Origin
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt, commonly known as the sickle bush or Chinese lantern tree, is a plant species found in various parts of the world. This plant is native to Africa, where it commonly grows in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Kenya, among others.
Common Names
The plant is known by various local names in different regions where it grows. Some of the common names include sickle bush, Chinese lantern tree, Kalahari Christmas tree, and monkey thorn, among others.
Uses
Dichrostachys cinerea has various medicinal and culinary uses. The plant's bark, roots, and leaves have been traditionally used in Africa to manage inflammation, wounds, and other medical conditions. Some communities in Africa also use the leaves as a supplement in their diet, or to treat diarrhea and stomach upsets.
Additionally, the plant's twigs and branches are used for firewood, and the wood is also used in making furniture, handles, and agricultural implements, among other things. In some cultures, the tree is considered sacred and used to make traditional musical instruments.
General Appearance
Dichrostachys cinerea is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall. The plant has a characteristic umbrella-shaped canopy and a trunk with a rough, grey bark. The leaves are bipinnately compound, with small leaflets, and they range in color from light green to bluish-green. The flowers are yellow or cream in color, and they grow in clusters. The fruit is a flattened pod that is about 8-12 cm long and 2-3 cm broad, which turns red when ripe.
This plant has a broad range of morphological and physiological adaptations that enable it to endure the harsh environmental conditions, including drought, high salinity, and high temperatures. The plant's thorns and sickle-shaped pods are adaptations to protect it from herbivores, while its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil enables it to survive in nutrient-poor environments.
Light Requirements
Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa requires lots of sunlight for optimal growth and development. It thrives in areas that are exposed to full sunlight for most of the day. While it can tolerate some shade, the plant will produce fewer flowers and have a weaker structure if grown in areas with low light levels.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Africa and, as such, it is well adapted to tolerate high temperatures. It can grow in areas with a wide temperature range, from 20°C to 35°C. However, it is important to note that it may not tolerate frost or very cold temperatures well. If you live in a colder climate, it is recommended to grow this plant in containers so you can move it indoors when the temperature drops too low.
Soil Requirements
Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa can grow in a wide range of soils as long as they are well-draining. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils. However, it does not grow well in soils that are constantly waterlogged or poorly drained. To ensure optimal growth, it is important to provide proper irrigation and drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It can grow in both sandy and clay soils and is adapted to tolerate drought conditions. It can be grown from seed or cuttings, and it is recommended to plant in spring or summer. It requires a warm climate and direct sunlight to thrive.
Watering Needs of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt requires moderate watering, especially during the first few years of growth and in the hot summer months. It is best to water the plant thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt does not require frequent fertilization. However, during the growing season, it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer to prevent overfertilization, which can lead to leaf burn and other plant problems.
Pruning of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. platycarpa (Welw. ex W.Bull) Brenan & Brummitt does not require regular pruning. However, it can benefit from periodic pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plant begins to put out new growth. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches.
Propagation methods for Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa
Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds can be collected from the plant once they turn black and dry. The seeds have a hard coat, which needs to be scarified for proper germination. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds on a piece of sandpaper or by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Once scarified, the seeds can be sown in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. The containers can be kept in a warm and bright location until the seeds germinate.
Propagation through cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have at least one node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cuttings can be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a container filled with well-draining potting mix. The container can be covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture and placed in a warm and bright location. The cuttings should root within a few weeks.
Propagation through grafting
Grafting can be done to propagate superior quality plants. The rootstock should be grown from seeds, while the scion wood should be taken from a superior quality plant. The scion wood should have a diameter of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch and should have at least three buds. The grafting can be done during the growing season by making a diagonal cut on the rootstock and the scion wood and joining them together. The jointed area can be wrapped with grafting tape to hold it in place. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until the joint is healed, after which it can be planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa
Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like any plant, it can still get affected by some pathogens and pests. Proper management techniques can help prevent and control these problems effectively.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides containing sulfur or copper. You should also prune the infected parts and improve air circulation. Ensure the plant is not overcrowded, and water it early in the morning to allow enough time for the leaves to dry.
Another common disease in Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa is anthracnose. Anthracnose manifests as small, sunken, dark spots on the leaves and stem, which enlarge and merge to form irregular dead patches. For managing this disease, remove all the infected tissues and leaves, improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to control the humidity level. Applying copper-based fungicides can also be effective in controlling the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pest that can infest Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the plant sap, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf fall. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. You can also introduce predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to manage the spider mites.
Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. platycarpa can also be attacked by mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. These pests also suck plant sap and cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. You can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control their population.
Preventive Measures
Practicing good hygiene, such as cleaning all the gardening tools to remove any diseased plant parts, can help prevent the spread of plant diseases. Additionally, maintain proper soil moisture levels and soil pH to avoid stressing the plant. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and attract pests and diseases. Finally, ensure that the plant is in a suitable location with adequate sunlight, nutrients, and drainage to reduce the plant's susceptibility to pest and disease attacks.
