Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke
Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly found in East and West Africa, including countries such as Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Common Names
Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke is commonly referred to as African teak or African cherry. In Nigeria, it is known as moxon, while in Congo and Gabon it is called kondroti.
Uses
The wood of Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke is highly valued for its strength and durability, and is used in the construction of heavy-duty flooring, railway sleepers, and furniture. The tree's bark and leaves also have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments such as dysentery, fever, and rheumatism.
General Appearance
The Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke tree can grow up to 45 meters tall and has a straight, cylindrical trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is a dark brown color and rough in texture. The leaves are pinnate in shape, with 8-16 pairs of leaflets that are oval and pointed at the tip. The tree produces small clusters of creamy white flowers that eventually develop into large, pod-like fruits that are up to 30cm long and contain up to 10 seeds.
Growth Conditions for Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke
Light: Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke grows best in full sun exposure, although young seedlings should be grown in partial shade to prevent sunburn. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature: This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it requires warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature range for Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements: The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate stagnant water well.
Fertilizer: A slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to provide the plant with additional nutrients. However, the plant is not heavy feeder, so it does not require excessive fertilizer.
Water: Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke requires regular watering, especially during its initial growing phase. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate short periods of drought.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in nutrient-rich soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and placed in a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil.
Overall, Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. As long as it is grown in warm temperatures with well-draining soil and receives adequate water and sunlight, it should thrive.
Cultivation
Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke is an evergreen shrub that is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in a warm and humid climate, and it is important to provide it with a suitable growing environment.
When planting, it is advisable to choose an area with well-drained, fertile soil. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil, and a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal.
Additionally, the plant requires enough space to grow, and it is recommended to space them 3-4 meters apart. It can also be grown in pots, but it requires regular watering and fertilization to promote its growth.
Watering Needs
Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke prefers a consistently moist soil but is also susceptible to root rot if the soil is waterlogged regularly. Frequent watering every two to three days is ideal during hotter months.
When growing in pots, it is advisable to water the plant frequently but avoid allowing the potting soil to become waterlogged. It is also worth noting that the plant sheds leaves excessively when not watered properly.
Fertilization
Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke does not require much fertilizer, and applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer every three months is enough to promote healthy growth. However, it is essential to avoid over-fertilization as it can result in salt accumulation, which is harmful to the plant.
The use of organic fertilizers is also recommended to keep the soil healthy and improve the plant's nutrient uptake.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the plant's dormancy period, preferably in late winter or early spring. The primary purpose of pruning is to remove damaged or dead branches and to create an open canopy for better light penetration.
The plant is susceptible to pest infestations which can lead to defoliation, so regular pruning is essential to maintain the plant's health.
It is also important to sterilize pruning equipment to prevent the spread of diseases between plants.
Propagation of Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke
Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke, commonly known as the African Cherry, is a slow-growing but long-lived tree native to tropical Africa. The tree produces edible fruits and is commonly cultivated for its timber for use in furniture making, construction, and boat building.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Coelocarpum africanum is by seed. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and immediately cleaned to remove any fruit pulp. The seeds can be sown directly into pots or seed trays filled with a mixture of loam and sand in a ratio of 2:1.
Seeds should be sown shallowly, about 1 cm deep, and watered moderately. The pots or trays should be kept in a shady and humid area, with temperatures ranging between 25-30°C. Seedlings generally emerge within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into individual polybags or larger pots after 2-3 months.
Cuttings Propagation
Coelocarpum africanum can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young and tender shoots with at least three nodes. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long, dipped in a rooting hormone, and planted in pots or seed trays filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss
The pots should be covered with a transparent plastic or polythene sheet to maintain a humid environment. The cuttings should be kept in a shady place with temperatures ranging between 25-30°C. Roots should start developing in about 8-10 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into pots or polybags.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Coelocarpum africanum. It involves joining a scion or twig from a desirable tree onto a rootstock of another related tree. The scion and the rootstock should be of equal thickness. The buds of the scion are removed, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the tip.
The rootstock is then cut about 15-20 cm above the soil level, and a downward sloping cut is made on the stem. The scion is then cut and prepared to fit the slope cut on the rootstock. The scion is firmly tied onto the rootstock and covered with plastic or parafilm to protect the wound.
The grafted plant is kept in a humid and airy environment, and the plastic covering removed when new growth is visible. The plant can be grown in a polybag or pot until it is ready to be transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Coelocarpum Africanum Moldenke
Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke, also known as African cherry or sapele, is a member of the Meliaceae family and is native to tropical Africa. This plant is a valuable source of timber and is used for furniture-making, paneling, and joinery. Like any other plant, Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke is vulnerable to various infections and pests that may cause harm to it. Below are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves of the plant to turn yellow, brown, and eventually fall off. It also causes dark spots on the fruits. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy all infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Use a fungicide spray containing copper to control the spread of the disease.
2. Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and make sure the plant is growing in well-draining soil. Remove and destroy infected plants and sterilize gardening tools to prevent the spread of the disease.
3. Sooty Mold: This fungal disease causes a black, powdery substance to form on the leaves and stems of the plant. It thrives in environments where there are high sugar levels, usually from insect honeydew. To manage sooty mold, control any insect infestation on the plant and prune out any dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests
1. Mealybugs: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and cover themselves with a white, cottony substance. They cause stunted growth and wilting of the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy infected plant parts, wash the plant with a strong jet of water, and spray with insecticidal soap.
2. Spider mites: These pests are tiny and can be difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause yellowing and browning of the leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant using a humidifier and spray with an insecticidal soap.
3. Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and appear as small, round, brown bumps on the stems and leaves. They cause yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy infected plant parts, wash the plant with a strong jet of water, and spray with insecticidal soap.
It is important to regularly inspect Coelocarpum africanum Moldenke for any signs of diseases or pests and promptly manage them to prevent the spread and damage to the plant.
