Overview
Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard is a tropical tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae.
Origin and Distribution
The tree is native to West Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad. It is commonly found in savannas and dry forests.
Common Names
The tree is commonly referred to as African copalwood, Nigerian copalwood, or Gabon copalwood.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a trunk diameter of up to 150 centimeters. It has a wide-spreading crown and a cylindrical bole that is often crooked. The bark is smooth and gray, with vertical ridges that become more pronounced with age.
The leaves are alternate and compound, with up to 18 pairs of leaflets. Each leaflet is elliptical and measures between 3 and 8 centimeters long. The tree produces small yellow or greenish flowers that are clustered in axillary or terminal spikes.
The fruit is a pod that is between 10 and 25 centimeters long and 4 to 6 centimeters wide. The pod turns brown when ripe and splits open to reveal one or two dark brown seeds.
Uses
Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard is a valuable timber species that is used for various purposes. The wood is hard, durable, and resistant to decay, making it suitable for flooring, furniture, and construction materials.
The tree also produces copal, which is a resin that is used for incense, varnishes, and perfumes. The copal is harvested by making incisions in the bark, allowing the resin to flow out. The resin hardens when exposed to air and can be collected after a few days.
In traditional medicine, the roots, bark, and leaves of the tree are used to treat various ailments such as digestive problems, fever, and inflammation.
The tree is also an important source of food for both humans and animals. The seeds are edible and are often roasted, boiled or ground to make flour. The leaves and pods are also used as animal feed.
Light Requirements
Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard requires full sun to partial shade to grow. It is not recommended to grow this plant under full shade conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard is favored by warm temperatures with a mean annual temperature of 22-30°C. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 16°C but cannot endure frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. It can survive in soils that have a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. It doesn't gestate in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard
Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard, commonly known as the 'African copalwood,' is a flowering plant found in the tropical regions of Africa. For successful cultivation of this plant, follow the guidelines below:
Soil: The plant requires rich, well-draining soil. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost is recommended. The soil pH should be around 6.0 to 7.5.
Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can cause stunted growth or death of the plant.
Temperature: The African copalwood is a tropical plant and prefers temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. It cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C.
Watering Needs of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard
Watering: Water the plant regularly but avoid over-watering. During hot weather, increase watering frequency, but ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. The plant can tolerate drought but performs better with regular watering.
Humidity: The plant thrives in high humidity and can benefit from misting during hot weather.
Fertilization of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard
Fertilization: The African copalwood requires regular fertilization to promote growth and blooming. Apply a balanced fertilizer every three months. Adequate minerals such as potassium and calcium should be included in the fertilizer. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer.
Pruning Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard
Pruning: The plant does not require regular pruning. However, dead or damaged branches should be trimmed off to promote healthy growth. Pruning can also be done for aesthetic purposes. Carry out pruning during the growing season, and ensure you use sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading disease.
Propagation of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard
Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and budding.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard can be collected from mature pods. The pods should be collected when they are brown and fully mature, and the seeds should be extracted by hand. After extraction, seeds should be kept under shade for a few days to allow them to dry out.
Once seeds are completely dry, they can be stored in a cool and dry place before sowing. Before sowing, seeds can be treated with hot water to break their dormancy and improve germination rates. Sowing should be done in well-draining soil in a warm and humid environment. Germination usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard can also be propagated through cuttings. Stem cuttings of the plant should be collected from the parent plant during the growing season. Cuttings should be about 20-25 cm long and should have 4-6 nodes.
Before planting, cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be placed in a warm and humid environment and should be watered regularly. Roots will start to grow within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through Budding
Propagation through budding is another method that can be used to propagate Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard. In this method, a bud is taken from the parent plant and grafted on a young seedling of a related species. The young seedling must have a stem diameter that is similar to that of the bud.
The bud should be taken from a current season's growth and should have well-developed buds. After grafting, the plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment and should be watered regularly. Within 4-6 weeks, the bud should start to grow and form shoots.
Disease and Pest Management of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard
Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard, commonly known as African copalwood, is prone to several diseases and pests that can greatly affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can attack this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Canker Diseases: Canker diseases are caused by fungal pathogens that infect the bark and cambium of the tree, resulting in sunken cankers that can girdle and kill branches or even the whole tree. To manage canker diseases, prune and dispose of infected branches or trees, disinfect pruning tools between cuts, and avoid wounding the tree.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that thrive in waterlogged soils. It can stunt growth and cause leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants and plant debris.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and causes brown or black spots, defoliation, and stunted growth. To manage anthracnose, remove infected leaves and dispose of them, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if the infection is severe.
Pests
Termites: Termites feed on the wood and can weaken or even kill the tree. To manage termites, use physical barriers like mesh or plastic sheets around the base of the tree, apply insecticides to the soil, and remove termite-infested wood and debris.
Borers: Borers are the larvae of certain beetles and moths that tunnel into the trunk or branches of the tree, causing damage and weakening the tree. To manage borers, prune and dispose of infested branches, apply insecticides to the affected area, and avoid wounding the tree.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of certain moths and butterflies that can defoliate the tree and stunt its growth. To manage caterpillars, manually remove them or apply insecticides to the affected area.
In conclusion, proper management of diseases and pests is crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of Daniellia thurifera Benn. var. chevalieri J.Léonard. By following the suggested management practices, farmers and growers can mitigate the impact of diseases and pests on their crops and ensure a healthy and stable yield.
