Overview
Cylicodiscus paucijugus (Harms) Verdc. is a species of tree in the Fabaceae family and is native to Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. It is commonly known as Mubala, Lungundu, and Ndoumbèlé in the mentioned areas.Description
The tree can grow up to 40 meters high, with a trunk diameter of 1 meter. Its bark is grayish-brown and its leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets that are oval or elliptic and have a pointed tip. The flowers are yellow-brown, and the fruit is a woody, cylindrically shaped pod that is up to 40 cm long.Uses
The wood of Cylicodiscus paucijugus is highly valued for its durability and strength, making it suitable for construction, furniture-making, and a variety of other purposes. The bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including malaria, stomach aches, and diarrhea. Moreover, the leaves are used as fodder for animals and the tree provides excellent shade in coffee and cocoa plantations.Conservation
Although the population of Cylicodiscus paucijugus is considered stable, deforestation and habitat loss are major threats to the species. In some regions, this tree species is subject to heavy logging, leading to decline in population density. Efforts are being made to conserve its habitat through sustainable forest management and fire prevention.Light Requirements
Cylicodiscus paucijugus is known to require moderate to high levels of sunlight for growth and development. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of tall trees and receives filtered sunlight. It can also tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours a day. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in locations that receive at least 4-6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Cylicodiscus paucijugus is between 20-30°C. It can tolerate a broader range of temperatures, from 10-40°C, but growth may be stunted at extremes. During the colder months, it may enter a state of dormancy and lose its leaves, but it will recover once temperatures rise. Extreme cold or frost can be detrimental to its growth and must be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Cylicodiscus paucijugus is an adaptable species but requires well-draining and nutrient-rich soils for optimal growth. It can grow in a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. A pH range between 5.5-7 is ideal for this species. It can tolerate occasional flooding, but extended periods of waterlogging can cause root damage and affect growth. Addition of organic matter and mulching can provide necessary nutrition to the soil and improve soil texture.
Cultivation Methods
Cylicodiscus paucijugus (Harms) Verdc. is a tropical hardwood tree native to West and Central Africa. It thrives in humid climates with well-drained soils. It is cultivated from seeds that are sown in a pot, nursery bed or directly in the field. The seeds should be sown 2-3 centimeters deep in a mixture of sand and loam soil. Seedlings should be transplanted after 6-8 weeks into individual pots or polythene bags and grown under nursery conditions until they are ready for planting in the field.
Watering Needs
Watering is critical for young Cylicodiscus paucijugus trees, especially during the dry season. Seedlings and young trees should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. A watering schedule should be developed based on the weather and the tree's growth stage. Mature trees can survive with minimal watering, but for optimum growth and yield, they should be watered sufficiently during prolonged periods of drought.
Fertilization
Cylicodiscus paucijugus requires sufficient fertilization for optimal growth. When planting, incorporate well-decomposed organic matter, such as compost, into the soil. Apply a balanced fertilizer once every three months during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a higher percentage of nitrogen during the early stages of growth and a higher percentage of phosphorus during the fruiting stage. Applying too much fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit set.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the proper growth and shape of the Cylicodiscus paucijugus tree. Pruning is done during the dry season when the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches. Prune the tree's crown to allow for better sunlight penetration. Lower branches can be removed to facilitate harvesting. Ensure that pruning tools are sharp and disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Cylicodiscus paucijugus
The plant Cylicodiscus paucijugus, commonly known as African mahogany or fraké, can be propagated by seed or vegetatively.
Propagation by Seed
Cylicodiscus paucijugus produces moderate quantities of seed, which can be harvested when mature and sown directly in the field. However, the viability of the seed decreases quickly, and a good germination rate can only be achieved if the seed is sown within a few weeks after harvesting. To improve germination, the seeds can be soaked in water or treated with hot water before sowing.
Seedlings take 4-6 weeks to emerge, and they should be protected from direct sunlight and excessive moisture during the first few weeks of growth. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual containers or directly to the field.
Propagation Vegetatively
Cylicodiscus paucijugus can also be propagated vegetatively using various methods:
- Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from mature trees during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and include a few leaves. They should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining propagation medium such as sand or perlite. Bottom heat and high humidity can improve rooting success. Rooted cuttings can be transplanted to containers or directly to the field after a few months.
- Air-layering: Air-layering is another vegetative propagation method that involves inducing roots to form on a stem that is still attached to the mother plant. This can be done during the growing season by making a cut in the bark and applying a rooting hormone and a moist growing medium such as sphagnum moss. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut and planted separately.
- Grafting: Grafting is a more challenging propagation method that involves joining a piece of Cylicodiscus paucijugus to a compatible rootstock from a different plant. This method can be used to propagate selected cultivars or to improve hardiness of the plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Cylicodiscus paucijugus (Harms) Verdc.
Cylicodiscus paucijugus (Harms) Verdc. is a tropical timber tree that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Preventive measures and prompt management are necessary to maintain plant health and enhance yield.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects leaves and stems of Cylicodiscus paucijugus. Symptoms include circular, sunken lesions with brown or black margins, and yellowing or premature shedding of leaves. Good cultural practices, like pruning infected plant parts and improving air circulation, help reduce the spread of the disease. Application of copper-based fungicides or neem oil is effective in managing anthracnose.
Leaf spot and blight caused by the fungus Diaporthe spp, are also prevalent in Cylicodiscus paucijugus. Symptoms are brown or black spots on leaves, which coalesce and cause rapid defoliation. Pruning and destroying infected plant parts and use of tolerant varieties can help manage the disease. Fungicidal treatment of affected plants may also be necessary.
Common Pests
Defoliating insects, such as caterpillars, are serious pests that may cause extensive damage to Cylicodiscus paucijugus. They feed on leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and poor plant growth. Hand-picking and use of biodegradable insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective in insect control. In severe infestations, application of synthetic insecticides may be necessary.
Bark beetles and termites are also prevalent pests that cause significant damage to Cylicodiscus paucijugus. They burrow through the bark, interfering with the transportation of nutrients and water throughout the plant. Drenching with insecticide on infested trees or soil around the plant and removing and burning of infected parts are effective management strategies.
