Origin and Common Names:
Ceratonia oreothauma Hillc. & G.P.Lewis & Verdc. subsp. somalensis Hillc. & G.P.Lewis & Verdc., commonly known as the Somali Carob, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant species is native to Somalia and grows in the semi-arid regions of East Africa, such as the Horn of Africa.
Appearance:
The Somali Carob plant is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 meters high and has a dark green canopy. The leaves of this plant are dark green, glossy, and pinnate with 3-5 pairs of leaflets. The flowers of this plant are small and inconspicuous, and they grow in clusters. The fruit of the Somali Carob tree is a long and narrow pod that measures up to 25 centimeters in length. The pods are brown and have a tough, fibrous texture. Inside the pods, there are several seeds that are surrounded by a sweet, sticky pulp.
Uses:
The pods of the Somali Carob tree are commonly used as a food source in Somalia and other countries in East Africa. The sticky pulp inside the pods is often used to make a sweet juice, which is a popular beverage in Somalia. The pods are also roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute. In addition to its culinary uses, the Somali Carob tree has medicinal properties. The leaves and bark of this tree are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections.
Overall, the Somali Carob is a valuable plant species that has several uses in food and medicine. Its unique appearance and sweet pulp make it a fascinating plant to study and appreciate.Light Requirements
Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in areas with heavy shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Somalia and requires warm to hot temperatures to grow properly. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 40°C (68°F to 104°F). It cannot tolerate frost or extremely cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soil types are ideal as they provide the necessary drainage for the plant. It cannot tolerate heavy or waterlogged soils. The soil pH range should be between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Ceratonia oreothauma Hillc. & G.P.Lewis & Verdc. subsp. somalensis Hillc. & G.P.Lewis & Verdc. can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. It is recommended to start seeds in a container or in a greenhouse to protect them from adverse weather conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil and a warm and sunny location. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect fruit production.
Watering
The plant requires regular watering, especially during its young stage. Once established, it can tolerate drought to some extent. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil type.
Fertilization
Ceratonia oreothauma Hillc. & G.P.Lewis & Verdc. subsp. somalensis Hillc. & G.P.Lewis & Verdc. responds well to organic fertilizers. It is recommended to fertilize the plant after every pruning session and during its growing season. The recommended fertilizer should contain a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen helps in vegetative growth, phosphorus is essential for root development, and potassium is necessary for fruit production.
Pruning
The plant can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Pruning also promotes new growth and fruit production. It is recommended to prune the plant during its dormant stage, which is typically during the winter season. Pruning can involve removing dead branches, thinning out crowded areas, and cutting back old branches. It is also beneficial to remove any suckers that may grow from the base of the plant.
Propagation methods of Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis
Propagating Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis can be achieved through various methods:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation technique for Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis is seed propagation. Freshly harvested seeds have the highest germination rate. Seeds should be soaked overnight, followed by scarification of the seed coat to improve germination rates before sowing. Seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers or to a nursery bed after 4-6 months.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis. Softwood cuttings taken during the active growth period between early spring into the summer as they tend to root quickly under mist. Remove the leaves of the lower half of the cutting but retaining at least two leaves at the top, dip in rooting hormone and insert into pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.
Air layering
Air layering can also be used to propagate Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis. This propagation technique is used to induce roots to grow while the stem is still attached to the parent plant. Slit a vine lengthwise with a sharp knife and pin the slit open with a toothpick. Dust some rooting hormone powder on the exposed stem area to encourage root growth. Wrap the area with moist peat moss or sphagnum moss, followed by plastic wrap, and keep it moist. After rooting has occurred, cut the rooted stem away from the parent plant and pot up for growing on.
Disease Management
Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis is susceptible to various diseases, causing damage and reducing plant vigor. Some of the common diseases affecting the plant are:
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is characterized by the appearance of white or grayish powdery spots on the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected parts as soon as possible. Spray the plant with sulfur fungicides or neem oil. Avoid overhead watering and maintain proper air circulation in the growing area.
2. Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soils. The infected plant shows stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, root discoloration, and wilting. To control root rot, remove the infected parts, improve the soil drainage, and reduce watering frequency.
3. Anthracnose: Anthracnose appears as dark, sunken spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits. The infected plant shows a reduction in vigor and yield. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected plant parts, apply copper-based fungicides, and maintain proper irrigation and fertilization practices.
Pest Management
Ceratonia oreothauma subsp. somalensis is also prone to pest attacks, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests affecting the plant are:
1. Scale insects: Scale insects appear as small, brown or gray bumps on the leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. To control scale insects, remove them manually or use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs appear as a white, cottony mass on the leaves and stems. They also suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. To control mealybugs, remove them manually or use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
3. Thrips: Thrips are tiny, sucking insects that attack the flowers and fruits, causing damage and reduced yields. To manage thrips, use yellow sticky traps, remove the affected plant parts, or use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
