracted from the seeds and used to make soap, candles, and cosmetics. The bark and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments like fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The wood of this plant is highly valued for its strength and durability, and it is used to make furniture and tools.
General Appearance
Campylospermum sulcatum is a tall evergreen tree that can grow up to 60 meters in height. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, with a dark brown to grey bark that becomes rough with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate with a pointed apex and an attenuate base. These leaves are green and shiny with a distinctive vein pattern on the underside. The flowers are small, white, and tubular, with pink to red stamens, and they produce a spherical fruit that contains 6-12 seeds. The seeds are brown and flat with a wing-like structure at the end.
In summary, Campylospermum sulcatum, commonly known as African walnut, is a tall evergreen tree native to tropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. It is valued for its edible fruit, oil, medicinal purposes, and durable wood. It has different common names depending on the region and has a distinctive appearance with simple lanceolate leaves, small white flowers, and a spherical fruit with flat brown seeds.Light requirements
Campylospermum sulcatum requires full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. Insufficient sunlight will lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. Excessive sunlight, on the other hand, can damage the plant and cause it to dry out quickly.
Temperature requirements
The plant is adapted to temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and can tolerate brief periods of drought. Temperatures below 10°C and above 40°C can result in poor growth and reduced flowering. Therefore, it's best to grow Campylospermum sulcatum in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate.
Soil requirements
Campylospermum sulcatum prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soils. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The pH of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic (6.0-7.5) for optimal growth and flowering. A soil rich in organic matter will help retain moisture and provide essential nutrients for the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Campylospermum sulcatum is a plant that enjoys growing in a full sun position or partial shade. It requires soil that is well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. In warmer climates, it can be grown outdoors as a specimen plant or planted in borders.
It is a tropical plant that is adaptable to different soil types, but it prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil environments. It can also tolerate soil with high salinity levels.
Propagation can be done by using seed or stem cuttings. The plants thrive in humid and warm environments, so it's best to plant them in the summer months when temperatures are high.
Watering Needs
Campylospermum sulcatum requires regular watering to keep its soil evenly moist. During hot weather or dry periods, it may require daily watering. It's important to avoid overwatering, as the plant may suffer from root rot.
Potted plants need to be watered frequently to prevent the soil from drying out, but make sure the pot has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to keep the plant healthy and promote growth. An organic-based fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. If you notice that the plant's growth is stunted or foliage color is poor, it may be necessary to apply additional fertilizer.
Over-fertilizing can cause leaf burn and hinder the plant's growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's application instructions regarding the amount of fertilizer to use.
Pruning
Prune Campylospermum sulcatum regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain its shape. It's best to prune the plant after the flowering season has ended. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead limbs to prevent the spread of diseases or pests.
You can trim the tips of the branches to promote bushier growth or shape the plant to your liking. Cut back any overly long branches to maintain its size. However, avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's growth at any given time.
Propagation of Campylospermum sulcatum (Tiegh.) Farron
Campylospermum sulcatum (Tiegh.) Farron is a tropical tree species that can be propagated through a variety of methods. It is important to note that propagation of this plant should only be done with permission and guidance from relevant authorities as the species may be endangered or protected in certain regions.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Campylospermum sulcatum is through seeds. The seeds are relatively large and should be collected from mature fruits that have fallen naturally from the tree. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for several hours before planting. The seeds can be sown directly into well-drained soil in a shaded area. It is important to keep the soil moist and to protect the seedlings from direct sunlight until they are established.
Cutting Propagation
Campylospermum sulcatum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm in length and should include at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed before planting. The cuttings can be planted in a well-drained rooting medium and kept in a shaded area with high humidity until they develop roots. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is another method of propagating Campylospermum sulcatum. This method involves making a small incision in the bark of a mature tree and packing the area with moist sphagnum moss or another suitable rooting medium. The area is then covered with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. Roots will develop in the moist environment, and once they are well established, the new plant can be separated from the parent tree.
Overall, Campylospermum sulcatum can be propagated through a variety of methods, including seed, cutting, and air-layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on factors such as the availability of plant material and the desired outcome.
Disease Management for Campylospermum sulcatum
Campylospermum sulcatum is generally resistant to diseases. However, some diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Root rot: This fungal disease is caused by various soil-borne pathogens and often leads to slow growth, yellowing of leaves and plant death. Rotating crops and using disease-free planting material can help prevent the disease.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular gray spots on the leaves that may merge and cause the leaves to fall off. To manage it, remove and destroy the infected leaves, practice proper irrigation by not allowing the plant foliage to remain wet for long, and apply fungicides as recommended.
Pest Management for Campylospermum sulcatum
Campylospermum sulcatum is susceptible to attack by several pests. They include:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects cause curling, yellowing and stunted growth of leaves. Prune affected leaves and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population. Encouraging natural predators like lady beetles can also help keep aphid populations in check.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars chew leaves, leaving them with ragged edges. Check the plants regularly and handpick them off if possible. Alternatively, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad-based insecticides for control.
- Whiteflies: These small, white, flying insects suck on the sap producing sticky honeydew that can attract mold. Introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps and running a hose over the plant foliage can help control whiteflies. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
