Daniellia ogea (Harms) Rolfe
Daniellia ogea (Harms) Rolfe, also known as African copalwood or Daniellia, is a large tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to tropical West Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
Common Names
Daniellia ogea is known by several common names, including:
- African copalwood
- Daniellia
- Ogea
- Odum
- Wawata
Uses
Daniellia ogea is a versatile tree that has a wide range of uses. The wood of the tree is highly valued for its durability and resistance to termites, making it ideal for constructing furniture, flooring, and buildings. The tree also produces gum, which is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments like sore throat, coughs, and dental problems. Additionally, the seeds of the tree are used to produce oil, which is used for cooking and in the production of soap and cosmetics.
General Appearance
The Daniellia ogea tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter. The bark of the tree is dark brown and rough, while the leaves are compound and alternate. The leaflets are elliptical and pointed at both ends, measuring up to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and borne in axillary spikes. The fruit is a pod that is slightly flattened, measuring up to 15 cm long and 4 cm wide, and contains 1-6 seeds.
Overall, Daniellia ogea is an important tree species in West Africa that plays a significant role in the cultural and economic lives of local communities.
Growth Conditions for Daniellia ogea (Harms) Rolfe
Daniellia ogea (Harms) Rolfe is a flowering tree that is native to tropical Africa. It is commonly found in open savanna and deciduous forests. The growth conditions for this plant are crucial for its survival and optimal growth.
Light Requirements
Daniellia ogea requires full sunlight to grow and develop. It is tolerant of partial shade, but full sunlight is essential for its optimal growth. Without enough light, this plant may become leggy and weak, thus reducing its growth rate and overall health.
Temperature
Daniellia ogea grows best in warm and humid conditions. It requires temperatures ranging between 25°C to 35°C for optimal growth. Temperatures below 20°C can cause stunted growth and frost damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Daniellia ogea grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. It prefers loamy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. The roots of this plant can penetrate deeply into the soil to access water and nutrients, which is essential for its survival during the dry season.
The growth conditions for Daniellia ogea must be carefully considered before planting. Providing the ideal conditions for this plant will lead to healthy growth, a long lifespan, and beautiful flowers.
Cultivation Methods
The Daniellia ogea (Harms) Rolfe, commonly known as the African copaiba or Okume, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, specifically found in tropical Africa. When cultivating this plant, it is vital to select a well-draining site with rich soil that is loamy, fertile and has a pH ranging from 4.5-6.5. Selecting a site with as much sunlight as possible is crucial for the growth of the plant. The plant can be grown from seeds, which are collected and sowed in well-prepared beds. Seed propagation takes a longer time to germinate, and young seedlings can be transplanted once they have grown to at least four inches tall.
Watering Needs
The Daniellia ogea plant needs sufficient moisture to thrive. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is never waterlogged, as the plant may be with root rot. During the growing season, water the plant generously, allowing the soil to dry up in between watering. Reduce the amount of water slowly as winter approaches, allowing the soil to dry up a little bit longer.
Fertilization
It is crucial to note that Daniellia ogea plants require regular fertilization to reach their full potential. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, applied to the soil twice a year, in early spring and mid-summer, provides the necessary nutrients for the plant. You may also use organic compost to enrich the soil of the plant regularly.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Daniellia ogea plant, but it can improve on the shape and structure of the plant if done correctly. To prune, cut out the branch tips that are dead and remove any crossing, rubbing branches. When pruning, make sure to use sharp, clean equipment designed for pruning to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before the growing season begins, to enhance the plant's growth and health.
Propagation of Daniellia ogea
Daniellia ogea, commonly known as African copalwood, can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The ideal time for seed collection from Daniellia ogea is between November and December. The seeds should be collected from the wild as they are not commercially available. Seeds must be sown immediately after collection, as they lose viability quickly, and do not store well. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to break the seed coat's hard dormancy. This can be done by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours, or lightly nicking the seed coat with a sharp blade. The seeds could also be boiled for 2-3 minutes, soaking them in hot water for 24 hours, or exposing them to sulphuric acid or hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes, to assist in the breaking of the seed coat.
The sowing medium should consist of sandy loam or a mixture of sand and soil. The seeds could be sown directly into the pots or seed trays and covered with a thin layer of loosely pressed soil. The sowing depth must be twice the size of the seed. The pots should be watered enough to dampen the surface and kept in a shaded area for uniform germination. Germination could take approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Daniellia ogea can also be propagated vegetatively, using stem cuttings or root cutting. However, stem cuttings are often more successful than root cuttings.
The best time to take cuttings is in the first half of the rainy season. The cuttings should be taken from mature branches of the plant and should be 10-20 centimeters long. The bottom end of the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone, and planted in rooting media, such as a mixture of sand and soil or peat moss. The cuttings should be kept under high humidity until roots develop, which could take up to four weeks. Afterward, they should be transferred to individual pots with fertile soil, and kept in a shaded area for a few weeks.
It is important to note that vegetative propagation results in slower growth rates than seed propagation.
Disease Management
Daniellia ogea is generally a hardy plant, but it is susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Root Rot
Root rot can be caused by soil-borne fungi, and it can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. You can also apply fungicides to the soil to prevent the spread of the fungus.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Daniellia ogea, causing yellow and brown spots. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides to prevent the spread of the fungus.
3. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. This fungal disease can lead to leaf drop and reduced growth. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove infected leaves and apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
Daniellia ogea is also susceptible to pests. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Bagworms
Bagworms are the larvae of certain moth species that feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation. To manage bagworms, you can handpick the bags and destroy them. You can also spray the plant with insecticides to kill the larvae.
2. Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They can be managed by using a soft-bristled brush to remove them from the plant or by applying insecticides.
3. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing leaves and defoliation. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soaps or oils.
Overall, it is important to regularly inspect Daniellia ogea for any signs of disease or pest infestation and take prompt action to prevent the spread and damage to the plant.
