Description of Dichrostachys Kirkii Benth
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. is a tree species of the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known by its English name, Kirk's Dichrostachys, or its Swahili name, Mtimbua. The tree is native to East and Southern Africa. It can grow to a height of up to 15 meters, and its bark is brownish-gray and rough, with a diameter of up to 60 cm.
Appearance
The tree has pinnate leaves, 2 to 7 cm long, with 6 to 16 pairs of oblong leaflets that are 5 to 15 mm long. The tree has a distinctive appearance upon flowering, with its numerous spherical flower heads that are approximately 1 cm in diameter, consisting of spikes of bright yellow stamens with white corollas. The fruit of the tree is a legume, approximately 10 cm long and green when fresh, later turning brown when mature, and containing up to six seeds.
Uses
The tree has a range of traditional and modern uses. It is commonly planted as an ornamental and shade tree in gardens and parks. The wood obtained from Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. is used as fuelwood, for making charcoal, and occasionally in carpentry and construction industries. The tree also has medicinal properties and is traditionally used in treating a range of ailments, including malaria, venereal diseases, and diarrhea. In addition, the plant contains tannins and is used for tanning leather.
The Shamanic uses of the extracts of the bark and leaves of Dichrostachys kirkii Benth., in combination with other plants and tree barks, is found among the Himba of northwestern Namibia, the Zulu people of South Africa and the Maasai people in East Africa.
Light Requirements
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but extended periods of low light may result in stunted growth or weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures, preferably between 25-35°C (77-95°F). It can tolerate moderate cold but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) may damage its leaves and reduce growth rate.
Water Requirements
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. prefers moderate to high levels of rainfall, around 500-1000 mm annually. It can withstand short periods of drought but extended dry spells may kill the plant. Adequate drainage is also essential to avoid waterlogging conditions that promote root rot.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to loamy to clay soils. However, it requires well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Low-fertility soils may hinder its growth, so it may require occasional fertilization with balanced fertilizers.
Other Growth Conditions
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. is a nitrogen-fixing plant, so it can grow in nitrogen-deficient soils. It also has thorny stems and branches that provide protection against browsing herbivores. Pruning and training may be necessary to shape it into hedges or shrubs. It is also susceptible to pests and diseases such as scales, mites, and fungal leaf spots.
Cultivation methods for Dichrostachys kirkii Benth.
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. is a hardy plant species that can survive in a wide range of soil conditions. However, it thrives well in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH of between 6 to 7.5. It's best planted during the rainy season when the soil is moist enough to provide the plant with enough moisture to establish itself. The plant should be planted in a spot that receives adequate sunlight and sheltered from strong winds.
Watering needs for Dichrostachys kirkii Benth.
It's essential to water Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. moderately to keep the soil moist, especially during the early growing stages. Once the plant is well established, it can be subjected to dry spells, and irrigation can be done only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering the plant may cause root rot and other fungal diseases that may weaken the plant.
Fertilization of Dichrostachys kirkii Benth.
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. requires moderate feeding to thrive well. During the growing season, the plant can be fertilized with a balanced NPK fertilizer, with a ratio of 4-4-4. Application should be done in moderation to prevent over-fertilization that may lead to foliage burn, stunted growth and may attract pests and diseases.
Pruning of Dichrostachys kirkii Benth.
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. requires minimal pruning to shape it and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning helps to improve the overall appearance of the plant and promotes the growth of new foliage. It's best to prune the plant during the early growing season when new growth is evident. The pruning tools should be sterilized to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Dichrostachys kirkii Benth.
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. is a hardy plant that is easy to propagate. The plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or root suckers.
Propagation by Seeds
The plant produces seeds in pods that split open when ripe. Collect the seeds when the pods turn brown and start splitting. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard coat before planting. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and the depth of sowing should be twice the size of the seed. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination occurs, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated by cuttings. Take 6 inches long cuttings in the spring or early summer before the plant starts flowering. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and the pot in a warm, shaded place until root development occurs, which takes 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have established, the plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Propagation by Root Suckers
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. also produces root suckers, which can be used for propagation. These suckers grow from the roots of the parent plant, and they can be dug up and potted or transplanted directly into the ground. When transplanting, make sure to keep the soil moist until the new plant has established roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. Plant
Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. is a hardy medicinal plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by a few pests and diseases that can cause severe damage if not managed properly. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and how you can manage them:
Common Pests
Aphids
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They also produce honeydew, which attracts ants and other pests. To manage aphids, spray the affected plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off the leaves. Alternatively, use neem oil, insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based insecticides to control them.
Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths. They cut the stems of young plants, causing them to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, cultivate the soil around the plant to expose their pupae to predators like birds. You can also use baits like bran, molasses, and cornmeal to attract them, or spray the plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to kill the larvae.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular patches on the leaves of the plant. Infected leaves may turn yellow and fall off prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected plant parts and dispose of them. Avoid overhead irrigation, and ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Apply a fungicide like copper sulfate or sulfur to prevent further infection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, and stunted growth of the plant. The plant may also show signs of decay and softening of the stem. To manage root rot, remove the infected plant from the soil and examine the roots. If they are soft and mushy, they are infected. Cut off the infected parts and repot the plant in fresh soil. Ensure that the new soil is well-draining, and avoid over-watering the plant.
Proper management of pests and diseases is critical for the growth and survival of Dichrostachys kirkii Benth. plant. Regular inspection and control measures will help to safeguard the plant against potential damage.
