Overview
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is indigenous to Africa and commonly known as African Blackwood or Mpingo.
Description
The African Blackwood is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. The tree's bark is dark grey with deep, longitudinal grooves. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and have 6-17 leaflets that are slender and pointed. The flowers are small, white or pink and grow in axillary racemes. The fruit is a legume pod that is 4-7 cm long and contains one or two seeds.
Uses
African Blackwood is highly valued for its hardwood, which is one of the densest and strongest woods in the world. It is used in the manufacture of musical instruments like clarinets, oboes, and bagpipes, as well as in making high-end furniture, sculptures, and decorative items. The wood is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
In addition, African Blackwood has significant ecological importance. It is an essential component of the dry deciduous forests in which it grows. The tree supports a wide range of bird and insect life, and several endangered species rely on it for their survival.
Cultivation
African Blackwood is mainly propagated by seed. The seeds are collected from mature pods and soaked in water for one day before sowing. The tree prefers well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure. It is tolerant to drought and frost and can grow in a variety of climatic conditions. However, it is slow-growing and takes about 50 years to reach maturity.
The overexploitation of African Blackwood has led to its decline in many regions. Therefore, there are ongoing efforts to conserve the species through sustainable harvesting and cultivation practices.
Growth Conditions of Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov.
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. is a slow-growing plant that is commonly found in East Africa. It requires specific growth conditions for healthy growth and survival. Below are some of the essential growth conditions:
Light Requirement
This plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will not grow well in complete shade. Providing adequate light will ensure that the plant develops its vibrant foliage and blooms adequately.
Temperature Requirements
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. thrives in a warm climate with temperature ranges between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can be detrimental to the plant's growth and may lead to its death. It is also susceptible to frost, so it is essential to avoid exposing it to frosty conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as it can lead to the plant's root rot. It is crucial to maintain proper soil moisture by watering when the soil is dry to the touch.
Cultivation method for Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov.
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. is a tropical plant species that requires a warm and humid atmosphere. It grows well in full sunlight or partial shade and prefers a well-draining soil. The best way to cultivate this plant is to use a container with good drainage. This plant can stay in the container for one year, and then it should be repotted in a larger pot.
Watering Needs of Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov.
The watering requirements of Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. is crucial for its growth. The plant requires regular watering but not too much water. It would help if you watered the plant once a week or when the soil's surface is dry. Overwatering can damage the plant, so make sure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization of Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov.
To provide the plant with necessary nutrients, fertilization is required. Use a slow-release organic fertilizer every three months during the growing season. You can also use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks for better results. Make sure you do not over-fertilize the plant as it can cause damage.
Pruning of Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov.
Pruning is a crucial part of cultivating Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. To promote bushier growth, prune the plant after it has flowered. You should cut back the stems to the desired length, leaving a healthy leaf node. Dead or damaged leaves should be removed from the plant whenever seen. Pruning should be done carefully to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Dalbergia Commiphoroides Baker f. var. Micrantha Chiov.
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. is typically propagated through seeds or vegetative propagation. It can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. are collected during the fruiting season. The collected seeds are then soaked in water for 48 hours, and the seeds that sink are chosen for further propagation. The seeds are then sown into the soil or a seedling tray. The soil should be moist and well-drained. The seedlings should be watered regularly and kept under shade until they develop a strong root system. It takes around 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. var. micrantha Chiov. can also be propagated through vegetative methods. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, root cuttings, or layering. Stem cuttings of around 20cm in length are taken from the healthy, mature plant, and the leaves are removed from the lower part of the cutting. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Root cuttings are a bit trickier, as they require a section of a mature root. The roots are cut into sections of 5-10cm, dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in soil. Layering is another method, where a small incision is made in a mature stem, and it is bent and buried in soil. The stem develops roots, and the plant can be separated after around 6-8 months.
Disease and Pest Management for Dalbergia Commiphoroides Baker f. var. Micrantha Chiov.
Dalbergia Commiphoroides Baker f. var. Micrantha Chiov., commonly known as East African Rosewood, is a magnificent and valuable tree native to East Africa. Commercial cultivation of the plant is gaining popularity because of its beautiful wood. However, this plant is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can damage or even kill it.
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot: One of the most common diseases of Dalbergia Commiphoroides is root rot, which can be caused by various fungi-like Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, and Pythium. Symptoms include yellowed, stunted foliage, wilting, and rotting roots. To manage root rot, remove infected plants and soil, and dispose of carefully to avoid spreading disease. Avoid overwatering plants, choose well-draining soil, and disinfect gardening tools.
2. Leaf Spot: Another disease that can affect Dalbergia Commiphoroides is leaf spot, caused by different fungi-like Cylindrocladium, Cercospora, and Phyllosticta. Leaf spots appear as small, dark-colored, circular spots on the leaves, followed by yellowing, defoliation, and dieback. To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, and choose resistant cultivars.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites: One of the most common pests that affect D. Commiphoroides is spider mites. These tiny pests feed on the sap of leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually, leaf drop. To manage spider mites, use a forceful water spray to knock them off, introduce predatory mites, apply insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
2. Scale Insects: Scale insects are another common pest of D. Commiphoroides. They appear as small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves and can cause yellowing, wilting, and dieback. To manage scale insects, use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them, or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases is crucial for growing healthy and productive Dalbergia Commiphoroides plants. By taking appropriate preventive measures and adopting suitable management strategies, it is possible to protect them from various diseases and pests and ensure they thrive.
