Overview
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. is a species of plant in the Fabaceae family. This plant is a small to medium-sized tree, native to eastern and southern Africa.
Common Names
Commonly known as East African padauk, Msekaswe, and African padauk, this tree is particularly valued for its dense and durable wood.
General Appearance
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. grows up to a height of 30 meters, with a diameter ranging from 60 to 100 cm at the base. It has a deeply furrowed bark, which is dark gray. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and compound, with seven to nine oval-shaped leaflets, each up to 10 cm long. The inflorescence is in axillary Racemes, with 4- to 8-flowered calyx tube, and corolla is purplish pink to purple. The fruit is a flat pod, approximately 10–20 cm long and 4–6 cm wide, with a deeply fissured woody wall.
Uses
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. is prized for its dense and durable wood, which is used in the manufacturing of exquisite furniture, musical instruments, and carvings. Historically, it was also used for making spear handles, bows, and arrows. The plant's bark is used in traditional medicine for treating skin ailments and snakebites. Additionally, the tree is planted as an ornamental in gardens and along the streets.
Typical Growth Conditions of Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov.
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov, commonly known as the Mpingo tree or African Blackwood, is a slow-growing tree species that is native to East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Mozambique. It primarily grows in hot and humid tropical regions with altitudes ranging from 200 to 1100 m above sea level.
Light Requirements
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It typically requires a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight each day. In areas with extremely hot weather, the tree benefits from partial shade, especially during the hottest times of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The Mpingo tree thrives in warm temperatures within the range of 22°C to 30°C. It can tolerate moderate fluctuations in temperature, but it is susceptible to frost and freezing conditions. Therefore, it cannot survive in regions with extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Mpingo tree grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Sandy loam soils with good drainage and moderate fertility are ideal for the growth of the tree. The species can also tolerate soils that are slightly acidic or slightly alkaline.
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. is a slow-growing species. It may take up to 60 years for the tree to reach maturity. It is therefore important to select the right growth conditions and provide the tree with proper care to ensure its growth and survival.
Cultivation Methods for Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov.
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. generally prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil with full to partial sun exposure. In terms of temperature, it grows best in warm and humid environments, with a minimum temperature of 15°C. It can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings, and the best time for planting is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs for Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov.
Watering should be done regularly to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During the dry season, additional watering may be required to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization for Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov.
When it comes to fertilizing this plant, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilization should be done at least once every three months during the growing season. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided, as they can promote leaf growth at the expense of flower and fruit production.
Pruning for Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov.
Pruning can be done to shape and manage the growth of the plant. It is recommended to prune during the dry season to reduce the risk of diseases. When pruning, it is best to remove dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are growing too close to each other. This will help to promote healthy growth and improve airflow within the plant.
Propagation of Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov.
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. is commonly known as East African Blackwood or Mpingo, and it is a slow-growing, small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to East Africa, and it is known for its valuable timber that is used for carving, instrument-making, and furniture-making.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. is through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature pods that have turned brown, and they are stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for planting. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates. The seeds are then planted in trays filled with a well-draining potting mix, and they are covered with a thin layer of soil. The trays are then placed in a warm and humid location, and the soil is kept moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Cutting Propagation
Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth in spring or early summer have a higher success rate. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cutting's lower leaves are removed, leaving a few leaves near the top, and the cutting's base is dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining potting mix, and they are placed in a warm and humid location. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged until the cuttings have established roots. Once the cuttings have grown enough shoots, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. This method involves creating a wound on a healthy and mature branch, wrapping it with wet sphagnum moss, and enclosing it in a plastic bag. Rooting hormone may be applied to the wound to encourage root development. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Propagation of Dalbergia sciadendron Chiov. can be time-consuming, but it is worthwhile for those who want to cultivate their plants or produce plants for sale. Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method, while cutting propagation and air layering require more specialized skills and equipment.
Disease and Pest Management for Dalbergia Sciadendron Chiov.
Dalbergia Sciadendron Chiov. is a beautiful ornamental tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Although it is generally hardy and can adapt to different environmental conditions, it is still susceptible to some pest infestations and diseases that can damage its growth and appearance. The following are some of the common problems that you might face while growing this plant and how to manage them.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of young shoots and leaves, causing them to distort and curl. Large populations of aphids can weaken the plant and transmit viruses. To manage aphids, you can hose them off the plant with a strong stream of water or spray them with insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are not insects but are tiny arachnids that suck the plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. You can manage spider mites by pruning off the infested leaves and spraying the plant with a hose or insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that chew on the leaves, causing irregular holes and notches. To manage caterpillars, you can pick them off the plant by hand or spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) that is a natural biological control agent.
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases like leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew can affect Dalbergia Sciadendron Chiov. These diseases can cause leaf drop, stunted growth, defoliation, and death. To manage these diseases, you can apply fungicides or remove the infected leaves or branches and destroy them.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases like bacterial blight and crown gall disease can also affect Dalbergia Sciadendron Chiov. These diseases can cause cankers, leaf spots, stem rot, and wilting. To manage bacterial diseases, you can remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. In severe cases, you may need to remove the entire plant.
Viral Diseases: Viral diseases like leaf curl and mosaic virus can affect Dalbergia Sciadendron Chiov. These diseases can cause malformed leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so prevention is key. Planting virus-free plants, keeping the plant healthy, and controlling the insect vectors can help prevent viral diseases.
By following good cultural practices like proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful Dalbergia Sciadendron Chiov. However, if you notice any signs of pests or diseases, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage.
