Description of Dialium excelsum Steyaert
Dialium excelsum Steyaert, also known as the velvet tamarind, is a tree species belonging to the family Fabaceae.
Origin and Distribution
The tree is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. It is also found in Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.
Common Names
Besides the velvet tamarind, Dialium excelsum Steyaert is known by several other names, such as korkor (Ghana), voasary (Madagascar), akpi (Cameroon), kombo (Gabon), and mbundu (Angola).
General Appearance and Uses
The velvet tamarind can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a dense canopy of leaves. Its bark is dark brown, and its branches are narrow and drooping. The tree bears fruits with brown, velvety shells, which contain seeds surrounded by edible pulp.
In Africa, the velvet tamarind is an important tree for medicinal and culinary purposes. Its fruits are used to make sauces, drinks, and traditional dishes. The pulp is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron, and is believed to have health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting the immune system.
In addition to its culinary uses, Dialium excelsum Steyaert also has several industrial uses. The bark and leaves of the tree contain compounds that have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which have been used in the production of medicines, cosmetics, and food additives.
Overall, the velvet tamarind is a versatile and valuable tree that benefits both humans and the environment.
Light Requirements
Dialium excelsum Steyaert grows best in areas with plenty of sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive properly. The plant can also tolerate some shade, but its overall growth will be slower compared to when it is exposed to full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures with a minimum temperature above 15°C (59°F). The maximum temperature required for the plant is 35°C (95°F). The plant can grow in tropical climates with high temperatures and humidity. In colder areas, this plant will struggle to grow and may have a shorter lifespan.
Soil Requirements
Dialium excelsum Steyaert requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The soil must be rich in organic matter. This plant is not tolerant to waterlogged soil and will not survive if the roots are submerged in water. The recommended soil type is loam, which is a mixture of sand, clay, and silt. It is also important to note that this plant prefers soils that have high fertility levels.
Cultivation Methods
Dialium excelsum Steyaert, commonly known as Velvet Tamarind, is a tropical tree that thrives in warm and humid environments. It can be grown from seeds or propagated through stem cuttings.
If planting from seeds, sow them shallowly in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the seedling has developed a few leaves, transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
If propagating from stem cuttings, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy tree, preferably in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone before planting it in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm and shaded area until it roots and develops new leaves.
Watering Needs
The Velvet Tamarind tree prefers consistently moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch but make sure not to overwater it. Too much water can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
In dry climates or during the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering. However, during the winter, reduce the watering frequency to prevent soggy soil and stagnant water.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Dialium excelsum Steyaert tree every three months during the growing season, from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or a fertilizer with a higher potassium percentage.
Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, but avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to burnout and damage to the plant.
Pruning
Prune the Velvet Tamarind tree during the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches that can cause wounds and invite pests and diseases.
You can also prune the plant to promote a more bushy and compact growth habit. Remove the top branches to encourage side branching and more foliage. If you want to maintain the tree's natural shape and height, only prune lightly and shape it annually.
Propagation of Dialium excelsum Steyaert
Dialium excelsum Steyaert, also known as velvet tamarind, is a tropical tree species that is native to Africa. It is an important timber tree and is also used for medicinal purposes. If you are interested in propagating Dialium excelsum Steyaert, there are several methods that you can use.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Dialium excelsum Steyaert is through seeds. The seeds are contained within the fruit pods, which typically ripen after six months of growth. To propagate the tree from seeds:
- Collect the fruit pods when they are ripe
- Remove the seeds from the pods
- Wash the seeds and dry them in the sun for a day or two
- Plant the seeds in a pot with well-draining soil
- Water the seeds regularly and keep them in a warm, humid location
- The seeds should germinate within three to four weeks
Grafting
Grafting is a technique that is often used to propagate Dialium excelsum Steyaert when a tree is not producing fruit or is not growing well. There are two common grafting methods:
- Budding: This involves taking a small bud from a mature tree and inserting it into an incision made on a young seedling.
- Cleft grafting: This involves cutting a notch into a young sapling and inserting a scion of a mature tree.
Grafting should be done during the dormant period, which is usually in the winter.
Stem Cuttings
It is also possible to propagate Dialium excelsum Steyaert using stem cuttings, although this method is less reliable than seed propagation or grafting. To propagate the tree using stem cuttings:
- Select a healthy stem from a mature tree
- Cut a 6-inch section of the stem, making sure that it has at least one node
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone
- Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil
- Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, humid location
- The cutting should start to form roots within a few weeks
Propagation of Dialium excelsum Steyaert can be a rewarding process, regardless of the method you choose. With a little patience and the right care, you can successfully propagate this important tropical tree species.
Disease and Pest Management of Dialium Excelsum Steyaert
Dialium excelsum Steyaert is a tropical tree species belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as monkey tamarind. It is widely distributed in the African continent and used for various purposes, such as food, medicine, timber, and shade. However, like any other plant, Dialium excelsum Steyaert is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its productivity and quality. Therefore, proper disease and pest management strategies are crucial for maintaining the health and vigor of Dialium excelsum Steyaert.
Common Diseases
Various diseases can affect Dialium excelsum Steyaert, including:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging and poor drainage. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of leaves, stunted growth, and ultimately death of the plant. The best strategy to manage root rot is to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It can cause black spots on leaves, stems, and fruits, which can enlarge and become sunken. Anthracnose can affect the growth and yield of Dialium excelsum Steyaert. The management of anthracnose includes removing and destroying infected plant parts, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni. It can cause a white powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers, which can reduce photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. The management of powdery mildew includes improving air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides.
Common Pests
Various pests can attack Dialium excelsum Steyaert, including:
- Spider mites: These pests are small and can cause yellowing, stippling, and webbing on leaves. They can reduce the growth and yield of Dialium excelsum Steyaert. The management of spider mites includes applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other suitable insecticides.
- Scale insects: These pests are small and can attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Dialium excelsum Steyaert. They can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and dieback of the plant. The management of scale insects includes removing and destroying infested plant parts, applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and maintaining proper plant hygiene.
- Caterpillars: These pests are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can cause defoliation and damage to fruits of Dialium excelsum Steyaert. The management of caterpillars includes manual removal, applying Bacillus thuringiensis or other suitable insecticides.
It is crucial to monitor the Dialium excelsum Steyaert regularly for any signs of diseases or pests and to take appropriate and timely actions to manage them.
