Overview of Dialium densiflorum Harms
Dialium densiflorum Harms is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as the Velvet Tamarind or Awin in Nigeria. It is a tree that is native to Tropical Africa, particularly Guinea, and is known for its edible fruit pods, which are used for their sweet and sour pulp.
Appearance of Dialium densiflorum Harms
The Dialium densiflorum Harms is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 meters tall. It has a dense, rounded crown and a straight, smooth bark that is grey. The leaves are compound, with 5-7 elliptical leaflets that are slightly glossy, up to 12cm long, and have a leathery texture. The tree also produces small, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers that are up to 1 cm in diameter and are arranged in dense terminal inflorescences.
Uses of Dialium densiflorum Harms
The fruits of the Dialium densiflorum Harms tree are the most widely used part of the plant. The fruit pods contain a sweet-sour pulp with a unique taste that is used in traditional medicine and as a food flavoring agent. The seeds, bark, and roots of the tree are also used in traditional medicine. The leaves and young shoots of the tree are used as animal feed.
Dialium densiflorum Harms also has other uses in various African cultures. The tree is considered sacred in some areas of Nigeria, and its leaves are used in ceremonial events. The wood of the tree is also used for construction and in making furniture.
The tree has several nutritional and health benefits, including high levels of vitamins A and C, which help in promoting healthy skin, eyesight, and immune system. Additionally, the plant pulp has antimicrobial properties and can treat various diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and infections.
Light Requirements
Dialium densiflorum Harms thrives in full sunlight. It requires bright and direct light for at least six hours a day, but it can tolerate some shade. If the plant is kept in a shady area, it can become leggy and will not flower well.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Dialium densiflorum Harms is between 25°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 40°C. The plant may experience stunted growth if the conditions are too hot or too cold.
Soil Requirements
Dialium densiflorum Harms prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. The soil pH should be between 5.0 to 6.5. Poorly drained soils can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases. The plant can grow well in sandy loam soils or red earth soils, but it does not grow well in heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods:
Dialium densiflorum Harms is best planted in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Make sure that the soil is rich in organic matter and adequately aerated to promote root growth. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C to 30°C. It thrives best in a semi-shade environment. However, it also does well in full sunlight. It is advisable to plant Dialium densiflorum Harms during the rainy season.
Watering Needs:
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to ensure that the soil is moist and not waterlogged. Water the plant at least twice a week and more frequently if the weather is dry and hot. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization:
Use organic manure regularly to fertilize the plant. Apply fertilizer 2-3 times in a year, especially during the growing season. The application of nitrogenous fertilizers is ideal for the plant's growth. Do not overuse fertilizers as it can affect the plant's growth and development negatively.
Pruning:
To keep the plant in an ideal shape and promote growth, it is advisable to carry out occasional pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as they can harm the plant. Cut off the stem tips to promote bushing and branching. Do not prune the plant during the flowering season to avoid reducing flower production.
Propagation of Dialium densiflorum Harms
Dialium densiflorum Harms, also known as the velvet tamarind or African rosewood, is a deciduous tree that is commonly found in tropical Africa. The plant can be propagated through different methods:
Seed propagation
The velvet tamarind produces fruits that contain seeds. To propagate using this method, collect fresh seeds and remove the outer pulp. Wash the seeds with clean water and dry them for a day or two. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften their outer coating and promote germination. Sow the seeds in seed trays or directly into potting soil. Maintain moisture levels by watering the soil regularly. Germination can take between 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned out if there are too many.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings are another propagation method for Dialium densiflorum Harms. Take cuttings of the plant that are about six inches long and have at least three leaves. Make sure the cuttings are taken from healthy and disease-free plants. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage rooting and prevent infections. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining medium and keep them moist. It might take up to six weeks for the roots to develop, and the cutting can be transplanted once they have established themselves.
Layering propagation
Layering involves bending a low branch of the velvet tamarind to the ground and covering it with soil. Secure the branch in place using pegs, and ensure that the tip is still visible above the soil. Roots will form at the buried section, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant once roots have established. Transplant the new Dialium densiflorum Harms to a new pot or ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Dialium densiflorum Harms
Dialium densiflorum Harms, commonly known as velvet tamarind, is a tropical tree that is widely planted in agroforestry systems in many countries. The tree produces tart, edible fruits, and has several medicinal properties. However, velvet tamarind is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly lower productivity. Below are some common diseases and pests that can affect velvet tamarind and ways to manage them.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect leaves, stems, and fruits of velvet tamarind. The symptoms include dark, sunken lesions on the affected tissues, which can lead to defoliation and fruit rot. The disease is more severe in wet and humid conditions. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to prune off diseased branches and remove infected fruits from the tree. Applying copper-based fungicides can also help control the spread of the disease.
Fruit flies
Fruit flies are common pests that can significantly reduce the yield of velvet tamarind. The insects usually lay eggs on the fruit, and the emerging maggots feed on the pulp, causing the fruit to rot. To manage fruit flies, it is advisable to practice good sanitation by removing fallen fruits from the orchard. Covering the fruits with paper bags or using traps with bait can also help to lure and kill the flies.
Leaf-eating caterpillars
Velvet tamarind is also susceptible to attacks by leaf-eating caterpillars, which can defoliate the tree, reducing photosynthesis and overall growth. To manage caterpillars, one can physically remove the insects from the tree or use biological control methods such as introducing natural enemies like parasitic wasps that attack the pests.
Mites
Mites are tiny pests that can attack velvet tamarind, especially under hot and dry conditions. The insects usually suck sap from the leaves, leading to stunted and curled leaves and leaves falling prematurely. To manage mites, one can use miticides, including sulfur-based products and petroleum oils. Applying organic fertilizers can also help minimize the severity of mite infestation by improving the tree's overall health.
In conclusion, disease, and pest management is crucial to ensure adequate and healthy harvests of velvet tamarind. A combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods can help to control and prevent diseases and pests from affecting the tree. However, one should always read and follow the label instructions of any chemical products applied on the tree.
