Description of Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br.
Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae and the subfamily Mimosoideae. It is commonly known by various names such as Navy bean, Velvet bush acacia, Gum arabic tree, and Kalahari Christmas tree.
Origin and Distribution
The species is native to Southern Africa, particularly in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. It also grows in other parts of Africa such as Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. prefers to grow in hot and dry environments, usually in savannas, scrublands, and woodlands.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 3-5 meters tall and has a rounded crown with a distinct main stem. The leaves are a grayish-green color, bipinnate, and have around 6-9 pairs of pinnae. The flowers of the Navy bean are yellow and arranged in small globose heads on short axillary peduncles. The pods of this plant are woody and curved, measuring up to 10 cm in length.
Uses
Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. has numerous uses. The tree's bark and roots are used traditionally in African medicine for treating various ailments. It is also a known lion food and plays an important role in the ecosystem. The plant produces high-quality gum arabic, which has industrial applications in confectionery, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. The wood is durable, hard, and resistant to termites, making it useful for making poles, fuelwood, and charcoal. In addition, the tree can fix nitrogen in the soil, making it an excellent addition to agroforestry practices.
Growth Conditions for Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br.
Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. is a small tree or shrub that grows well in the tropical regions of Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It requires specific growth conditions to thrive, which include:
Light Requirements:
The plant requires ample sunlight for proper growth and development. It thrives well in full sunlight but can also tolerate some shade. However, it's best to avoid planting it in areas that receive less than six hours of sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements:
Being a tropical plant, Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. requires warm temperatures to grow well. It prefers temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause irreparable damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth or death.
Soil Requirements:
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. However, it's best to avoid planting it in poorly drained soils as this can lead to root rot and other diseases that affect the plant's growth and productivity.
In summary, Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. requires ample sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-draining soils rich in organic matter for proper growth and development. By providing the plant with these growth conditions, it can thrive and produce healthy growth and productivity.
Cultivation
The Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. is quite fragile and needs to be cultivated gently. This plant is known to grow in a range of soils, including sand, clay, and loam. It prefers full sun or light shade and can tolerate drought conditions well.
Watering
Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. requires frequent and moderate watering during the growing season but should be allowed to dry between watering. In the winter season, this plant requires relatively less water, but still, it should maintain the dry-wet cycle. Overwatering can lead to the plant's death, so ensure the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization
The Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. needs regular fertilization during the growing season. You can use a slow-release or liquid fertilizer after every four to six weeks. During the winter months, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of fertilizer application. However, it will always depend on the plant's growth rate and soil conditions.
Pruning
Pruning Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. enhances the appearance of the plant. You should prune the plant during the growing season by pinching the new growth using sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut off the dead parts of the plant to promote new growth.
Propagation of Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br.
Dichrostachys lugardiae can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and root cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The most preferred method of propagating Dichrostachys lugardiae is through seeds. The seeds are usually collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds should be cleaned and treated with a fungicide to prevent any infections.
After cleaning and treatment, the seeds can be directly sown into the soil. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is during the rainy season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in well-drained soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Stem Cuttings
Dichrostachys lugardiae can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings of about 15-20 cm long and 1 cm in diameter can be taken from the parent plant.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. The soil should be moist and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. The cutting will develop roots in 3-4 weeks.
Root Cuttings
The propagation of Dichrostachys lugardiae can also be done through root cuttings.
The parent plant's root can be cut into pieces of about 5-8 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted horizontally in well-drained soil. The soil should be moist and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area.
The root cuttings will develop shoots in 3-4 weeks.
Disease management
Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. is susceptible to different diseases, and disease management is crucial for plant growth and productivity. The following are some diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks leaves, stems, and fruits. It causes small, circular, sunken spots on the leaves, which turn brown and coalesce, leading to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, prune and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by different soil-borne fungi that attack the roots, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure the plants are grown in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew causes a white powdery growth on leaves and young stems, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. It is caused by different fungi, and to manage it, prune infected parts and apply sulfur or other fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest management
Dichrostachys lugardiae N.E.Br. is also susceptible to different pests that can cause significant damage if not managed. The following are some pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Mites: Mites are tiny arthropods that attack the leaves, causing stippling and yellowing. They also produce webbing and can lead to defoliation. To manage mites, spray the plants with an insecticide or use a miticide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can cause defoliation to the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick and remove them or apply a biological pesticide like Bacillus thuringiensis as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, circular insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to wilting and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy infected plant parts or apply an insecticide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
