Origin
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev., commonly known as Djala, belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a plant species native to the West African region, particularly found in the countries of Senegal, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
Djala, Yallow, and Guinean Rosewood are some of the common names of this plant species. In French, it is also known as Bois de Rosaire and Palissandre du Senegal.
Uses
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. is a popular choice in the timber industry due to its excellent durability and attractive timber color. It is used for making furniture, decorative wood items, musical instruments, and carving. The wood is also used in the construction of bridges, flooring, and heavy construction.
Aside from its timber uses, Djala is also used in traditional African medicine. The bark and roots of the plant possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that are helpful in treating conditions such as toothache, skin infections, and rheumatism.
General Appearance
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has an irregularly-shaped canopy, and its bark is grayish-brown in color with vertical cracks that make it distinct. The leaves are compound and pinnate, with each leaf having 7-13 leaflets. The leaflets are 4-9 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with a glossy upper surface and a paler underside. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and the fruit is a brown, flat, and slightly curved pod that contains the seeds.
Light Requirements
The plant Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. thrives in areas where there is abundant sunlight. It needs plenty of natural light to survive and grow properly. It’s best to place the plant in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, excessive direct sunlight can harm the plant, so it’s recommended to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. prefers a warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations, but it thrives in consistently warm temperatures. Temperatures that dip below 10°C or soar above 35°C can severely impact the growth and survival of the plant. It’s essential to maintain a stable temperature environment for optimal plant growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It’s important to note that the plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types as long as the soil is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Organic mulch can be added to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients and help retain moisture.
Cultivation methods for Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. is a drought-resistant and fast-growing plant that prefers a warm and humid climate. It is mainly propagated by seeds. This species should be grown in a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in nutrients. Raised beds can also be used for better drainage. It requires full sun exposure to grow at its best.
Watering needs of Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. requires moderate watering when young and should be watered regularly during the dry season. It is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. The best time to water the plant is in the morning before the sun gets too high in the sky.
Fertilization of Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
Applying organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil is recommended for the cultivation of Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. The plant can also benefit from balanced fertilizers with adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, excessive fertilizer can cause root damage and should be avoided.
Pruning of Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain a healthy and attractive appearance of Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. This plant can be pruned to control its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and maintain its size. Pruning should be done during the dormancy period in winter or early spring.
Propagation of Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev., commonly known as the Djala wood or African blackwood, is known for its exceptionally hard and valuable wood. As a result, plant propagation is critical to its preservation. Below are some of the methods used to propagate D. djalonensis:
Seed Propagation
D. djalonensis can be propagated using seeds. However, the seeds require special treatment before planting. The seeds are known to be hard and highly impermeable to water, making it difficult for germination to occur. To overcome this, the seeds are typically soaked in water for several days. After soaking, the seeds are treated with boiling water or exposed to high temperatures to mimic the effect of wildfire. The treated seeds are then planted in a well-prepared nursery bed, where they will germinate and grow into seedlings. Seed propagation is considered the most reliable way to propagate D. djalonensis.
Cuttings Propagation
D. djalonensis can also be propagated from cuttings, although this is not a common method of propagation. Cuttings are typically taken from mature trees during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormones and planted into a well-prepared nursery bed. The success rate of this method is low.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a new plant from a mature branch of an existing tree. This is done by making a small incision on the branch and wrapping it with moist rooting medium. Over time, roots will form at the site of the incision, and a new plant will grow from it. Air layering is a reliable method of propagation for D. djalonensis, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
In conclusion, propagation is critical to the conservation and preservation of D. djalonensis. Seed propagation is the most reliable and commonly used method, but air layering is also a useful technique for propagating the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. is a deciduous tree that is native to West Africa and belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is also commonly known as African blackwood or mpingo. The plant is popular for its ornamental and medicinal values. However, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can damage its growth, yield, and overall health. Effective management practices can help control the occurrence and spread of these diseases and pests.
Common Diseases that might Affect Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
1. Wilt and Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that is commonly caused by Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and Phytophthora spp. It affects the roots and causes them to decay, which ultimately results in wilting and death of the plant. To manage the disease, it is important to maintain good soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Additionally, the use of fungicides such as copper-based products can help control the spread of the disease.
2. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It affects the overall photosynthetic capacity of the plant, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage the disease, it is essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overcrowding. Additionally, the use of fungicides such as sulfur-based products can help prevent and control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests that might Affect Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev.
1. Beetles: Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. is susceptible to several beetle species such as the black twig borer and the shot-hole borer. These pests bore into the plant's stems and branches, causing damage and ultimately death of the plant. To control the pests, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and remove any infested plant parts. Additionally, the use of insecticides such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids can help prevent and control the spread of the pests.
2. Aphids: These soft-bodied insects feed on the plant's sap and cause it to weaken and wilt. Additionally, they secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew that attracts other pests such as ants. To manage aphids, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and remove any infested plant parts. Additionally, the use of insecticides such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids can help prevent and control the spread of the pests.
Effective disease and pest management practices are essential in ensuring the overall health and growth of Dalbergia djalonensis A.Chev. Regular monitoring of the plant's health, early detection of diseases and pests, and appropriate management practices can help control their occurrence and spread.
