Overview
Delonix baccal (Chiov.) Baker f. is a flowering tree species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The tree is known for its spherical, woody fruits and vibrant, red flowers that bloom during the summer months.
Origin
Delonix baccal is native to the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti. It can also be found in other parts of East Africa, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Delonix baccal is commonly known as the Somali Delonix or Somali Poinciana. In Ethiopia, it is called 'Harmade' in Amharic and 'Adbee' in Oromo.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 10-12 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. Its bark is grey-brown and has a rough texture. The leaves are bipinnate, with small leaflets that are around 1-2 cm long. The flowers are large and showy, with a striking bright red color. They have five petals and ten stamens, and measure around 8-10 cm in diameter. The fruits are woody, indehiscent, and spherical, and they contain several seeds.
Uses
The tree is often used for shade and ornamental purposes because of its attractive flowers and overall appearance. In traditional Ethiopian medicine, various parts of the tree are used to treat different ailments, including fungal infections, stomach pains, and eye infections. Additionally, its wood has been used for construction and as firewood.
Light Requirements
Delonix baccal is a tropical plant that requires a lot of sunlight to grow and thrive. Therefore, it should be grown in full sun to partial shade conditions to give it ample exposure to sunlight. If grown indoors, it should be placed close to a south-facing window where it can receive a lot of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 32°C (64°F to 90°F) and cannot tolerate frost. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions with warm climates. When grown indoors, it should be protected from cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. The pH level of the soil should range from 6.0 to 6.5. Sandy loam, loam, and clay loam soils are ideal for growing Delonix baccal. The soil should also be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils which may cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The Delonix baccal (Chiov.) Baker f., commonly known as the Ivory Coast Flamboyant or Waterfall Tree, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 9 meters tall and spread up to 10 meters wide. When cultivating Delonix baccal, it is essential to plant the tree in well-draining soil that contains more sand than clay to improve aeration. It needs full sun to part shade and requires consistent watering, especially during the growing season. You can propagate the plant through seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
The Delonix baccal plant requires consistent watering. During the growing season, it is essential to keep the soil moist but not saturated. You can achieve this by watering the plant twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering to prevent root rot. In the dry season, it is recommended to increase the watering frequency, and ensure that the tree receives sufficient water to sustain its growth.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, Delonix baccal requires regular fertilization. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer that contains equal proportions of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. During the growing season, you can fertilize the plant every two weeks to provide the necessary nutrients. You can also add organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning helps to manage the size and shape of the Delonix baccal plant. It involves removing damaged or dead branches to promote healthy growth and prevent disease spread. The best time for pruning is during the dormant season, which occurs between late fall and early spring. During this time, you can remove any damaged or diseased branches and trim the plant to the desired shape. You can also remove any suckers that grow around the base of the trunk to prevent them from competing with the main tree for nutrients.
Propagation Methods for Delonix baccal (Chiov.) Baker f.
Delonix baccal (Chiov.) Baker f. is a species that belongs to the Fabaceae family, commonly known as Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant. The plant is propagated through several methods:
Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Delonix baccal is through seeds that give better results. First, select healthy seeds that are free from any infections or diseases. Clean the seeds by removing any pulp or sticky substance around the seed and plant the seeds in a well-prepared potting mix. The soil should be rich in nutrients and well-draining. Keep the soil moist and in a warm and bright location. It takes about 10 to 15 days for the seedlings to appear.
Cuttings
Delonix baccal can also be propagated through cuttings. For cuttings, select a healthy young branch. Cut the branch at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife and remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-prepared potting mix to prevent the cutting from drying out. Ensure the soil remains moist and place the cutting in a warm and bright location. It takes up to eight weeks for the cutting to root and develop into a new plant.
Air-Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Delonix baccal. This method involves selecting a healthy and mature branch. A section of the branch's bark is removed, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. Cover the wound with moist moss and a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The roots take around four to six weeks to develop. Cut the rooted branch from the parent plant and plant in a well-draining soil mix to develop into a new plant.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method for Delonix baccal. This method involves taking a scion, which is a shoot or a bud, from the parent plant and attaching it to a rootstock of a similar species. This method is commonly used to get faster results, and the graft can develop into a new plant in a few months.
Overall, Delonix baccal can be propagated using various methods depending on availability, time, and the propagation medium. By using any of these methods, the plant can quickly develop into a beautiful and healthy mature plant.
Disease Management for Delonix baccal
Delonix baccal is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, under certain conditions, it can suffer from some diseases that affect its growth and health.
Root Rot: It is the most common disease caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and death. The best way to prevent root rot is by avoiding over-watering and poor soil drainage. If the disease is already established, remove the infected plant and apply fungicide to the soil.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are caused by fungi, which result in small brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. The infected leaves eventually fall, leading to the death of the plant. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves and use fungicides to limit their spread.
Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes irregular spots on the leaves, leading to the death of the plant. The best preventive measures are to avoid overhead watering and pruning of infected leaves. Fungicides can also be applied to limit the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Delonix baccal
Delonix baccal is not prone to pest attacks. However, there are some pests that can feed on its leaves and flowers, leading to reduced growth and flowering.
Aphids: These are tiny insects that feed on the sap of Delonix baccal, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dishwashing soap or insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can defoliate the entire plant if left unchecked. They can be manually removed from the plant or sprayed with insecticides to limit their spread.
Mites: Mites feed on the leaves of Delonix baccal, leading to discoloration and curling of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water, dishwashing soap, and neem oil.
Regular monitoring and early detection of pests and diseases can help prevent significant damage to Delonix baccal. Proper care and maintenance, including appropriate watering, fertilization, and pruning, can also significantly improve the plant's health and resilience to pest and disease attacks.
