Origin
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. is a plant that belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is endemic to Madagascar, particularly in the eastern part of the country where it is commonly found in the forests near the coast.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names including palissandre sauvage (French), Madagascan rosewood (English), and voamboana (Malagasy).
Uses
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. is a valuable timber species that is highly sought after for its distinctive fragrance, beautiful color, and durability. It is commonly used for furniture manufacturing, decorative objects, musical instruments, and various other high-end products. However, the excessive exploitation of this plant has resulted in it being classified as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
General Appearance
The Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. is a tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight and slender trunk with a diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is smooth and gray, and the leaves are pinnate and dark green in color. The flowers are small and pale yellow, and the fruits are flat and elongated pods that contain the seeds. The wood of this plant is dense and heavy, ranging in color from deep reddish-brown to purple-brown, often with fine black lines or streaks throughout the grain.
Light requirements
The plant Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. requires partial shade to full shade. It prefers a shady habitat with minimal direct sunlight exposure. Direct sunlight may inhibit its growth and reduce its ability to photosynthesize effectively.
Temperature requirements
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires a warm and humid climate with an average temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. This plant cannot survive in extreme temperature variations.
Soil requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with good water retention capacity. It grows well in loamy and sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation methods
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f., commonly known as African blackwood, is a hardwood tree native to East Africa. For successful cultivation, the tree requires well-drained, loamy soils and regular watering. The plant thrives in full sun and prefers warm temperatures. At least six hours of daily sunlight is essential for the growth of the tree. However, young plants should be acclimatized slowly to the direct sun to avoid sunburn.
Watering needs
African blackwood plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry seasons. However, it is essential to water the plants sparingly to prevent over-saturation, which can lead to root rot. The ideal watering frequency should be once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture content. During the rainy season, extra irrigation is generally not necessary. To maintain the right soil moisture level, regular checks are necessary, and the soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the African blackwood plant can enhance growth, flowering, and fruiting. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-aged manure, to improve soil fertility and nutrition. A general-purpose fertilizer can also be used once every three months to ensure adequate soil fertility. Applying too much fertilizer can harm the plant, so it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for African blackwood. Regular pruning helps to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the tree to the desired form. Pruning should be done during the dry season when the tree is dormant. Any pruning cuts should be made above a bud facing outwards, and the cut should be smooth to prevent damage. To encourage bushy growth, it is recommended to make the cuts at a 45-degree angle to the stem.
Propagation of Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f.
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f. is a tropical, deciduous tree species that is commonly found in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is known for its durable and high-quality timber, which makes it a desirable species for furniture-making and other woodworking projects. Here are some of the common methods for propagating this plant.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is one of the simplest and most effective methods for propagating Dalbergia commiphoroides. The seeds should be collected from mature trees during the flowering seasons, which typically occur in the months of March to May. The collected seeds should then be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, making it easier for germination.
The seeds are then sown in potting soil or a well-draining medium and covered lightly with soil. The seedlings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they germinate, which usually takes around two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be transferred to individual pots and grown in a sunny location until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is a popular propagation method for Dalbergia commiphoroides because it allows the grower to clone a desirable tree. This method involves taking a cutting from an existing tree and grafting it onto a rootstock, which is typically a closely related Dalbergia species.
The cutting should be taken from a mature, healthy tree during the dormant season when the leaves have fallen off. It should be about 4-6 inches long and 0.5-1 inch in diameter, with at least one bud present. The cutting is then grafted onto the rootstock by matching the cutting's cambium layer with the rootstock's cambium layer and securing it in place with grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until the cuttings take root and start growing.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves inducing the growth of roots on a stem while the stem is still attached to the parent plant. It is particularly useful for plants that are difficult to propagate by cuttings or seed.
To air layer Dalbergia commiphoroides, the stem should be selected and a ring of bark should be removed from the stem, exposing the inner layer of the stem. The exposed area should be treated with a rooting hormone, and then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered in plastic wrap to maintain humidity.
The process of air layering usually takes several months, after which the stem can be cut below the rooted area and transplanted to its new location.
Overall, there are several effective methods for propagating Dalbergia commiphoroides, including seed propagation, grafting, and air layering. By utilizing these methods, cultivators can easily produce new plants of this species and ensure its continued survival and accessibility for future generations.
Disease and Pest Management for Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f.
Dalbergia commiphoroides Baker f., also known as East Indian Rosewood or Sonokeling, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. While it is a hardy plant with few inherent problems, it can be attacked by pests or fall sick due to diseases.
Diseases:
1. Leafspot: This disease is caused by a fungus that creates small, dark spots on the leaves, which can merge to cover the entire leaf area. Leaves can yellow or fall prematurely, which can promote defoliation. For management, remove the infected leaves and branches, water in the morning, clear up debris, and apply fungicides.
2. Powdery mildew: It is a fungal disease characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves. This disease can stunt growth, damage leaves, and cause deformities in young plants. For management, plant resistant species, allow proper spacing, fertilize with high-nitrogen fertilizers, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides.
3. Dieback: This disease results from fungi or bacteria that infect the branches and stem of the plant, leading to defoliation and death. For management, prune and destroy infected parts of the plant, provide adequate nutrition and water to trees, and apply both systemic and contact fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests:
1. Mealybugs: These pests are soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, stunted growth, and defoliation. For management, wipe them away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, introduce predators such as parasitic wasps or lacewings, soap sprays, or apply insecticides.
2. Leaf miners: These pests are tiny insects that cause damage by creating tunnels or mines inside the plant leaves. For management, prune the infected leaves, pick off and destroy any infested leaves, apply neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or use insecticides.
3. Cutworms: These pests feed on the plant's stem, causing significant damage, particularly to young plants. For management, handpick the caterpillars, till the soil to disrupt the soil surface, introduce beneficial nematodes or apply biological insecticides.
Proper plant care, including good nutrition, watering, and regular monitoring, is the most effective way to prevent diseases and pests in Dalbergia commiphoroides. Also, always go through and research on the label of any plant chemical treatment before use, to know the formalities of mixing and the safety information.
