Overview
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. is a species of flowering plant in the family Lauraceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar.
Common Names
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. is commonly known as "Nkalati" in Cameroon, "Mbwambe" in Congo, "Kihuhu" in Kenya, and "Miarana" in Madagascar.
Appearance
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. typically grows to a height of 5-25 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. The bark is smooth, brownish-grey, and has horizontal lenticels. The leaves are alternate, simple and entire, elliptic to oblong, 10-20 cm long, with a pointed tip, and shiny green on the upper surface. The flowers are small, yellow or greenish-white, and are borne in axillary or terminal panicles. The fruit is a drupe, ovoid to ellipsoid, 2–3 cm long, and contains a single seed.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and roots of Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. are used for medicinal purposes such as treating fever, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, and dysentery. The wood is used for carving, making furniture, and as fuelwood. The fruit is edible and is often consumed by local communities.
Light Requirements
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. is a shade-loving plant, making it well-adapted to grow under low levels of light. In its natural habitat, it is found growing beneath the canopy of trees, where it receives 20-45% of full sunlight. When grown indoors, it is best placed in a spot where it receives bright indirect light or dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperature conditions but grows best in temperatures between 18-27°C. It can tolerate lower temperatures but will suffer if exposed to frost. In general, it requires a warm and humid environment provided by a tropical or subtropical climate.
Soil Requirements
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. prefer soil that is rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic. A good mix for this plant is peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. A soil pH between 5.5-6.5 is ideal for optimum growth. In its natural environment, it is found growing on the forest floor in humus-rich soil that is high in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. is a tropical plant that thrives in temperatures between 20 to 30°C with high humidity, and it requires bright, indirect sunlight. Therefore, it is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse where the humidity and temperature can be regulated easily. The ideal planting medium is a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The soil pH range should be between 5.5 and 6.5.
Watering Needs
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. prefers evenly moist soil, and it is important not to let the soil dry out. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring water is penetrating the soil's root zone effectively. During the growing season, more frequent watering may be necessary, especially in hot, dry climates.
Fertilization
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. grows best with regular fertilization. It is recommended to use a well-balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, diluted to half strength. During the dormant season, fertilization can be reduced to once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl., but it can be done to manage its size and shape. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged foliage first, then trim back any overgrown branches. Always use sharp, sterile pruning shears to prevent disease transmission, and avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant's growth at once.
Propagation of Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl.
The Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl., commonly known as the African oak or the mchikichi tree, is a rare tropical tree species native to Tanzania. Propagation methods include:
Seeds
The most common propagation method for Chlamydocarya tenuis is through seeds. To propagate the plant using seeds, collect ripe fruits from the tree and manually extract the seeds. The seeds must be soaked in warm water for a day before sowing. After soaking, sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and soil, keep evenly moist, and at temperatures between 25-30°C. The germination process typically takes between two to three weeks.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Chlamydocarya tenuis is cuttings. This method is best done during the rainy season, from November to December, and requires healthy stem cuttings with a few leaves. Cuttings should be at least 15cm long and treated with rooting hormone before planting. Rooted cuttings should be exposed to sunlight gradually and kept in a warm, humid environment. The success rate of this method is lower than that of seed propagation.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Chlamydocarya tenuis that works best with mature plants. This method involves wrapping a portion of the stem with moist sphagnum moss or coco peat. The moss-covered portion is then covered in a plastic bag to provide the necessary moisture and a rooting environment. Once roots have formed, the rooted stem section can be removed from the parent plant and planted in a container or directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl.
Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. is generally a healthy and hardy plant. However, like any other plant species, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. is leaf spot disease. This disease is a fungal infection that causes circular spots on the plant's leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. Leaf spot disease can be managed by removing and destroying the affected leaves and applying a fungicide to the remaining plant.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. The symptoms of anthracnose include the presence of small black spots or blotches on the leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to the remaining plant.
Root rot is a bacterial disease that affects the roots of Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. This disease is caused by excessive moisture in the soil. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is essential to ensure that the soil is adequately drained and to remove and destroy any infected plants.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. are spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Scale insects, on the other hand, feed on the plant's sap, which can cause wilting and stunted growth of the plant.
To manage spider mites and scale insects, it is essential to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation. Infected plants should be isolated from other plants, and the affected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed. The remaining plant should be treated with a pesticide to prevent future infestations.
Overall, proper care and maintenance, including regular pruning, fertilization, and watering, can help prevent diseases and pests from attacking Chlamydocarya tenuis Engl. It is also recommended to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and to maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
