Overview:
Carapa procera DC. var. procera is a tree species belonging to the family Meliaceae. It is commonly known as "Andiroba" and is predominantly found in South America and Africa. The plant is famous for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries by indigenous communities to treat various ailments.
General Appearance:
The Carapa procera DC. var. procera tree can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 140 cm. Its bark is brownish-gray and rough. The leaves are alternate and compound, consisting of 4-10 leaflets that are glossy and dark green. The tree bears yellowish-white flowers which grow in clusters and mature to become capsular fruits, which weigh around 1 kg.
Uses:
The Carapa procera DC. var. procera tree has a wide range of medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for several ailments. The bark is used to treat fever, malaria, and diarrhea, while leaves are used as a poultice for skin conditions such as ulcers and rashes. The fruit is an excellent source of oil, which can be extracted and used to make soaps, candles, and cosmetics. The oil is also used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and as a natural insecticide. The wood of the tree is durable and is used to make furniture, handles for tools, and construction materials.
Overall, Carapa procera DC. var. procera is a multi-purpose tree species with significant medicinal properties and commercial uses. It is a valuable resource for rural communities and contributes to the sustainable development of the regions where it is found.Light requirements
Carapa procera DC. var. procera prefers full sun exposure or partial shade. It can tolerate semi-shaded areas but growth may be slower. Direct sunlight is essential in the growth of this plant as it helps in photosynthesis, and ultimately, promotes healthy growth and development.
Temperature requirements
The plant needs warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) for optimal growth. It can also tolerate temperature extremes ranging from 10-40°C (50-104°F). Nonetheless, sudden temperature drops should be avoided as they may cause the plant to wilt and stunt its growth.
Soil requirements
Carapa procera DC. var. procera prefers well-draining soils with high organic matter content. The soil pH should range between 5.5 and 7.5- slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It has low nutrient requirements, but the optimum soil fertility should be sandy or loamy soils enriched with organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and hence requires excellent drainage.
Cultivation methods
Carapa procera DC. var. procera is a tropical tree that thrives best in warm weather conditions with abundant rainfall of over 1000mm per year. The tree prefers full sunlight exposure but can also grow under partial shade. When cultivating Carapa procera DC. var. procera, it's vital to ensure that the soil is well-drained, fertile, and has a pH between 4.5 to 6.5. The tree can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs
Carapa procera DC. var. procera requires constant moisture, especially during the first two years of its growth. During dry seasons, regular irrigation of about 40 liters of water per tree per week is necessary. It's important to avoid over-watering the plant as this may lead to root rot and cause harm to the tree.
Fertilization
It's recommended to fertilize the Carapa procera DC. var. procera tree during the early stages of growth. Application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers is done to facilitate the growth of healthy foliage. However, it's important to avoid the use of excessive fertilizers as this may lead to the development of poor quality wood. Organic fertilizers such as compost manure and chicken droppings can also be used to enrich the soil.
Pruning
Pruning of the Carapa procera DC. var. procera tree is done to promote its growth and maintain its shape. It's recommended to prune the tree during the dry season to allow for faster healing of the wounds. Removal of damaged branches, dead wood, and crowded growth is done to facilitate the growth of healthy new shoots and prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Carapa procera DC. var. procera
Carapa procera DC. var. procera can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and air-layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Carapa procera DC. var. procera are recalcitrant and lose their viability quickly. Therefore, it is important to use fresh seeds for propagation. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds can be sown in seedbeds or pots filled with well-drained soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination may take 15 to 30 days.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature, healthy branches of Carapa procera DC. var. procera during the rainy season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and have at least 2-3 nodes. The leaves from the bottom half of the cutting should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mix and kept in a shaded area with high humidity. Rooting may take 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Air-layering
Air-layering is a propagation method suitable for Carapa procera DC. var. procera trees with a thick stem. This method involves making a slit in the stem and applying a rooting hormone. The slit area is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with a plastic sheet. The area is kept moist, and roots will form in 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have grown, the stem can be cut below the rooting area and planted in a well-drained potting mix.
Disease management
Carapa procera DC. var. procera is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot diseases: This disease is caused by various fungi, including Cercospora spp., Phyllosticta spp. and Pestalotiopsis spp. The symptoms of leaf spot diseases include the appearance of small brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot diseases, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant material, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora spp. The symptoms of root rot are wilting, yellowing and dropping of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. It is important to maintain proper drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Symptoms of powdery mildew include the appearance of a white or grayish powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant material, maintain proper air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest management
Carapa procera DC. var. procera is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Aphids: These insects can damage the leaves and stems of the plant by sucking sap from them. To manage aphids, it is recommended to remove them from the plant by spraying with water, encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs, and using insecticidal soaps if necessary.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can damage the leaves of the plant by eating them. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to physically remove them by hand or encourage natural predators, such as birds or parasitic wasps.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can cause damage to the leaves of the plant by piercing the cells and sucking out their contents. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to wash the plant with a strong stream of water, encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs or predatory mites, and use insecticidal soaps if necessary.
