Overview of Cynometra glabra De Wild.
Cynometra glabra De Wild., also known as the Gum Kino tree, is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, and Tanzania, and can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk that can reach up to 2 meters in diameter.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by a number of names, which include:
- Gum Kino tree
- Kino tree
- Craft tree
- Wild acacia
- Wild Kino tree
General Appearance
Cynometra glabra has a rounded crown and a dense foliage of light green compound leaves. It produces dark red-brown, woody fruits that contain seeds. The tree also has a smooth, grey-brown bark, with horizontal lenticels when young which later becomes brown in color and deeply fissured and scaly. It also has a wide-spreading, shallow root system that makes it susceptible to wind damage.
Uses of Cynometra glabra De Wild.
The Gum Kino tree has several uses, which include:
- Medicinal: The bark of the tree has been used traditionally in African medicine for treating various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and snakebites.
- Tanning: The bark extract from the tree is used in tanning leather.
- Dyeing: The tannin extract from this tree is used in dyeing clothes and textiles to achieve a yellowish-brown color.
- Crafts: The tree is used for carving stools, canes, and other implements.
- Timber: The durable hardwood from the tree is used as building materials and furniture making.
Light Requirements
Cynometra glabra De Wild. prefers an environment with full sun exposure and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can slow down its growth and affect its flowering ability.
Temperature Requirements
Cynometra glabra De Wild. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can also tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but cannot survive frost or freezing conditions.
Soil Requirements
Cynometra glabra De Wild. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate soil salinity to some extent, but too much salt can be harmful to its growth.
Cultivation Methods for Cynometra Glabra De Wild.
Cynometra glabra De Wild. is a tropical plant that is commonly found in Africa. Cultivation of this plant can be done either through seeds or vegetative propagation. Propagation through seeds requires soaking them in warm water for approximately 24 hours before sowing. Vegetative propagation can be done through rooting of stem cuttings from healthy plants. The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Watering Needs for Cynometra Glabra De Wild.
Cynometra glabra De Wild. requires moderate watering. It needs to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases, which can be detrimental to the health of the plant. It is recommended to allow the soil to dry partially between watering to ensure that the plant does not suffocate.
Fertilization for Cynometra Glabra De Wild.
Cynometra glabra De Wild. requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. Fertilizer high in nitrogen content is recommended, especially during the plant’s growing season, to promote foliage growth. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while applying the fertilizer. The plant should be fertilized every two to three weeks.
Pruning for Cynometra Glabra De Wild.
Pruning Cynometra glabra De Wild is an essential aspect of plant maintenance. Regular pruning helps to maintain the plant's shape, remove dead or damaged parts, and promotes new growth. The best time to prune is during the plant's dormant period, which is usually during the winter season. It is advisable to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid the spread of infections.
Propagation of Cynometra glabra De Wild. Plants
Cynometra glabra De Wild., commonly known as "ferry" or "canga" in Angola, is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to Central and Southern Africa. This tree-like plant bears pink or red flowers followed by fleshy, edible fruit.
There are several methods for propagating Cynometra glabra De Wild. plants, including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Cynometra glabra De Wild. plants is by seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. It is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to promote faster germination.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Cynometra glabra De Wild. plants is by hardwood cuttings. Take cuttings of about 25 cm long from mature branches around September to October. These cuttings must be placed in a mixture of sand and compost and kept in a humid place.
Budding Propagation
Budding propagation is another way of propagating Cynometra glabra De Wild. plants. In this method, a budding scion from the desired cultivar or variety is inserted into an incision in the rootstock.
By using one of these propagation methods, you can propagate Cynometra glabra De Wild. and grow your own tree-like plant. With the right care, your new plants should thrive and bear fruit in just a few years.
Disease Management
Cynometra glabra De Wild. plants can be affected by various diseases that can reduce their yield and quality. To manage these diseases, it is important to identify them and take the necessary measures promptly.
Anthracnose
This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include circular or irregular-shaped dark spots on leaves, stems, and pods, which may be accompanied by sunken areas. Anthracnose can be controlled by using fungicides such as copper-based products or chlorothalonil combined with good cultural practices such as removing infected plant parts and minimizing plant wounding.
Brown leaf spot
Brown leaf spot is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella cynometrae. Symptoms include small brown spots on leaves and premature leaf drop. To control brown leaf spot, it is recommended to use fungicides such as chlorothalonil or copper-based products.
Root rot
Root rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora palmivora. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of leaves. To control root rot, it is important to maintain good drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Cynometra glabra De Wild. plants can be affected by pests that can cause significant damage. The following pests are the most common and how to manage them.
Bean beetle
The bean beetle is a common pest that feeds on the leaves of Cynometra glabra De Wild. plants. They can be managed by using neem oil or pyrethrin-based products.
Cowpea aphid
Cowpea aphids are also a common pest that can cause significant damage to plants by sucking sap from the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leafminer
Leafminers are pests that feed on the leaves of plants, creating tunnels that can reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity. They can be managed by using spinosad or neem oil-based products.
