Overview
Dialium tessmannii Harms, commonly known as the African Rosewood or Tanzanian Blackwood, is a tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to eastern and central Africa, specifically found in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia.
Description
The African Rosewood can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of 1 meter. It has a dense canopy of foliage composed of pinnate leaves that are bright green in color. The tree has a straight and cylindrical trunk that is dark gray to blackish and has fissured bark.
Uses
The African Rosewood is a valuable tree species, especially in the timber industry. The wood is hard, dense, and dark in color, making it highly sought after for furniture, carvings, and musical instruments. The tree's bark is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach ulcers and dysentery.
Additionally, the Dialium tessmanniii Harms tree is important in the ecosystem as it provides go-to habitat and food for several bird species and primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Cultivation
The African Rosewood is a slow-growing tree, and its propagation is mainly by seedling. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, and it grows best in warm, humid climates. The tree can tolerate both partial and full sunlight and is resistant to pests and diseases.
However, due to extensive logging activities and habitat loss from human settlement and agriculture, the African Rosewood is listed as a vulnerable plant species. Therefore, sustainable harvesting and conservation efforts are vital in protecting this valuable plant species.
Light Requirements
The plant Dialium tessmannii Harms thrives in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant does not fare well in shaded areas or low light conditions. Therefore, it is best to grow the plant in an area that receives adequate sunshine throughout the year.
Temperature Requirements
The Dialium tessmannii Harms prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20°C - 30°C. The plant is native to humid and tropical areas, so it can withstand high temperatures and humidity levels. However, it is recommended to grow the plant in an area that experiences consistent temperatures throughout the year. Sudden temperature changes can harm the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Dialium tessmannii Harms prefers well-draining, light, and moist soil. The optimal pH range for the plant is 5.5-7.5. The soil must not retain water as it can lead to root rot. The plant can grow in various soil types such as sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. It is recommended to enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure before planting the Dialium tessmannii Harms.
Cultivation Methods
Dialium tessmannii Harms is a plant that is widely cultivated in tropical regions. It thrives well in well-drained soils and areas with a good drainage system. For effective cultivation of this plant, you need to ensure that the soil has enough organic matter, is fertile and able to hold moisture. It is best to plant it during the rainy season when there is sufficient water supply.Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth of the Dialium tessmannii Harms plant. The plant requires frequent watering when young to help its establishment. As it grows, it needs less water, and you should only water when the top of the soil is dry. Too much watering can lead to root rot, and too little water can lead to water-stress and affect its growth.Fertilization
Fertilizing your Dialium tessmannii Harms plant is crucial to ensure that it has the necessary nutrients and minerals to thrive. This plant requires regular fertilization with a complete balanced fertilizer. Fertilize it every six months with manure, compost, or 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer.Pruning
One of the essential practices for Dialium tessmannii Harms plant is pruning. Pruning helps to shape and maintain the plant's health, remove dead or diseased parts, and promote new growth. You can prune it annually, preferably during the dry season, to allow the plant to get the most out of the rains during the wet season. When pruning, make sure you use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.Propagation of Dialium tessmannii Harms
Dialium tessmannii Harms, commonly known as the Sierra Leone peach, is a fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to West Africa and known for its succulent fruits, which are consumed both fresh and dried. While it is possible to grow Dialium tessmannii Harms from seeds, it is not recommended due to the tree's slow germination period and unpredictable growth patterns. Instead, the propagation methods typically employed are grafting and budding.
Grafting
Grafting is the process of joining a scion, which contains the desired characteristics of the Dialium tessmannii Harms tree, onto a rootstock, which establishes the roots and canopy of the plant. The scion should be taken during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring.
The rootstock, on the other hand, should be taken from a mature, healthy Dialium tessmannii Harms tree. It is advisable to use a vigorous rootstock with a diameter of at least 1 cm for better chances of survival. Both the rootstock and scion should be of similar diameter to ensure easy alignment.
The scion is then prepared by cutting it into a wedge shape, with one side having a slanted cut and the other side a straight cut. The rootstock is likewise prepared by making a similar wedge-shaped cut, with the slanted side facing downwards. The scion and rootstock are then joined together, with the cuts matching up perfectly, and held in place using grafting tape or similar materials.
Budding
Budding is a propagation method that involves placing a bud from a Dialium tessmannii Harms tree onto the rootstock of another tree. This method is commonly used when grafting is not successful or when the tree is difficult to graft.
Like grafting, budding involves selecting a healthy rootstock. The bud, which contains the desired characteristic of the Dialium tessmannii Harms tree, is then removed from the scion and inserted into a small incision on the rootstock. The surrounding bark is then tied firmly with budding tape to keep the bud in place.
Budding is usually done during the active growth season of the tree, which is typically in summer when the bark can be easily separated from the tree.
In conclusion, Dialium tessmannii Harms can be propagated using grafting and budding methods. Both propagation methods are effective and allow for the production of uniform trees with desired characteristics. However, it is important to note that both methods require experience and expertise in the process to ensure a successful outcome.
Disease and Pest Management for Dialium Tessmannii Harms
Dialium tessmannii Harms, commonly known as the African velvet bean is a leguminous plant species that has cultural, economic, and ecological significance. Like all plants, Dialium tessmannii Harms is susceptible to pests and diseases that hinder its growth and development. Understanding the common pests and diseases that affect Dialium tessmannii Harms and implementing appropriate management strategies is essential to ensure its optimal growth and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Dialium tessmannii Harms is root rot, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. The disease is characterized by wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. Root rot can be managed by practicing crop rotation, using sterile planting materials, and using fungicides such as copper-based fungicides.
Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causes brown to black spots on leaves, stems, and fruits eventually leading to defoliation and fruit drop. Anthracnose can be controlled by pruning infected leaves and twigs, avoiding wounds in plants, practicing proper sanitation, and spraying the plant with fungicides such as mancozeb, chlorothalonil or copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affect Dialium tessmannii Harms is the pod borer, Maruca vitrata, which damages the pods, leading to reduced yields. To control pod borers, use the integrated pest management approach that involves the use of biological control methods, such as releasing natural enemies like Trichogramma chilonis, cultural control methods like intercropping with maize, and chemical control methods like using insecticides such as Flubendiamide, Chlorantraniliprole, and Emamectin benzoate.
The African velvet bean is also susceptible to termite infestation, which can cause significant damage to the root system and stems, leading to wilting and deformation of the plant. To control termites, cultural control methods, such as removing plant debris and maintaining proper pruning, can be used. The use of baits such as chlorfluazuron, hexaflumuron, and noviflumuron have been found to control termite infestations effectively.
By understanding the common pests and diseases that affect Dialium tessmannii Harms and implementing appropriate management strategies, farmers and gardeners can improve the yield and quality of this leguminous species.
