Introduction
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the pea family. It is a species endemic to Gabon, a country located in West Africa. The plant is known for its attractive and durable wood, which has made it an important tree in the timber trade. Apart from its commercial value, Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. also has cultural significance as it is used in traditional medicine in Gabon and surrounding regions.
Common Names
The plant Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is commonly known as "African blackwood" or "Mpingo" in Swahili. In Gabon, it is known as "Mukusi" or "Ebene de la Louetsi" in French. The plant is also referred to as "Grenadilla" or "African grenadilla" in the international market.
Uses
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is valued for its high-quality wood, which is used in the production of musical instruments, furniture, and decorative items. The wood is dense, hard, and has a striking black color, making it a popular choice for making clarinets, oboes, and other woodwind instruments. Additionally, the wood is highly resistant to rot, making it suitable for outdoor use. The plant also has cultural significance as it is used in traditional medicine in Gabon to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, and diarrhea.
General Appearance
The plant Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. It has a straight and cylindrical trunk, which can reach a diameter of up to 50 centimeters. The tree has a dense, rounded crown with dark green, glossy leaves that are pinnate and composed of 6-10 pairs of leaflets. The tree produces small white or cream-colored flowers in clusters, which are followed by seed pods that contain the plant's seeds. The wood of the tree is notably black and has a smooth, even texture.
Typical growth conditions for Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr.
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr., also known as the Madagascar rosewood, is a rare and endangered species of flowering plant. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 20 meters or more with a trunk diameter of about 45 cm. The plant prefers to grow in areas with a warm and humid climate, typically in tropical rainforests.
Light requirements
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a shade-tolerant plant that can grow in low-light conditions. However, it also needs some direct sunlight to thrive. The plant can grow in partial shade, but it prefers filtered sunlight or dappled shade. It is best to avoid exposing the plant to full sunlight as it can damage the leaves and cause leaf scorching.
Temperature requirements
The plant requires a warm and humid climate to grow. It grows best in a temperature range of 25°C to 35°C. The plant can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but it cannot survive in frost-prone areas. The plant also needs a high level of humidity to thrive, particularly during the growing season. A relative humidity level of around 70% is ideal for the plant.
Soil requirements
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. prefers well-drained and nutrient-rich soil. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy loam, lateritic soils, and red clay soils. However, the plant cannot tolerate waterlogging or poorly drained soils. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 being ideal.
Cultivation methods
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a tropical tree species that is native to Central and West Africa. It thrives in hot and humid climates and can grow up to 30 meters tall. When cultivating this plant, it is important to choose a suitable location that receives partial shade and has well-draining soil.
The tree is usually propagated by seeds or cuttings. If you are using seeds, soak them in water overnight before planting them in well-prepared soil. Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Young trees should be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds. Regular watering and fertilization are also necessary to promote healthy growth.
Watering needs
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. requires consistent water throughout its growth stages. Young trees should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. As the plant grows, it can tolerate short periods of drought, but prolonged dry spells may cause stress to the tree.
The best time to water is in the morning or late afternoon, as watering during the middle of the day may cause water to evaporate before it is absorbed by the roots.
Fertilization
To ensure proper growth and development, Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. requires regular fertilization. A complete fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 16-4-8 can be applied every three months during the growing season.
The fertilizer should be spread around the base of the tree and watered in thoroughly. Over-fertilization can damage the tree, so it is important to follow the recommended dosage.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree for optimal growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring.
Avoid pruning during the rainy season as this can increase the risk of disease and pest infestations. Use sharp pruning shears and cut at a 45-degree angle to promote quick healing.
When pruning, be sure to maintain the overall shape of the tree and avoid removing more than 25% of the foliage in a single pruning session.
Propagation of Dalbergia Lastoursvillensis Pellegr.
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is a rare species of plant that grows in the tropical rainforests of Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. Propagation of this plant species is essential to ensure its survival. The following are the methods used for propagation:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the easiest and the most common way to propagate Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. The seeds are collected from the matured pods, and the outer layer is removed. The seeds are then soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The recommended planting medium is a mixture of peat and sand. The seeds are planted at a depth of 3 cm and are watered regularly until germination, which can take up to 6 months. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method used to propagate Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. This method involves taking cuttings from a healthy mother plant and dipping them in rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in soil mixtures of peat and sand and kept in a warm and moist environment. New roots begin to grow within 4 to 6 weeks, and the cuttings can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.
Air Layering
Air layering is a more complicated method of propagation. To do this, a branch of the plant is selected and a cut is made into the bark. A rooting hormone is then applied to the cut, and a ball of moist sphagnum moss is wrapped around the cut. This is then covered with a plastic bag and secured in place. The moss ball is then kept moist, and roots will begin to grow into the moss. Once enough roots have developed, the entire branch is cut off and planted in its own container with a mixture of peat and sand.
Propagation of Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr. is vital for the conservation of this rare species. By using these methods, this valuable plant can be propagated and cultivated for future generations to enjoy.
Disease and Pest Management of Dalbergia Lastoursvillensis Pellegr.
Dalbergia lastoursvillensis Pellegr., commonly known as palissandre de Lastoursville or African rosewood, is a tropical hardwood tree species that is widely used for its high-quality timber. However, like other tree species, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to its growth and productivity. Therefore, it is essential to properly manage the diseases and pests that can affect this plant to maintain its health and productivity.
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot: Root rot is one of the most common diseases affecting Dalbergia lastoursvillensis. It is caused by fungal pathogens such as Phytophthora and Pythium, which can infect the roots of the plant and cause them to decay. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of the leaves, wilting, stunted growth, and eventually, death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is crucial to maintain proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Also, the use of fungicides can be effective in controlling the spread of the disease.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another common disease affecting Dalbergia lastoursvillensis. It is caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora and Phoma, which can infect the leaves of the plant and cause them to develop spots. Symptoms of leaf spot include circular or oval-shaped spots on the leaves, which may be yellow, brown, or black. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to promptly remove and destroy infected leaves, maintain proper air circulation, and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
1. Scale Insects: Scale insects are one of the most common pests affecting Dalbergia lastoursvillensis. They are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and feed on the sap. This can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and a decline in the health of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and physically remove the insects using a cotton swab or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
2. Aphids: Aphids are another common pest affecting Dalbergia lastoursvillensis. They are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant's leaves and stems. This can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and a decline in the health of the plant. To manage aphids, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and physically remove the insects using a cotton swab or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of Dalbergia lastoursvillensis. Measures such as maintaining proper soil drainage, promptly removing infected leaves, and using insecticides and fungicides can help protect the plant from the adverse effects of diseases and pests.
