Description of Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel, also known as Velvet tamarind, is a species of the tropical tree belonging to the family of Leguminosae or Fabaceae. The plant is native to the West African countries of Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.
Common Names
The Velvet tamarind tree is known by various names in different regions of the world. It is commonly referred to as the "velvet tamarind," "monkey-kolo," "kaga," "nepe," and "afang".
Appearance
The Velvet tamarind tree typically grows up to 20 meters tall, with a dark brown-grey bark. The leaves of the plant are compound, with about 5-9 leaflets. The leaflets are elliptical and glossy, measuring anywhere from 5–13 cm in length.
The tree bears fruits known as the "velvet tamarind," which are smooth, flattened, and rounded, with a velvety surface. The fruit is brown when mature, measuring about 2–3 cm in diameter.
Uses
The Velvet tamarind has a wide range of uses, especially in traditional medicine. The fruit pulp is known to have laxative properties, which are believed to help cure constipation. The extract of the bark and leaves of the plant is used to treat skin diseases, malaria, diarrhea, and fever.
The fruit of the Velvet tamarind is edible, and its sour taste makes it a popular ingredient in making beverages and cooking dishes like curries and chutneys. The tree's wood is also useful in making furniture, as it is hard and durable.
Overall, Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel has several benefits, including medicinal and culinary uses, and its hard wood makes it a valuable resource.Light Conditions
The Dialium ovatum plant requires plenty of sunlight to grow. It is a tropical rainforest tree that thrives in areas with direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight helps the plant develop leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Temperature Conditions
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Dialium ovatum plant is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant requires a warm and humid climate to grow properly. If the temperature drops below 15°C or goes above 35°C, it can adversely affect the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Dialium ovatum plant requires well-drained and nutrient-rich soil to grow. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant requires enough water to grow properly, but the soil must not be waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot. The plant also prefers fertile soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or manure.
Cultivation Methods for Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Dialium ovatum, commonly known as the velvet tamarind or monkey pod, is a tropical tree that requires warm temperatures to thrive. It is best grown in areas with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
When growing from seeds, soak them overnight in warm water to soften the seed coat before planting. The seedlings should emerge within two to four weeks. Cuttings can be taken from healthy, mature trees and planted in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings establish roots.
Watering Needs for Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel
The velvet tamarind requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is crucial not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot and lead to a decline in health. To prevent overwatering, ensure that the soil is well-draining and let the topsoil dry out before watering again. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the dormant season.
Fertilization of Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel
To promote healthy growth and improve yield, Dialium ovatum requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to feed the plant during the growing season. A high nitrogen fertilizer can be used when the plant is young to encourage foliage growth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Pruning of Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of Dialium ovatum while also promoting healthy growth. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season to reduce stress on the tree. Remove any dead or diseased branches using sanitized pruning shears. Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and reduce crossing branches that can cause damage.
Propagation of Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as velvet tamarind, is a slow-growing, medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The tree is native to West Africa, and it can grow up to 20 meters tall with a wide crown. The tree produces edible fruits that have a tangy taste.
There are two main methods of propagating Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits, which are usually 5 to 7 cm long. The seeds need to be soaked in water for at least 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in well-drained soil at a depth of about 2 cm. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds will usually germinate within 3 to 4 weeks.
Seed propagation is a relatively easy and convenient method of propagating the tree, but it may not be the best method for growing plants with desirable traits.
Asexual propagation
Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel can also be propagated asexually through grafting, budding, or cutting. These methods are usually used to propagate trees that have desirable traits such as disease resistance, improved fruit quality, or faster growth.
Grafting involves joining a scion (a small branch or shoot) from a desirable tree to a rootstock from another tree. The two parts are joined together so that they grow as a single plant. Budding is similar to grafting, but the scion is a small bud instead of a branch. Cutting involves taking a small section of a desirable tree and rooting it in soil to create a new plant.
Asexual propagation requires more skill and experience than seed propagation, but it allows growers to produce trees with desirable traits more reliably.
Disease Management
The plant Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel is prone to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a water mold that causes wilt and root rot. To manage it, it is crucial to plant the Dialium ovatum in well-draining soil and to avoid over-watering.
- Leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes the development of small, dark spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing and destroying infected leaves and applying copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant Dialium ovatum Hutch. & Dalziel is also vulnerable to pest attacks that can cause damage to the leaves, fruits, and stems. The common pests that can attack the plant are:
- Thrips: These insects feed on the sap of leaves, flowers, and fruits, causing stunted growth and deformation. To manage thrips, it is necessary to remove and destroy infected plant parts and use insecticides.
- Scale insects: These insects suck the sap from the plant, causing leaf yellowing, weakened growth, and death. To manage them, it is necessary to prune infected branches and use insecticides.
- Aphids: These insects also feed on the sap of the plant and are commonly found on the undersides of leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
