Overview
Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels, commonly known as the chicken tree, is a tropical tree that is widely distributed throughout West and Central Africa. The plant belongs to the Combretaceae family and is considered an important economic species due to its various medicinal and non-medicinal uses.
Appearance
The chicken tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall. The tree has a pale grey bark that is rough and scaly with numerous small fissures. The leaves of the chicken tree are simple, alternate, and glossy with a length of 5-10 cm and a width of 2-6 cm. The flowers of the chicken tree are small, yellowish-white, and arranged in terminal spikes that are 10-20 cm long.
Uses
The chicken tree has a broad range of uses in traditional medicine. Its bark, leaves, and roots are used for treating various ailments such as fever, malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the bark of the chicken tree has been traditionally used as a tonic to improve appetite and digestion. The plant also has some non-medicinal uses such as making firewood, charcoal, and fencing. The leaves of the chicken tree are sometimes used as fodder for goats and sheep.
Cultivation and Distribution
The chicken tree grows well in moist and well-drained soils and is usually propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. The plant is prevalent in tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria, where it grows in forests, savannas, and riverbanks. The tree is often planted as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens due to its beautiful yellowish-white flowers and glossy foliage.
Overall, Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels is a valuable plant species due to its various medicinal and non-medicinal uses and its ease of growth in tropical regions.Light Requirements
Combretum hensii requires full sunlight to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade but prefers bright sunlight for robust growth. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area that receives adequate sunlight throughout the day.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soil as it cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. It thrives best in loamy or sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. pH requirements of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to warm climates and does well in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate higher temperature but may suffer in extremely cold conditions. Frost is not favorable for the plant and may cause damage to the leaves and stems.
Water Requirements
Combretum hensii requires moderate watering. It should not be overwatered, as it cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. Regular watering is necessary during the growing season, but it can be reduced during the dormant season to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant is relatively low maintenance and may not require regular fertilization. However, applying organic fertilizers during the growing season can boost its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels, commonly known as the Cameroon glorybower, is a hardy plant that thrives in both tropical and subtropical regions. To cultivate this plant, it is advisable to grow it in fertile, well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter. The plant requires six to eight hours of full sun exposure daily to support healthy growth.
Propagation is done through seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, provide a warm and moist environment for germination. For stem cuttings, ensure you use a sterile, sharp blade to make a clean cut, and then dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. This promotes the growth of new roots.
Watering Needs
Combretum hensii requires moderate watering, especially during summers when rainfall is scarce. Ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the rainy season, it is advisable to reduce watering to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
During the growing season, the plant requires regular feeding with balanced, slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This promotes healthy root development and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the growth and shape of Combretum hensii. The best time to prune is during the dormant season. Cut back any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches, making a clean cut just above the node or lateral branch. For shaping, prune back the tips of new growth to encourage branching.
Propagation of Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels
Combretum hensii is a perennial plant found in tropical regions of Africa. It is widely propagated by various means based on the convenience and requirement of the grower. Following are the common propagation methods applied in Combretum hensii.
Seed Propagation
Collecting seeds from ripe fruits is the easiest way of propagating Combretum hensii. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to remove the pulp coating. The scarified seeds can be sown in a seedbed containing well-drained soil and sand. The germination of seeds requires high humidity and a warm temperature. The seeds usually sprout within a week to 10 days. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have grown to a few inches tall and have developed a few sets of true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings are generally used for propagation of Combretum hensii by cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and treated with rooting hormone powder before planting. The cuttings should be planted at least 2 inches into a pot containing well-drained soil, and covered with plastic to maintain humidity. The cutting can be transplanted to an individual pot once roots have developed, which generally takes up to 8 weeks.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering method can be used to propagate large-sized specimens of Combretum hensii. With the help of a knife, a shallow cut is made in the stem, and the wound is wrapped in moist sphagnum moss, and a plastic bag is wrapped around it to keep the humidity high. In a few months, roots will start to grow from the cut spot. Once the roots are established, the stem above the wound is cut, and the new plant can be potted in well-drained soil.
Diseases and Pest Management for Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels Plants
Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels is generally a hardy plant and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, there are some common pests and diseases that may affect the plant under certain conditions. Appropriate disease and pest management techniques can help prevent these infestations and keep the plant healthy.
Common diseases that affect Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels plants
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can cause leaf yellowing, followed by dark spots on leaves and premature leaf fall. It can be caused by a variety of fungi that are soil-borne. To manage leaf spot, it’s important to keep the area around the plant clean and dry, prune affected branches and leaves, and use a fungicide if necessary.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is another common fungal disease that affects Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels. It’s characterized by a white powdery film on leaves and stems. It can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation, decreasing humidity levels around the plant, and applying a fungicide.
Common pests that affect Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels plants
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from plant stems and leaves. They cause stunted growth, leaf curling, and yellowing. To prevent these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or apply insecticidal soap.
Scale insects: Scale insects are typically found on the stems of the plant and resemble small bumps. They can be difficult to detect but can cause yellowing leaves and sometimes dieback. To prevent these pests, prune affected areas, apply a horticultural oil, and avoid over-fertilizing.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves of Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels plants and can be identified by visible chewing marks. To prevent these pests, handpick them off the plant or apply an insecticide.
In conclusion, appropriate disease and pest management techniques can help prevent infestations and keep Combretum hensii Engl. & Diels plants healthy. Regular inspection of the plant and proper cleaning and pruning measures are key preventive measures, and the use of insecticides and fungicides can be used as a last resort, if necessary.
