Description of Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr.
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr., also known as M'Eteke in Gabon, is a hardwood tree in the Fabaceae family that is native to western and central Africa. This species can reach a height of up to 20 meters and has a wide spread canopy.
Common Names
In addition to M'Eteke, Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. has several other common names depending on the region. In Cameroon, it is known as Bania and Ele. In Gabon, it is called Abayong, Entete or Ikong, while in Nigeria it is known as Obeche.
Uses
The wood of Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. is highly valued for its durability and strength, making it popular for use in heavy construction such as bridge-building and shipbuilding. The bark, roots, and leaves are also used for various medicinal purposes such as treating fever, coughs, and skin conditions. The tree is also used for shade in gardens and as a beautiful ornamental tree in parks.
General Appearance
The leaves of Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. are compound and consist of 4-8 pairs of leaflets up to 10 cm long. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and borne in dense clusters. The fruit is a dark brown pod that is 7-12 cm long with a sticky, sweet pulp surrounding the seeds. The bark of the tree is gray and roughly textured while the wood is light brown.
Light Requirements
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. (commonly known as Mukebo) is a tropical plant that requires a considerable amount of sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives well in bright, indirect light, which ensures that it receives sufficient energy to carry out photosynthesis. A location where the plant can receive at least six hours of sunlight is recommended for good growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. is between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and requires a warm and humid environment to grow successfully. A constant temperature is essential for the plant, as sudden fluctuations can cause stress and affect growth. In regions with temperate or colder climates, it is best to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse to provide the required warmth and humidity.
Soil Requirements
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH between 5.6 to 7.5. A soil blend that consists of loam, sand, and perlite/moss is recommended for the plant's growth. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause root rot and other problems. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent the soil from drying out, and regular fertilization can also promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. plant is native to the African tropics. It can be grown in various types of soils, including sandy or clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. This plant thrives in areas with full or partial sunlight. It is recommended to plant them in a spot that is protected from strong winds and direct sunlight.
When it comes to planting, it is best to do so during the rainy season. Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. plants can easily be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds are sown directly into the soil, and the cuttings can be planted directly into the ground or into pots filled with loamy soil, mixed with sand and organic matter.
Watering Needs
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. plants require regular watering to stay healthy. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist at all times, but not waterlogged. During the dry season, watering should be done at least twice a week to keep the soil moist. In the rainy season, reduce the frequency of watering as too much water can damage the roots.
Fertilization
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. plants require regular fertilization to maintain their growth and health. It is recommended to fertilize the plants every three months during the growing season. Fertilizers that are rich in potassium and phosphorus are ideal for this plant. Organic fertilizers like compost or manure can also be used as they provide additional nutrients needed for healthy growth.
Pruning
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. plants require pruning to regulate their growth and maintain their shape. Pruning is best done during the dormant season or after flowering. Dead or damaged branches should be removed immediately. Reduce the length of long and lanky branches by cutting them back by one-third of their length. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the plant's foliage with each pruning session.
Propagation of Cynometra Aubrevillei Pellegr.
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr., commonly known as African mangrove tree, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly found in West and Central Africa and is commonly used in traditional medicine for various ailments such as dysentery and diarrhea.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Cynometra aubrevillei is typically done by seeds. Seeds are collected from ripe fruits, which can be easily found around the base of the tree. Once collected, the seeds should be soaked in water for about 12 hours to help with germination.
After the soaking period, the seeds are planted in seedling trays filled with a mixture of sand, loam, and compost. The seeds should be buried to a depth of about 1-2 cm and watered immediately. The seedling trays should be placed in a warm, humid, and shaded area until the seedlings emerge.
Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be kept in a shaded area for the first year of growth. At this time, they can be transplanted into individual containers or into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is possible but generally not preferred for Cynometra aubrevillei. However, it can be done in special circumstances, such as when there are no seeds available.
Cuttings should be taken from young stems during the rainy season, when the plants are actively growing. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and have at least three leaves on them. The leaves on the lower third of the cutting should be removed, and the bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone.
The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand, loam, and compost and kept in a shaded and humid area until roots develop, which may take several months. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual containers or into the ground.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is not commonly used as a propagation method for Cynometra aubrevillei. This is due to the fact that the plant does not readily form callus tissue, which is essential for successful grafting. However, experimentation is ongoing to develop grafting techniques for this plant species.
Overall, the most common and successful propagation method for Cynometra aubrevillei is by seed propagation.
Disease Management for Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr.
Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. is a plant species that is susceptible to various plant diseases, and the following are some of the common diseases and their management:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a disease that causes leaf spots, fruit rot, and twig blight. The disease is caused by different species of fungi and can thrive in warm and moist weather. To manage anthracnose, make sure to remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overwatering. Additionally, it is recommended to apply copper-based fungicides to the plant as a preventive measure.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and disabling them from absorbing water and nutrients. This fungal disease thrives in poorly drained soil and can be managed by improving the drainage of the soil. Moreover, make sure not to overwater the plant, and if a case of root rot is detected, remove and destroy the infected plant.
Pest Management for Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr.
Like most plants, Cynometra aubrevillei Pellegr. is also affected by pests such as insects, mites, and rodents. Below are the common pests that might inflict damage to this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant causing curled and distorted leaves. They reproduce rapidly and can be controlled by hosing them off the plants and applying insecticidal soap to the leaves. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden as a biological control.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, which results in yellowed and stippled leaves. They thrive in hot and dry weather and can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil to the leaves. Moreover, it is advisable to keep the surrounding area free from weeds and debris which can provide the habitat for spider mites.
