Overview of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as African rosewood, Congo rosewood, or panga panga. This plant is native to the wet forests of central and southern Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Appearance of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. The bark of the tree is dark gray to black in color and has deep fissures. The timber of this plant species is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal, as well as its durability and strength. The leaves of the tree are pinnate, with each leaflet measuring between 5 and 12 cm in length. The flowers are small and pink to lavender in color, and the fruit is a flat pod that measures up to 12 cm in length and 2 cm in width.
Uses of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii is highly sought after for its timber, which is commonly used in the manufacturing of high-end furniture, musical instruments, and flooring. The wood is prized for its reddish-brown color and distinctive grain pattern. In addition, the plant has traditional medicinal uses for the treatment of fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The tree is also planted as an ornamental species due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate shade.
Cultivation of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii can survive in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as there is adequate rainfall. The tree prefers shade and grows well under the canopy of other trees. It is relatively slow-growing, with a lifespan of up to 200 years. Due to the high demand for its timber, the tree is often overexploited, and its populations are declining in many areas. Therefore, sustainable management and cultivation practices are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of this valuable tree species.
Growth Conditions for Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist, also known as the African rosewood, is a small tree that can reach a height of up to 12 meters. It is native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. This plant has high economic value due to its strong, durable, and dense wood that is commonly used for furniture, musical instruments, and ornamental purposes.
Light requirements
The African rosewood grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires a lot of light to develop its dense, compact crown and to produce high-quality wood. When grown in partial shade, the plant tends to grow taller and thinner with a less compact crown.
Temperature preferences
The African rosewood thrives in tropical to subtropical climates with a relatively high humidity level (>60%). It prefers temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and can tolerate occasional drops to 15°C. However, the plant is sensitive to frost and cannot survive temperatures below 10°C for an extended period.
Soil requirements
The African rosewood grows well in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and free of any toxic substances. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they have good drainage. However, the plant is not tolerant of waterlogging or excessively dry soils.
Cultivation Method
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates and can be cultivated in zones 10 to 12. The plant requires well-draining soil and should be planted in an area that receives partial to full sun exposure.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is crucial in the proper growth and maintenance of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, but the soil should not remain waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist should be fertilized once every six months with a slow-release fertilizer. It is important to apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant.
Pruning
To control the size and shape of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist, pruning is necessary. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth emerges. It is recommended to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that cross or rub against each other. Additionally, the plant can be pruned to a desired shape.
Propagation Methods for Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist is commonly known as the African rosewood or Senegal rosewood. It is a rare hardwood species found in West Africa. This plant plays a significant role in the international timber trade due to its high-quality wood that is used in various applications. Propagation is one of the essential techniques for the conservation and sustainable management of this plant species.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods used for propagating Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist. The seeds are collected from mature fruits and sown directly on the prepared nursery beds. The seeds take about 10-14 days to germinate, and after that, they are ready for transplantation. It is important to ensure that the seeds are collected from healthy and genetically diverse parent trees to promote genetic diversity.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method that can be used for propagating Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist. Stem cuttings are collected from mature and healthy plants during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormones and planted on the prepared nursery beds. They will start developing roots after 4-6 weeks, and after that, they are ready for transplantation.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another technique used for propagating Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist. Typically, air layering is done on mature and healthy branches. A portion of the branch is girded, and rooting hormone is applied to the wounded area. The wounded area is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and enclosed with a plastic cover. After several weeks, roots develop on the wounded area, and the branch is ready for transplantation.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is the most recent method used for propagating Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist. This method involves the use of plant tissue culture techniques to produce large numbers of plantlets. It is used for the mass production of identical plantlets in a clean and controlled environment. However, the method is technologically advanced, expensive and requires a high level of expertise.
Disease Management
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist is susceptible to various diseases that may impact its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases affecting this plant and how to manage them:
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a common disease in many plants, including Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist. To manage this disease, remove any infected plants and destroy them to prevent the spread of bacteria. If caught early, spraying the plants with copper-based fungicides can also help to control the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is usually caused by overwatering and poorly drained soils. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering the plant, and ensure that the roots are not sitting in water for extended periods. Using a fungicide on the soil can also help to prevent the spread of root rot.
Pest Management
Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f. var. preussii (Harms) Cronquist can be affected by different pests that may cause damage to the plant and its productivity. Some of the common pests that impact this plant and how to manage them include:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and eventually, death of the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to suffocate and kill the pests. Increasing the humidity levels around the plant can also help to prevent spider mite infestation.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are tiny, soft-bodied pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of plants, sucking the sap and nutrients from the plant. You can manage scale insects by manually removing them from the plant or using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the infestation. Increasing the humidity levels around the plant may also help to prevent an infestation from happening.
