Origin
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis is a plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to West Africa, specifically found in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "African cordia" or "large-leaved cordia." In Ghana, it is called "Boakrom." In Nigeria, it is referred to as "Olam" or "Belinjau."
Appearance
The African cordia can grow up to 18 meters tall, with a wide canopy. Its leaves, which can be up to 40cm long, are simple, spirally arranged, and have a shiny dark green surface. The flowers of the plant are fragrant and yellowish-white in color, with a tubular shape. The fruit of Cordia guineensis is spherical and around 7cm in diameter, with a hard outer surface.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. Decoctions of its roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as coughs, malaria, and intestinal parasitic infections. The fruit of Cordia guineensis is edible and is commonly consumed in West Africa. The wood of the plant is tough and durable, making it suitable for use in construction and furniture making. Additionally, the African cordia is an important shade tree on coffee and cocoa plantations in West Africa.
Light Requirements:
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. Although it can tolerate some shade, it is not recommended for sustained growth. Therefore, it is necessary to plant it in an area that receives direct sunlight for several hours each day.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimum temperature range for Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis growth is between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. However, it can tolerate higher temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius and lower temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. The seedlings are sensitive to frost and should be protected from it.
Soil Requirements:
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis thrives in well-draining soils with adequate moisture retention capacity. The ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers sandy loam soils, but it can also grow in clayey soils with proper soil management practices. The plant can adapt to a range of soils, including those that are acidic, alkaline, and nutrient-poor, but it requires regular fertilization and soil amendments to support growth and productivity.
Cultivation
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis is a tropical plant, native to central and West Africa. It can grow in a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained soils with moderate moisture retention capacity. The plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in the rainy season as the dry season can cause stress on the plants.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. Generally, the plant requires regular watering during the establishment phase. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, it is essential to monitor the moisture level of the soil and provide sufficient water during extended dry spells.
Fertilization
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis requires regular fertilization to achieve optimal growth and development. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost, animal manure, and poultry droppings. Fertilizers should be applied during the wet season, ideally a month or two after planting. It is recommended to apply the fertilizer in a circular fashion, about 30cm away from the base of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning promotes bushy growth and increases the yield of Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis. Pruning should be carried out during the dry season when the plant is not actively growing. The primary purpose of pruning is to remove diseased, damaged or dead branches. It also helps in shaping the plant and controlling its size. It is recommended to use clean, sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Below are the different methods of propagation:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation for Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis. The seeds are collected from mature fruits and are sown immediately in the nursery or planting site. The seeds are sown at a depth of between 1-2 cm, and the emergence time is approximately 3-4 weeks. The success rate of seed propagation is usually high, and the seedlings grow at a moderate rate.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is a more advanced method of propagation and is used to propagate Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis cultivars that are difficult to root from cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken from young shoots and matured for a few weeks by keeping them in a shade at high humidity for good rooting development. The cutting collection is usually done in the early morning hours where the plant has high turgidity. The cuttings are approximately 15-20 cms in length, treated with rooting hormones, and kept for rooting in trays filled with soil or sand.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another asexual method of propagation that can be used for Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis. In air layering, a cut is made on the stem, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. A layer of moss is wrapped around the wound and covered with a plastic bag. The bag is tied at both ends to ensure moisture retention in the area, and the roots develop from the wound site. Once the roots are well developed, the air layering's stem is cut from the parent plant and planted in the soil and moved to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis is a valuable plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are among the most common issues that affect Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis plants. One of the most common fungal diseases to watch out for is anthracnose. It manifests itself as a black or brown discoloration on the leaves, and it can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage this disease, it is crucial to remove any infected plant tissue and destroy it. Applying fungicide on the plant can also help prevent the spread of the disease to other healthy plants.
Bacterial Diseases
Another common disease that affects Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis is bacterial wilt. Symptoms of the disease include sudden leaf drop, yellowing leaves, and wilting. It is essential to remove and destroy all infected parts of the plant to prevent further spread of the disease. Applying copper-based fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.
Viruses
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis is also susceptible to viruses that can cause a range of symptoms such as leaf deformities, stunting, and yellowing leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases. Therefore, the best way to manage a viral infection is to remove and destroy the infected plant to prevent the disease from spreading to other healthy plants.
Pests
Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis can also be affected by pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. Mealybugs suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually fall off. Spider mites and whiteflies can cause leaf yellowing and drop as well as the plant becoming weakened. Insecticides, such as neem oil, can help control the spread of these pests. Alternatively, manually removing pests can also help keep the population under control.
In conclusion, good disease and pest management practices are crucial to ensure the health and growth of Cordia guineensis Thonn. subsp. guineensis. Regular monitoring of the plant and proper maintenance practices can help keep infections at bay.
