Overview
Combretum album De Wild. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is native to Central Africa and can also be found in some parts of East and West Africa. It is commonly referred to as White Leadwood or River Bushwillow.
Appearance
Combretum album De Wild. is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height. It has a dense, rounded crown with a broad and spreading habit. The bark is smooth, gray, and mottled with white patches. The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical, and approximately 10 to 15 centimeters long. They are slightly leathery, dark green, and shiny above, with pale green undersides. The flowers are small and white, and they occur in elongated spikes at the end of the branches. The fruits are small and brownish-red, with a single seed enclosed by a hard, woody shell.
Uses
Combretum album De Wild. has a number of traditional uses. The bark, roots, and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and abdominal pain. The leaves and bark are also used to make a decoction that is taken as a remedy for heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and rheumatism. In some parts of Africa, the tree is used as a source of firewood and charcoal. The fruits are used as a spice, and the seeds are used in traditional medicine and as a source of vegetable oil.
Overall, Combretum album De Wild. is a useful tree with a variety of traditional uses and a distinctive appearance that makes it a favored plant for ornamental purposes in landscaping and gardening.
Light Requirements
Combretum album De Wild. prefers full sun to partial shade exposure. The plant can grow in the shade, but it tends to be leggy, and the growth rate is slower compared to those grown in full sun. It is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted indoors, it is best to place it near a south-facing window.
Temperature Requirements
Combretum album De Wild. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it a versatile plant. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 15°C to 30°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C. In regions with cold temperatures, it is best to bring the plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Combretum album De Wild. is well-draining and fertile. The pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers sandy loam soil with added organic matter. If the soil is not well-draining, it can cause root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. It is recommended to mix the soil with sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage if the soil is heavy or clayey.
Cultivation methods
Combretum album De Wild., commonly known as white leadwood, is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives well in dry and rocky areas. The plant prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. Before planting, ensure that the soil is tilled to a depth of at least 30 cm to promote deep rooting. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, with the best time for planting being during the wet season when the soil is moist.
Watering needs
While Combretum album De Wild. is drought tolerant, young plants require regular watering until they establish. After establishment, the plant can survive on low rainfall amounts. It is advisable to water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season, to prevent leaf drop and promote healthy growth. However, ensure that the plant doesn't sit in waterlogged soil as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
White leadwood is a relatively low nutrient-demanding plant. However, adding organic matter to the soil when planting will provide the necessary nutrients for growth and establishment. After planting, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for the plant's growth. Fertilize the plant three times a year during the rainy season, and ensure that you use a fertilizer with balanced nutrients.
Pruning
Combretum album De Wild. requires minimal pruning, mainly to maintain its shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Prune the plant during the late dry season, after flowering, or anytime you notice damaged branches. When pruning, ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damaging the remaining branches. The plant has a natural tendency to form a single stem, and it is advisable to avoid over-pruning, which may lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Combretum album De Wild.
Combretum album De Wild. commonly known as White leadwood or Kinkiliba plant can be propagated by using various methods which includes:
Seed propagation
Seeds collected from the plant can be used for propagation. The seeds should be pre-treated before sowing by soaking them in hot water or boiling water. After pre-treatment sow seeds in a well-drained soil repleted with organic matter. The seeds germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the plant is ready for transplanting after 3-4 months.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings taken from the plant can be used for propagating the White leadwood. Take cuttings from the plant in the dormant season or early in the rainy season. Cuttings should be taken from young branches of the plant and must be 6-8 inches long with at least two nodes. After taking the cuttings, they must be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil mixed with organic matter. Cuttings will take 3-5 months to develop roots, and after that, they are ready for transplanting.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering propagation is also an effective method for propagating Combretum album De Wild. This method is useful for mature plants. It involves peeling back a section of bark of a mature branch of the parent plant and covering it with moist soil mixed with organic matter. The area that has been scraped by removing the bark will eventually develop roots and allow the new plant to grow. After 3-4 months the newly formed roots can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted.
All these propagation methods are effective in propagating Combretum album De Wild. Careful attention and suitable growing conditions should be taken care of to ensure the success of propagation.
Disease management for Combretum album De Wild.
Combretum album De Wild. is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, like any other plant, it can be vulnerable to certain fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases that could potentially damage or kill the plant. Here are some of the most common diseases that might affect Combretum album De Wild. and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that usually appears during the humid and warm months. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small, circular brown spots with a yellow halo on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, promptly remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. An application of fungicide may also help control the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that typically affects the leaves, flowers, and fruits of Combretum album De Wild. The disease appears as large brown/black spots on leaves, and it can cause defoliation and stunted growth. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant debris, prune affected branches, and apply fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
Canker
Canker is a bacterial disease that can cause branches to die back. Affected areas of the bark may start to crack or peel off, leaving behind an open wound. To manage canker, remove and destroy affected branches, and avoid wounding the plant while pruning. An application of copper fungicide can also help protect the plant against bacterial infections.
Pest management for Combretum album De Wild.
Combretum album De Wild. can also be susceptible to some pests that could damage the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits. Here are some common pests that might cause damage to the plant and ways to manage them:
Mites
Mites are tiny, spider-like pests that can damage Combretum album De Wild. by sucking the sap from the leaves. Infested leaves may appear yellowing, stippled, or bronzed. To manage mites, use a forceful stream of water to wash them off the leaves, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control their population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves. Caterpillars can strip the leaves, leaving only the veins making the plant with fewer leaves for photosynthesis and hence a reduced ability to produce energy. To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray to control their population.
Scale insects
Scale insects are small, immobile, and often appear as bumps on the leaves of Combretum album De Wild. They suck the sap of the leaves and stems, secreting a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other pests like ants. To manage scale insects, wipe them off the plant carefully using a soft-bristle brush or cotton swab doused in rubbing alcohol. A horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can also help control their population.
