Plant Description: Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild.
Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Common Names:
Some of the common names of Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. include:
- Bokalak or Mbokalak (in Fang)
- Efeye voi, Moto a beko or Moto mabele (in Lingala)
- Amoma odo or Odo amoma (in Ijaw)
- Besun or Visoon (in Ewe)
Uses:
Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. has various applications in traditional medicine and as a source of livelihood for local communities. Among its medicinal uses, the bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat fever, diarrhea, stomach ache, and skin diseases. The pounded bark is also used as a dressing for wounds.
The plant's timber is valued for its hardness and durability, making it ideal for the construction of canoes, buildings, and furniture. The seeds are edible and are used in traditional dishes while the pulp of the fruits is used to make a refreshing drink.
Appearance:
Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. is a moderate-sized tree that can grow up to 25 m tall. It has a straight trunk that can reach a diameter of 60 cm. The bark is greyish-brown, smooth, and exfoliating in flakes. The pinnate leaves are alternately arranged, and each leaflet is about 2-4 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide. The tree usually produces dark brown to black pods that are about 5-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide.
The seeds are flat, elliptical, and measure about 1.5 cm in diameter. The wood, which is dark brown and sometimes streaked with pink, is used to make furniture, tool handles, and other household items.
Growth Conditions for Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild.
Light: Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. requires bright light for healthy growth. The plant can grow in partially shaded areas, but for optimum growth, it requires full sun exposure.
Temperature: The ideal temperature for Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. is between 22°C to 32°C. The plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant.
Soil: Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in soil with a higher pH, but soil with a lower pH can hinder the growth of the plant.
Water: Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, the plant is also susceptible to root rot if the soil is consistently waterlogged. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
Fertilizer: Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 15-15-15 formula, can be applied every two to three months.
Propagation: Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Cuttings should be taken from young shoots and should be planted in well-draining soil with the bottom third of the cutting buried in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. thrives well in well-drained soils in tropical and subtropical climates. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 7.5. It requires full sun exposure for maximum growth. It can also be grown as a container plant where it can be protected from cold winds and frost.
Watering Needs
During its growing season, Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. A drought-tolerant plant, it requires less watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Applying organic fertilizer every six months can boost the growth of Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. If the plant is grown under shade or in poor soils, it may require additional fertilization. The use of synthetic fertilizers should be avoided as they can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild. plants. It should be done during winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. The removal of dead and diseased branches promotes the growth of new shoots, which results in a dense and attractive canopy. To avoid damaging the plant, pruning tools should be sterilized before use.
Propagation of Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild.
Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild., also known as Gabon cusheny, is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly found in Central and West Africa, especially in Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo. Propagation of Cynometra bokalaensis can be done by using seeds or vegetative methods.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most common method for Cynometra bokalaensis. Matured seeds with a hard outer coat are collected from the tree. They should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to help soften their hard outer coat and allow for better seed germination. After soaking, the seeds are sown into a mixture of sand and compost or a prepared nursery bed. The seedlings will emerge within two weeks, and they should be protected from direct sunlight. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they are about 4-6 inches tall.
Propagation by vegetative methods
Cynometra bokalaensis can also be propagated by vegetative methods such as cuttings and layering.
For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with no flowers or fruits and take a 6-inch length cutting from it. Remove the lower leaves and dip the base of the cutting in hormone rooting powder. Plant the cutting in a mixture of sand and compost, and keep it at a warm temperature with high humidity. The cutting should root within two weeks.
For layering, select a low branch on the tree and bend it down to the ground, then secure it in place with a stake. Scrape the bark of the branch where it touches the ground, and cover it with soil. Within a few months, roots will form at the point where the branch touches the ground. Once the roots are established, cut the branch from the parent tree and transplant it to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild.
Cynometra bokalaensis De Wild., commonly known as the Okala, is a plant native to tropical and subtropical regions, and it is grown primarily for its medicinal properties. Although this plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, it is still vulnerable to some attacks that could affect its growth and overall health. Therefore, it is essential to implement proper disease and pest management practices to ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive.
Common Diseases of Cynometra bokalaensis
The most common diseases that affect Cynometra bokalaensis are fungal and bacterial infections. These diseases can cause yellowing of leaves, loss of vigor, wilting, and even death of the plant if left untreated. The following are some of the common diseases that can affect this plant:
- Leaf spot - caused by Cercospora fungi, the disease causes circular spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and die. The disease spreads rapidly in wet and humid conditions.
- Anthracnose - caused by Colletotrichum fungi, the disease causes circular, sunken lesions on the leaves and stem, which eventually turn brown or black. The disease spreads rapidly in wet and humid conditions.
- Bacterial blight - caused by Xanthomonas campestris bacteria, the disease causes small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which eventually turn reddish-brown and die. The disease spreads rapidly in warm and humid conditions.
Pest Management for Cynometra bokalaensis
Although Cynometra bokalaensis is generally resistant to most pests, there are still some that can cause significant damage to the plant if left uncontrolled. The following are some of the common pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Mealybugs - these insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil, and prune affected leaves.
- Spider mites - these tiny insects feed on the leaves, causing them to appear stippled and discolored. They also produce fine webs on the leaves, which can decrease the plant's photosynthetic activity. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and increase the humidity around the plant.
- Aphids - these insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. They also produce honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and prune affected leaves.
Overall, the best defense against diseases and pests is to maintain the plant's health through proper watering, fertilization, and adequate sunlight. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of damage or infection and promptly treating any issues that arise can also help keep the plant healthy and productive.
